A monumental mausoleum-type tomb, uncovered during archaeological research in Strikcani, Bulqiza, has been shortlisted for the Palmyra International Archaeological Discovery Award. In addition to being a finalist, the discovery has also been nominated for the Special Award. The news was confirmed by the Academy of Sciences, while the evaluations of the archaeological excavations will be presented as part of the 28th edition of the Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Exchange (BMTA), which will take place from October 29 to November 1, 2026, in Paestum, Italy.
"The ranking in the list of the 5 most important archaeological discoveries of the year at a global level, together with discoveries made in well-known sites such as Pompeii, Vulci, Egypt and Turkey, is proof of the high scientific potential that this discovery carries. The participation of our country in this event for the first time, through this discovery, is an excellent opportunity to promote our cultural heritage in the international arena", notes the Academy. According to archaeologist, Erikson Nikolli, the selection was made by the organizers of the Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo Archaeologico (BMTA), as 1 of the 5 most important discoveries of 2025 in the world. "I take this opportunity once again to thank the team, friends, residents of Strikcani, the Municipality of Bulqiza, the Institute of Archaeology and the Academy of Sciences of Albania for their contribution to this success", said the archaeologist.
According to research to date, this unique monument provides essential new and important archaeological, historical and epigraphic data in a previously unstudied area and sheds light on social dynamics, the organization of local elites and funerary architecture during the late Roman period in the Bulqiza Valley and beyond. “Through this discovery, a new chapter of study opens that helps to understand more about communication networks and social transformations within the provinces during this period,” says the Academy of Sciences.
