Belshi, the place that Samiu proposed as the capital of the new Albanian state
The town of Belsh is located in the South-West of Elbasan and is one of the municipalities, part of this district. The small town is located near the lake of the same name, Belsh Lake, where the historical origin of its naming is evidenced.
Belshi has a population of 14,337 inhabitants with an area of 50,9 km2 and the municipality has a population of 32,630. The settlement according to historical records has an ancient Illyrian origin.
Archaeological discoveries in the area of Gradishta, 2-3 km south-east of Belsh, show that the chronological boundaries of habitation include several periods ranging from the Early Bronze Age (3000 - 1100 BC), the Iron Age (1100-500 BC). BC), ancient Illyrian period (5th-5th century BC), Roman period (1st - 4th century CE), late Antiquity (4th-6th century CE), Byzantine period (6th-11th century), until the Ottoman occupation (XIV-XIX centuries).
The city in its historical antiquity, according to the excavations at Gradishta, contains the discovery of a princely tomb, where numerous items such as helmets, a bronze kettle, and a volcanic crater have been exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Tirana.
Belshi is a city of historical values based since the 4th century BC where according to historians it is known as a former urban centre and afterwards it became a fortified town of the Parthin province. Even in his political program for the new Albanian state, Sami Frashëri proposed for this area to be the capital of the new Albanian state.
It was during this period that the legend of an Illyrian prince named Prince of Belsh was discovered. The discovered tomb is precisely the origin of the city's historical records from ornaments to 70 objects of ceramics, weapons and bronze vessels.
The archaeological values of the city point to very interesting elements where the discovery of pottery (roasted mud) is distinguished. IV-II BC of the Illyrian civilization period. Noteworthy are objects such as one or two looms without clay pots, various terracotta portraits, gold ornaments, bronze pots, coins, figurines and relief plates, silver bracelets, drinks containers with the figure of Aphrodite, brooches and silver needles, etc.
The area has suitable climate conditions for the cultivation of many agricultural crops, especially of cereals, tobacco, vegetables, vine and fruit trees, but there is also development of livestock in this area.
The Belsh area is an educational area, Albanian language lessons have its origins in the early 1920-1923 and an important role in the opening of the first Albanian school in Belsh has been played by the "Educational Congress", where it provided a complete support with the opening of the school, as well as the support of this school with the right staff. The schools listed in the Municipality of Belsh are 8, of which 7 are elementary and secondary schools and a general high school. From these schools, a large number of students have started higher education, who today work in different sectors and make a great contribution to the development of the area.
Belsh is known for an ancient culture as rich as the history of this city. It has its characteristic songs and dances, Belsh's songs are sung in poly iso. They are often accompanied by dance, which is unique to this area. Recently, public and private investments have been made in the city aiming the economic and social development of the country through increased supply in the Agri-tourism sector.
* This article has been adapted from the official website of Belsh Municipality and the purpose of its publication is to promote and acquaint the citizens of the country with this city. Photo by © Albert Vaja.