Instituti “Kyriaz” nga gur themeli i arsimit kombëtar shqiptar në tempull i trashëgimisë kulturore e historike, që ka nevojë për mbrojtje e konservim

Abstract

Kolegji Universitar “Qiriazi” traces its origins back to 1922, when Parashqevi Qiriazi (1887-1971), Sevasti Qiriazi (1871-1949), and Kristo Dako (1876-1941) founded the Kyrias Female Institute (Instituti Femëror “Kyrias”) in Kodër-Kamëz. This institution was established with the aim of promoting women’s emancipation, education, gender equality, and the empowerment of Albanian women in both social and political spheres. It represented a continuation of the Qiriazi family tradition and drew upon their lived experiences in Romania, Turkey, and the United States, as well as the sisters’ active involvement in addressing Albanian national issues. Even today, the institution remains unique and incomparable - not only for its rich historical legacy but also for its exceptional architecture, which continues to inspire educational, scientific, and social activities. For these reasons, it deserves special attention from both scholars and public institutions, particularly the Institute of Cultural Monuments (Instituti i Monumenteve të Kulturës). The methodology employed in this study is qualitative and exploratory, focusing on the examination of archival documents, analysis of historical photographs and architectural sketches, and interviews with descendants of the Dako family. These methods have led to meaningful findings and the development of practical recommendations regarding the legal and cultural status of the institution. The ultimate goal of this study is to support the preliminary steps toward the official designation of Kolegji Universitar “Qiriazi” - the successor of the Kyrias Female Institute - as a cultural monument or historical heritage site.