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| Gazmend Freitag at his studio in Linz, Austria, 2024. © FOTOSTUDIO AVA LINZ |
"K’cimi i Tropoja" Recognized by UNESCO as Part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The traditional dance "K’cimi i Tropoja," which has endured for centuries as a vital expression of Albanian identity, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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| Gazmend Freitag: K’cimi dancing of Tropojë, 2024, Öl auf Leinwand, 120 x 120 cm |
Originating from the Tropoja region in the Highlands of Gjakova, northern Albania, this dance is an integral part of the area's rich cultural and musical heritage. Characterized by its distinctive melodies and rhythms, it has been preserved and passed down through generations, serving as a powerful symbol of Albanian traditions.
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| Gazmend Freitag at his studio in Linz, Austria, 2024. © FOTOSTUDIO AVA LINZ |
To commemorate this recognition, Gazmend Freitag, an Albanian painter based in Linz, Austria, has captured the essence of "K’cimi i Tropoja" in one of his vibrant paintings. His work was inspired by a photograph taken by renowned Albanian-American photographer Fadil Berisha, which features Emine Çunmulaj, an American fashion model of Albanian descent, performing this traditional dance in the breathtaking Highlands of northern Albania.
Monika Grill