A historical view of the development of philantropy in Albania

II. CHARITY AND PHILANTHROPY IN 1920–1990 2.1 Charity and philanthropy in 1920–1939 After the creation of the Albanian state, obvious changes occurred to the charitable and philanthropic activity curve compared to the previous period. The old and the new coexisted, giving these activities special features compared to before. First of all, the establishment of the Albanian state broke the connection of charity and philanthropy with nationalism, which was the main feature of this activity until 1920.

The emergence of the Albanian state on the historical stage considerably decreased the philanthropic activity, especially in the field of education.

By this time, the state was considered as the main actor that would heal the social wounds of the country. This has an explanation in itself.

The different features that this activity had during these two periods do not go beyond the limits of the logic that inspired charitable and philanthropic activity during the second half of the 19th century and the first two decades of the 20th century.

The widest part of the charitable and philanthropic activity during the last period of the ottoman administration of the Albanian territories had developed within the setting of the Albanian National Movement and aimed at developing education and the so-called enlightenment of the Albanian people to endorse nationalism. It aimed to provide help from the Albanians who were supported the idea of the state-nation. But after the realization of its goal, the establishment of the Albanian state, the task of education and enlightenment was transferred to the latter. From this moment, charity and philanthropy ceased being part of the National Movement, since this movement had achieved its goal to a certain extent.

Once the Albanian state was created, even though the Albanian issue was still pending, the Albanian National Movement ceased to exist.

Charity and philanthropy of a nationalistic nature stopped existing as well. The tasks that were once carried by dedicated members or societies founded to support the Albanian National Movement now were left to the state. If previously, education and efforts to distribute books in Albanian were carried out by activists or structures supporting the ideal of the Albanian nationalism, the reason for that was the non-existence of the Albanian state. But now, such a state had been established, and it was its duty to take care of things. It is understandable that there were numerous donations supporting education, but they were not of the same amount and not as frequent as in the past.

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