Christians and Muslims Unite to Preserve Religious Heritage in Albania

Christians and Muslims Unite to Preserve Religious Heritage in Albania
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In the Diber region of northeastern Albania, local Muslims are actively collaborating with the small remaining Christian community to preserve Byzantine-era churches, demonstrating a long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, an article by BalkanInsight revealed.

One notable example is the Church of Transfiguration in the village of Herbel, a cultural monument currently undergoing restoration. Despite only two Christian Orthodox families remaining in the village, local Muslims are helping with the building’s upkeep. According to resident Andon Postoli, the church was never abandoned, even during the repressive Communist regime, thanks to the support of Muslim neighbors. The tradition of cooperation continues today, with Muslim villagers assisting with maintenance and restoration, and joining in Christian holidays.

The National Institute for Cultural Heritage is undertaking a €30,000 restoration project on the church, which dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Experts say the work was carried out just in time, as the structure was at risk of collapse. The article notes that the survival of these churches in a Muslim-majority area is considered a testament to the community’s respect for spiritual and historical heritage. The 2023 Census recorded only 111 Orthodox Christian inhabitants in the Diber region, which has a total population of 107,000.