Tepelenë

Tepelenë is a municipality and town located in the Gjirokastër County in southern Albania, standing along the left bank of the Vjosa River, near its confluence with the Drino. Historically significant, Tepelenë once served as the seat of Tepelenë District until district divisions were abolished in 2000. The town is known for its strategic placement and the remnants of a citadel that sits 300 meters above the river, offering a glimpse into its storied past. It was also the birthplace of the notable Albanian ruler, Ali Pasha of Yanina, who used Tepelenë as one of his main bases.

The origin of Tepelenë’s name has several interpretations, with the most compelling being its connection to the Illyrian word “Antibylyne,” which means “in front of the Bylynes.” This name has evolved over time to become Tepelenë. The town’s geography is marked by its positioning on a plateau overlooking the Vjosa River, near where it breaks through the Këlcyrë Gorge.

The municipality of Tepelenë was formed during the 2015 local government reform, bringing together the former municipalities of Kurvelesh, Lopës, Qendër Tepelenë, and Tepelenë itself. As of the 2011 census, Tepelenë has a population of 8,949 across a total area of 431.50 km². It is known for its predominantly Albanian ethnic composition, with the former municipality counting 4,342 inhabitants who identify as ethnically Albanian. Tepelenë continues to be a city rich in history, with its strategic location and cultural heritage making it a notable destination in Albania.