In the center of Vlorë, where 113 years ago Albania declared itself an independent and sovereign state, stands the majestic Independence Monument, created by the People’s Artists – sculptors Mumtaz Dhrami, Kristaq Rama, and Shaban Hadëri.
At the center of the work, which was installed in the square in 1972, stands the statue of the first head of the Albanian state, while other portraits reflect the features of both northern and southern fighters. In an interview with Top Channel, Mumtaz Dhrami recalls the discussions with the Political Bureau, from the initial idea to the approval of the monument.
“The comments concerned the static nature of the figures. In the letter sent to us by Enver Hoxha, he said that the figures were decorative, but war negates parades and costumes. Other remarks led us to completely change the composition, removing unnecessary elements, giving it more dynamism, adding the figure of the Renaissance intellectual to show that the struggle continued with the pen, not just with weapons. We made the composition stronger vertically by adding the figure of the flag bearer,” Dhrami explained.
It took two years of work to reach the inauguration, which was held for the 60th anniversary of independence. Talent, dedication, and collaboration among colleagues resulted in a work that now belongs to eternity.
The sculptor says: “We were tolerant and understanding of each other’s work. We accepted when a colleague did something better; personal ego was sacrificed for the overall work, to maintain plastic unity.”
Working on a monument that reaches 17 meters in height was not easy. Dhrami recounts an accident involving Kristaq Rama, Edi Rama’s father, while sculpting the heroes.
“The ladder broke, he fell, and hit his head. After that, it was impossible for him to climb the scaffolding or work on the figure of the flag bearer above. That figure was completed by me and Shaban directly in plaster. The rest was made in clay, then cast in bronze and assembled,” the sculptor said.
While looking at this cultural heritage with pride and emotion, Dhrami does not hide his frustration with changes made over the years, which, according to him, disrupt the monument’s relationship with the viewer.
Mumtaz Dhrami adds: “This platform has been replaced with three sets of stairs that harm the monument. The monument should have continued down to the ground; these stairs are like a cake. The architects did not consult the authors. My two colleagues had passed away, but they could have asked me. Even if my colleagues were alive, they would have said the same thing, because it does not connect at all with the psychology of the monument. The relationship between the monument and the spectator is lost
