The Road to Elbasan

Turkish officials at Elbasan were happy with the “carriage way,” as they called it. However, they ignored the fact that before you could reach this road from Struga, you would have to travel through about forty miles of wild mountains. And, on the Elbasan side, you would need to cross the Skumbi River at least five times, and the route along the hillside was no wider than a footpath. When I suggested that the difficult, rocky parts of the road should be improved, the usual response was, “Yes, but that is the hardest part, so we don’t do it.”

Failed Road Construction Projects

A year or two ago, an Italian engineer was hired to help build a better road. He started on an easy slope in the hills and spent a lot of money cutting out a broad path. However, the road didn’t lead anywhere useful and stopped where the rocks began. The Turkish officials decided the engineer should go back to Italy. Now, the road that was built is useless. No one uses it because it is harder to travel on than the old, rough track that people have been using for years Istanbul Tour Guide.

Challenges in Reaching Elbasan

Even when you reach the Skumbi River, there is still a lot of thick scrub to push through, many streams to cross, and several miles to walk up a small, slow-moving stream before finally reaching Elbasan. On the day we arrived in Elbasan, we had been riding for fourteen hours.

The Central Town of Albania

Elbasan is an important town in Albania. It is similar to the Highlands of Scotland in the 16th century, where constant fighting and warfare were common. Albania has a long history of guerrilla warfare, with many people fighting for control of the land.

Violence in Elbasan

In Elbasan, there are around twenty or thirty murders every week. The town is full of danger and lawlessness, and people have learned to live with violence. In fact, even ducks are used as scavengers to clean up the remains of the dead.

Albanian Silk

Albania is also known for producing silk, and the country has a long history of making high-quality fabric. Silk production is an important part of the local economy.

The Best Hotel in Elbasan

The best hotel in Elbasan is run by a very focused landlord. The hotel may not be luxurious, but it’s the most comfortable place to stay in the town.

Mr. Carnegie’s Fame

Despite the rough conditions, people in Elbasan have heard of Mr. Carnegie and his fame, showing that even in such a remote area, news of the outside world can still reach them.