The history of the Balkans in photography, the exhibition of the Manaki brothers opens in Korça

A special exhibition dedicated to the brothers Janaki and Milton Manaki, iconic figures of photography and cinematography in the Balkans, opened at the premises of the "Fan S. Noli" University of Korça.

The exhibition brought to attention the extraordinary legacy of two brothers of Vlach origin, who were born in a village in Pindus and are known as the first pioneers of professional photography in the region.

For the exhibition's curator, Catalin Constantin, the importance of the Manaki brothers lies in promoting the multiethnic culture of the Balkans, as well as in documenting historical events and the daily lives of people from across the region at the beginning of the 20th century.

 "The Manaki brothers are important for all Balkan countries. They were born in a Vlach village, in a family of shepherds, but gave up this profession and traveled throughout the central Balkans. They photographed portraits and important historical events of the Ottoman Empire. They photographed Jews, Christians and Muslims. They bought the 300th camera in the world, the Kinora. They documented important historical moments, including the first film in the Ottoman Empire. They also filmed their 140-year-old grandmother, who is thought to be the longest-lived person ever filmed," said curator Catalin. Constantin.

According to the dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Korça, Jonela Spaho, the Manaki brothers have also left their mark on the photographic history of the Korça province, especially in Voskopoja, which they have often mentioned as their place of origin.

"They are not only virtuosos in the art of photography but also founders in cinematography. They have been called the Homers of Balkan film. They have a photograph of Voskopoja of the villages of Korça, they have had friendships with prominent figures of the Albanian historical cultural world. They have alluded to their Albanian origin and the Albanian world. They are the first to bring the camera to the Balkans", said the dean of the University of Korça, Jonela Spaho.

This exhibition features over 40 photographs taken by the Manaki brothers, who also served as personal photographers to kings in Romania, Greece, and Turkey.