The heart of the city, named after the national hero who fought the Ottomans.
The origins of the name "Tyrana" are a subject of historical debate. Some scholars link it to Theranda , an ancient region mentioned in Greek and Latin sources, while others suggest it derives from Tirkan , a Byzantine fortress built by Emperor Justinian I. A more literal theory traces it to the old Greek word Tyros , meaning "dairy," referring to the local trade of shepherd products in the area. Despite these ancient roots, the modern settlement was formally established in 1614 by the Ottoman general Sylejman Pasha Bargjini , who laid its foundation by building a mosque, a hamam (bathhouse), and a bakery. Tyrana
The 20th century left a profound and sometimes controversial mark on Tirana’s landscape. Under the 40-year rule of Enver Hoxha , the city was reshaped with Socialist-realist architecture and a vast network of underground bunkers designed for defense. The heart of the city, named after the