08/05/2025
PRIZMI Institute for Dialogue Welcomes a Study Visit from Germany
Following the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the Forum for Intercultural Dialogue (FIDeV), based in Frankfurt, Germany, the PRIZMI Institute for Dialogue welcomed a study visit by a delegation from Germany, which took place from April 17–24, 2025. This program was organized in collaboration with the Interreligious Council of Albania, Bedër University, and other partner institutions.
The purpose of this visit was to deepen the participants’ understanding of Albania’s unique model of interfaith coexistence and to strengthen intercultural ties through a rich program that included visits to historical cities, religious institutions, as well as cultural and academic centers.
During their visits to religious communities and academic institutions, the delegation was received by the head of the Muslim Community of Albania, H. Bujar Spahiu; the Archbishop of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, His Beatitude Anastasios; the Archbishop of Shkodër, Mons. Giovanni Peragine; the World Leader of the Bektashi Order, H. Dede Edmond Brahimaj; the Rector of Bedër University, Prof. Dr. Gjergji Sinani; the Rector of Epoka University, Prof. Ahmet Oztas; and others. The German delegation was accompanied throughout the visit by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Genti Kruja, President of Religions for Peace Europe.
During the journey, participants visited the cities of Tirana, Shkodër, Berat, Kruja, and Durrës, where they held meetings with representatives of religious communities and civil society. The visits included the Muslim Community of Albania, the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Shkodër, the World Bektashi Headquarters, Bedër University, various places of worship such as the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Catholic Cathedrals in Tirana and Shkodër, the Orthodox Cathedral in Tirana, as well as the Tirana Madrasa, Epoka University, the “Marubi” National Museum of Photography, BunkArt 1, and several other cultural and historically significant monuments in various cities across Albania.
This initiative represents a concrete effort to promote interfaith dialogue, academic cooperation, and cultural understanding, placing Albania in the international spotlight as a unique model of religious harmony and hospitality.
Participants in this journey included prominent figures in the field of interfaith dialogue, representatives of religious organizations, academics, and activists from Germany and beyond, including representatives from the Forum for Intercultural Dialogue (FIDeV), the Department for Interfaith Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Munich, and the Abrahamic Forum in Germany.