The slow revival of linguistic and cultural relations between Italy and Albania during and after the Cold War

This article examines the evolution of the Italian language and culture in Albania from the end of World War II to the present day. It discusses the period of 'de-Italianization' initiated by the socialist regime shortly after it came to power. During this time, trade and cultural relations with Italy, the former occupying country, were abruptly severed, and the teaching of the Italian language was banned in schools as it was seen as a remnant of the fascist past. By utilizing Italian and Albanian archival documents and international bibliographical sources, the article reconstructs the gradual process of rapprochement between the two nations. It highlights various cultural tools that facilitated this process, such as 'Marrje p & euml;rvoje' - work experiences in Italy for Albania's leading scientific and cultural figures - and the role of archaeology in reopening important channels, leading to the establishment of the Faculty of Italian Studies in Tirana in the latter half of the 1980s. The article concludes by examining Italy's current cultural role in Albania.