The first Albanian pictorials were issued in 1922, all embracing political messages regarding the country’s occupation in the First World War and precarious post-war unity. Gjirokastër Castle in the far south had been part of the Greek breakaway region of Northern Epirus in 1913. Kaninë Castle, near Vlorë, and Berat in central Albania, had played an important part in the 19th century national revival and the 1878 League of Prizren, one of the first movements aiming at complete independence. One stamp featured the 15th century Venetian style Vizier’s Bridge on the Drin River near Prizren itself, while others pictured the key fortress of Rozafa near Shkodër in the far north-west, Korçë in the south-east, and Durrës on the Adriatic coast. (Thanks to Dr. David Parker and his excellent article, “Albania and the inexorable rise of Zog,” found at https://www.allaboutstamps.co.uk/stamp-guides/albania-and-the-inexorable-rise-of-zog/, for his insight on this collection.
In 1924 and 1925 the set was reissued no less than six times with overprints that tracked national events and the rise of Ahmed Zogu (1895–1961) to the presidency.
