Delvinë
The Italian Army in southern Albania was based in Delvinë, on the hills not far from Sarande (then renamed Porto Edda by the fascists). The Parma division to which my grandfather belonged was stationed in Delvino throughout 1940-41.Delvine is the last place we visit with Klodian following the photos. We are lucky enough to meet a local historian who recognises the buildings in the pictures and takes us to visit their ruins, not far from the current town hall, built at the time of the communist regime.
Delvinë, 1941
THE COLLECTION
My grandfather’s photo archive consists of amateur photos of informal daily life of the Italian army, photos of military exercises and gatherings, and several photos of civilians. Apart from the fascist propaganda images produced by the Istituto Luce, documents from the 40’s are actually rare. I am thinking for example of the collection of the Italian photographer G. Massani. In this photo my grandpa documents a wedding in Jorguçat. I do not know who the subjects are, but I hope that by disseminating these photos the story will emerge.
