Gladiola Elezi’s scientific contributions

The ancient Illyrian port city of Orik, located in what is now Albania, was an important maritime and Cultural Centre in the Adriatic region. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of all available ancient textual evidence of Orik, tracing its evolution from the 5th century BCE to late antiquity. The examination of these written sources is crucial for reconstructing the history and topography of Orik, which cannot be fully identified only by archaeological data. The main purpose of the study is to systematically identify, collect, and analyse every mention of Orik in ancient studies, including the studies of Herodotus, Pseudo-Skilax, Strabo, Titus Livius. To obtain precise and objective conclusions, a rigorous methodology was applied, which includes source criticism, comparative analysis, and correlation with archaeological data. The study provides valuable information about the evolution of Orik’s functions and status over time, its fortifications, economic activities, religious objects, and more. It allows for tracing how the knowledge of ancient geographers about this border town developed and how Greco-Roman authors portrayed it in their narratives. The most innovative contribution of the study is the first comprehensive investigation of the entire body of textual evidence about Orik. This holistic synthesis enables a deeper reconstruction of this influential Adriatic settlement. The results enhance understanding of ancient Illyria and the complex dynamics of its Hellenization. They are beneficial for related research and education. Overall, by systematically collecting and critically analysing all available ancient sources, this study offers a multi-layered portrait of Orik as a strategic Greek colony, Illyrian stronghold, maritime trade hub, and crossroads of cultural fusion in the Adriatic.

The castle in Porto Palermo is an important historical site with a Greek inscription, which is of great cultural significance for the region and the whole world, testifying to the ancient history and connection with different cultures and eras. The aim of this study is to investigate the significance of this inscription in the context of the history of the castle in Porto Palermo. Throughout the study, various theoretical methods of understanding were employed, including analysis, synthesis, specification, abstraction, and generalization. The research revealed that Porto Palermo, formerly known as the ancient Epirot city of Panormi, maintained its significance as a fortress throughout the Middle Ages, serving trade interests. By the end of the 18th century, the region came under the governance of Governor Ali Tepelene. It was determined that the Porto Palermo Fortress, constructed in 1803, situated on a peninsula, features a triangular shape, towering walls, bastions, and marble slabs inscribed with Greek text, emphasizing the historical importance of the castle and past events. It is described that in the Paschalëk region under the Ottoman Empire's rule, where the fortress stood, Greek became the official language at Ali Pasha's court, fostering unity among different ethnic groups despite linguistic differences. Remarkably, during Ali Pasha's era, Albanians had yet to acquire national status. It is described that on the white marble plaque, there is a relief inscription in Greek script, which elaborately describes the historical aspects of the castle, the greatness of Ali Tepelene, his significance as a historical figure for Albania and Greece, and his recognition as an unparalleled military leader. This study is important for historians whose subject is Albania under Ottoman rule, as it is possible to deepen and broaden general historical knowledge by studying such elements of culture and architecture.