Neritan Ceka

Neritan Ceka
Neritan Ceka in 2012, at a conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
48th Minister of Internal Affairs
In office
27 July 1997 – 18 April 1998
PresidentRexhep Meidani
Prime MinisterFatos Nano
Preceded byAli Kazazi
Succeeded byPerikli Teta
Personal details
Born(1941-02-11)11 February 1941
OccupationArchaeologist, academic, politician
Known forArchaeological research in Albania; political activity in the 1990s
Signature

Neritan Ceka (Albanian: [nɛɾiˈtan ˈtsɛka]; born 11 February 1941) is an Albanian archaeologist, academic and former politician. He is known for his extensive archaeological research in Albania, his role as a founding member of the Democratic Party and for serving as Minister of Internal Affairs from 27 July 1997 to 18 April 1998, in the government of Prime Minister Fatos Nano.[1]

Early life and education

Neritan Ceka was born on 11 February 1941, in Tirana. He is the son of Hasan Ceka, a renowned archaeologist who greatly influenced his decision to pursue archaeology. He completed his secondary education at the Qemal Stafa High School and went on to further his studies at the University of Tirana, graduating with a degree in archaeology.

Archaeological career

After graduation, Ceka dedicated himself to archaeological research, participating in and leading excavations at major ancient sites across Albania, including Apollonia, Butrint, Byllis and elsewhere. His work has focused on Illyrian, Greek and Roman periods, contributing to a deeper understanding of Albania’s ancient past. He has also served as professor of archaeology and director of the Archaeological Institute.[2]

Political career

Ceka was a founding member of the Democratic Party of Albania in the early 1990s, following the collapse of the communist regime. In 1992, after internal disagreements, he left the party and established his own political faction, the Democratic Alliance, a liberal political entity which later entered into a governing coalition with the Socialist Party. He served as Albania’s Minister of Internal Affairs from 27 July 1997 until 18 April 1998.[3]

Selected works

Ceka has published numerous books and scholarly works on classical archaeology and historic sites.

  • Apollonia: History and Monuments (ISBN 99943-672-5-0)
  • Arkeologjia: Greqia, Roma, Iliria with Muzafer Korkuti
  • Buthrotum: Its History and Monuments (ISBN 99927-801-2-6)
  • Butrint (ISBN 0-9535556-0-7)
  • Byllis: Its History and Monuments with Skender Mucaj (ISBN 99943-672-7-7)
  • Iliret (ISBN 99927-0-098-X)

References

  1. ^ Elsie, Robert (2010). Historical Dictionary of Albania. Scarecrow Press. p. 77–78. ISBN 9780810873803.
  2. ^ Lemprière Hammond, Nicholas Geoffrey (1994). Collected Studies: Alexander and his successors in Macedonia. A.M. Hakkert. p. 251.
  3. ^ Teague, Elizabeth; Smith, Julie (1999). Democracy in the New Europe. Greycoat Press. p. 239. ISBN 9781899908028.