Çerçiz Topulli

Çerçiz Topulli is the historic main square of Gjirokastra, set on the eastern edge of the old bazaar. Stone houses and narrow streets extend around this central meeting place in Albania’s historic city. A sculpture of the revolutionary Çerçiz Topulli overlooks the square. Odise Paskali created the monument in a style associated with socialist realism.

Çerçiz Topulli was born in Gjirokastra in 1880 and fought against Ottoman rule during the early twentieth century. Later, he and his group defended Albanian territory after independence. He died in Shkodra while fighting Montenegrin forces. Gjirokastra sometimes compares him with Che Guevara, while nearby souvenirs call him the Albanian Che. The surrounding bazaar brings together traditional shops, local crafts, food and souvenirs. People meet, shop and pass through here, while public events and celebrations give the square an active role in daily life. Look up at the sculpture, then around it: the monument, bazaar and stone architecture place resistance, trade and city life within one view.