Berat: UNESCO World Heritage Site; history, archaeology and iconography

I have studied history and archaeology at the University of Tirana, Albania, received an MA in classics at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio (USA), and hold a PhD in cultural heritage management from the University of Tirana, Albania. My co-authored book on the tribal cultures of northern Albania, titled Light and Shadow: Isolation and Interaction in the Shala Valley of Northern Albania, has won the 2014 Society for American Archaeology Book Award in the Scholarly category. Apart from my academic background in archaeology and tourism I have had the privilege and honor to serve for over 6 years as the Director of the Cultural Heritage directorate of Albania's Ministry of Culture (2007-2013) as well as serving to the President of Albania (2013-2017) as his Cultural Heritage Adviser and Director of Cabinet. If you are wondering whom to choose as your professional tour-guide while in Albania make no mistake and don't think twice! Let me know and let's work out a plan so that you enjoy your visit, regardless if it is confined to a city or a particular museum, archaeological site or an attraction around the country. And by the way, if you are really questioning yourselves what is like behind the scenes to meet and talk with foreign Presidents and other high level dignitaries of some of the most important countries of the world, than you simply have to sit and chat with me, I have a lot to say (off the record), so be prepared! I am currently leading the Center for the Development of Ancient and Medieval Albanian Heritage (CDAMAH), a scientific research center based at the state university "Aleksandër Moisiu" in Durrës, Albania. My work experience has been focused on archaeology, excavation and publishing but the professional interests include also training in tourism and cultural policies, historic tourism, management of monuments and their restoration, museum and archaeological parks administration and their presentation and communication of values to the public.