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Overview
Peza region is located about 12 kilometres from the capital. The entire area has a wonderful nature and its inhabitants are distinguished for hospitable and generous traditions. A landscape of cultivated lands and well-aligned houses, with admirable greenery and paved roads is added to the beautiful landscape of pine hills. The inhabitants are engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry activities.
The old house of Myslym Peza, an Albanian patriot who was one of the organizers of Peza Conference, is located on the big square of Peza, with the size of a giant park.
This village is a miracle of nature, which even now with the new road has become one of the most favourite destinations for hiking activities.
Peza area with its10 villages is distinguished for the cultivation of olive trees, vineyards and vegetable greenhouses.
Historical background
Settlement of ancient history
During the first millennium the region of Tirana was part of the land area of Illyrians. The earliest of these castles is Dorëz one, a residue of an Illyrian town, whose ancient name has not yet been identified, belonging to the pre-urban Roman period, i.e. VII-V century BC. This ancient town is believed to be an important centre of Parthin tribe. Life there continued until the middle of VI century AC. It was connected to the valley of Peza through two routes that passed through Fidhi streams (Fjolla) and Gjyzari (Caesar). It is believed it has taken this name from the movement of Julius Caesar from Dorëz through this stream, where he battled with Pompey in Golem. These two roads enabled its connection with a main ramification of Egnatia road, which passed through Peza valley.The population of this area has constantly rebelled against the rule of Byzantine Empire. This is also shown by its participation in the uprising of the year 1336 and the one of 1432 led by Andrea Topia. The population of this area took part in the wars against Ottoman invaders under the leadership of Skanderbeg.
In 1621 Peza area population was involved in the anti-Ottoman uprising of the Middle Albania. A stronger resistance in Peze started at the time of the League of Prizren in 1878.
Martyr Peza in the Second World War
Peza has a long and rich history that makes it well known all over Albania as a martyr area of the Second World War.
On the 16th of September 1942, the Conference of Peza marked the unification of political forced against fascist oppression. The village was burned several times by invaders during the Second World War, while after liberation the heroes were honoured every year.
The whole area faced large punishment by foreign invaders. The place is recognized as the birthplace of Myslym Peza (Father Myslym) who joined to create one of the first antifascist Partisan forces in Europe (5th of June 1940).
The partisan unit of 50 persons was directed by the commander Myslym Peza. From a unit it became the Partisan Group of Peza with 5 units operating within five different regions. Further, it became the partisan battalion “Peza”, which very soon would be the XXII Assault Brigade.
Regarding the contribution of the Partisan Unit and Peza Region, the World Union of Martyr Regions and Peace of the Second World War has elected it as a full right member and Peza area is declared a “Martyr Area”.
Tradition
Annual feast “Peza N’Fest”
It has already become a tradition that the historical day of Peza Conference should be celebrated in Peza every 16 September as a yearly activity. The Municipality of Tirana, together with the area residents, organize on this day a number of activities in Peza, extending this celebration for a period of up to three days with young people and DJ music.
The tradition of Peza feast is annually restored, with the presence of culinary fair of traditional cuisine,
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