The Municipality of Ulcinj has officially concluded the international competition for the conceptual design of a monument dedicated to the Albanian national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti – Skanderbeg. The winning proposal, selected among 17 submitted entries, is set to become a prominent cultural and historical landmark in the coastal city.
According to the official statement from the Municipality, the competition attracted 17 submissions from various artists and design teams, all of which met the criteria outlined in the public call. After a thorough review process by a professional jury, the winning design was announced as the work of artist Sabri Behramaj.
Behramaj’s design takes an abstract approach to representing Skanderbeg, marking a departure from traditional figurative monuments typically associated with the historical figure. The bold stylistic choice has sparked mixed reactions from the public. Some have praised the design as a contemporary reinterpretation of the hero’s enduring legacy, while others have criticized it for not visually aligning with the familiar image of Skanderbeg—typically portrayed with his helmet, sword, and strong warrior stance.
Despite the ongoing debate, municipal officials emphasize the cultural importance of the project. “This monument is more than just a statue,” a spokesperson said. “It’s a tribute to our shared history, a symbol of identity, and an artistic investment in Ulcinj’s urban landscape.”
A Glimpse into History
Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg (1405–1468), is one of the most revered figures in Albanian history. Born into the noble Kastrioti family, he was taken as a child by the Ottoman Empire and trained as a soldier. However, in 1443, he abandoned the Ottoman army, returned to Albania, and declared resistance against the empire. Skanderbeg united the Albanian principalities and led a fierce 25-year-long military campaign against one of the world’s most powerful empires at the time. His leadership, tactical brilliance, and resilience made him a symbol of national resistance and Christian defense in Europe.
Skanderbeg’s legacy remains deeply rooted in Albanian cultural identity, and monuments in his honor stand in many cities across Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and the diaspora. The upcoming monument in Ulcinj—an area with a strong historical Albanian presence—adds a new chapter to this rich legacy.
The installation of the monument is expected to take place in the coming months, and discussions around its design have already stimulated public dialogue about the ways in which historical memory is preserved and reimagined through art.
As Ulcinj prepares to welcome this new symbol, the monument is poised to become not only a tribute to a legendary leader but also a reflection of evolving artistic expressions in commemorating the past.