Gramsh

Gramsh is a town and municipality positioned in Elbasan County, central Albania. Established in the 2015 local government reform, Gramsh incorporated the former municipalities of Kodovjat, Kukur, Kushovë, Lenie, Pishaj, Poroçan, Skënderbegas, Sult, and Tunjë. The municipality, with Gramsh town as its administrative seat, has a population of 24,231 according to the 2011 census and spans an area of 739.75 km².

Historically, Gramsh has been a locality since ancient times, evidenced by archaeological discoveries such as the Tumulus of Cëruja. It holds significance in the Middle Ages as part of Prince George Arianiti’s domain and, under Ottoman rule, was known as Grameç. The area has a history of resistance against the Ottomans, with reports from the 16th century mentioning roughly 500 rebels. Post-1912, Gramsh became the centre of its area and was later recognized as a city in 1960, becoming a municipality in 1965.

The cultural fabric of Gramsh is a tapestry of religious diversity, with populations of Bektashis, Sunnis, and Orthodox Christians. The region of Tomorrica in the south is predominantly Bektashi, while Sunni Islam is more prevalent in the north. The municipality also holds historical connections to Aromanian communities, particularly in the town of Grabovë.