The Constitutional Assembly declared Albania a Hereditary Constitutional Democratic Kingdom and Ahmet Zog as “King of the Albanians”. From 1928 and throughout the following decade, Albania entered a period of stability and economic development. King Zog implemented a progressive civil code (1929), which condemned slavery and guaranteed civil liberties, institutional independence, freedom of speech, private property, and religious harmony. King Zog also undertook reforms in the agricultural sector, where the first steps in agrarian reform were taken. The monarchy supported infrastructure projects, such as the construction of roads and bridges, seaports and airports, new government buildings and the city center of Tirana. Education became a priority. New schools were built, and the government started giving scholarships to students. The 1930s also brought a period of social emancipation, including women’s right to vote, as well as increased trade with European countries. The passport of the Kingdom of Albania enabled freedom of movement, while the Albanian currency was exchanged internationally. King Zog managed to be successful in limiting the impact on the economy caused by the crisis of 1929-1939. After centuries of tribal division, the Albanian Kingdom managed to successfully consolidate Albania and King Zog built bridges between the east-west cultural divide. (In the photo: King Zog I.)
Graphic processing: AHCF
