Representations of Place: Albania

Abstract

This paper attempts to examine ways in which Albania and its changing fortunes have been represented, largely from a UK perspective, through images derived from academic sources and popular media. It examines three sets of image components of ie Balkans, and explores these as building blocks for representations of Albania. It is suggested that of these components - the Classical, the Oriental, and ie elemental- it is largely the latter which has been the focus of Westem media images of post-communist Albania. It is concluded that a dual emphasis of internal stability and European commitment is required to assist Albania in moving away from such images towards being viewed as a legitimate member ofthe common European home.