Lithograph by George de la Poer Beresford, inspired by the masterful work of the renowned British painter and traveler Edward Lear.

In this striking lithograph, the foreground depicts Albanians in traditional costumes, proudly wearing the fustanella, the emblematic garment of the region. Behind them, the city of Janina stretches across the landscape, distinguished by its fortified castle and the shimmering surface of its lake, embraced by the rugged peaks of the Pindus mountains. The composition does not merely present a landscape; it serves as a cultural and historical testimony to the city’s importance during the 19th century.

Janina, known today as Ioannina, rose to prominence under the rule of Ali Pasha of Tepelena (1740–1822), one of the most influential Albanian statesmen of the Ottoman period. His court transformed the city into a thriving political and cultural metropolis, attracting diplomats, scholars, poets, and travelers from across Europe. During this era, Janina was regarded as the capital of Albania, the beating heart of its intellectual and political life, and a key center of power in the Balkans.

The presence of artists such as Edward Lear, who immortalized the landscapes of Albania and Epirus with unmatched mastery, reflects the fascination Western travelers felt toward this region. Their works helped shape Europe’s understanding of the Balkans, often highlighting the distinct identity of the Albanian people and their rich cultural traditions.

However, the city’s fate changed dramatically in the early 20th century. Following the Balkan Wars and the fateful diplomatic arrangements made by the Great Powers at the London Conference of 1913, Janina was separated from Albania and annexed to Greece. This marked a profound loss for us, Albanians, as one of our most historic and vibrant centers was removed from our national territory.

Today, Beresford’s lithograph endures not only as a work of art but also as a poignant reminder of a pivotal chapter in Albanian history , when Janina stood as a capital of culture, power, and identity, before international politics unjustly redrew the borders of the Balkans.