At an international conference held on September 16 in Tirana, the Konak Institute presented the vision for Albania’s first Museum of Islamic Art and Heritage, to be established within the historic Toptani Saraj. Announced in the presence of Prime Minister Edi Rama and leading international experts, the initiative affirms Islamic art and heritage as an integral part of Albania’s cultural and historical identity.

The museum will be housed in the carefully restored Toptani Saraj, with architect Jesús Hernández outlining a conservation approach that preserves the building’s historical integrity through minimal intervention. Envisioned as a dynamic cultural institution, the museum will feature rare manuscripts, artworks, and Islamic cultural artifacts, while integrating research, education, and public programming.

Through this project, the Konak Institute seeks to create a lasting platform for cultural dialogue, scholarship, and engagement, contributing to the revitalization of the site and positioning Islamic heritage at the center of Albania’s broader cultural landscape.