Maliq

Maliq is a town steeped in history and industrial heritage, nestled in the Korçë County of eastern Albania. It might be the smaller sibling when compared to the nearby city of Korçë, but Maliq holds its own charm. After the administrative reform of 2015, it became the central hub for the surrounding villages such as Kolanec and Gjyras, contributing to a combined population that showcases the diverse life of this region.

Archaeologically, Maliq is a treasure trove; the area reveals a cultural lineage dating back to the early Bronze Age. The findings in Maliq IIIa, for instance, show a fascinating blend of local and Greek-influenced pottery designs. Yet, the Maliq IIb site reveals a distinct shift, with ceramic types that mark a break from earlier traditions—a testament to the evolving cultures that have touched this land.

The city’s more modern tale is tied to its industrialisation, particularly around a once-thriving sugar beet factory, established in 1951 with Soviet assistance. The factory’s evolution from processing 1,000 to 2,400 tons of sugar beet reflects the growth and later challenges as it closed in the 1990s, leaving a mark on the local economy. This transformative period from swampland to industrial site is captured in the book “Sugarland,” which details Maliq’s journey through times of prosperity and hardship. Today, Maliq is a symbol of Albania’s complex layers of history and economic change.