Toptani Serail to become Tirana’s Ethnographic Museum, Veliaj says

Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj announced that the historic Toptani Serail (Sarajet e Toptanëve) will soon reopen as the Ethnographic Museum of Tirana, marking a major step in the city’s efforts to preserve its cultural identity.

Why this is important: The transformation of the Toptani Serail, a rare surviving example of Ottoman-era architecture in the capital, reflects growing momentum behind heritage preservation in Tirana — and offers a new cultural destination for both residents and tourists.

Context: The serail, once the residence of the powerful Toptani family, was nearly destroyed in an arson attempt in 2020. The city intervened, completed its expropriation, and launched a restoration project. Veliaj called the building “a jewel of tradition” and said it would serve as “a gateway to Tirana’s cultural roots.”