The realization of souvenirs with national symbols seems to be the finding of Gjirokastra’s artisans in these days of the November Holidays. Among other interesting things are the double-headed eagles or historical figures such as Skanderbeg and Ismail Qemali carved in stone.

The souvenirs made by master stonemason Ermal Makri attract residents and tourists, who take them as souvenirs from their trip to Gjirokastra.

“They are carried out with passion and desire because stone is something special in our city and it takes will to deal with this work. I have a passion for this work and I feel proud on the occasion of the holidays of November 28-29, I have accomplished a lot as a patriot, as an Albanian, because many people have come to me who prefer me and feel satisfied by the work done, such as: the eagle, Skanderbeg, Ismail Qemali, I have realized many things”, says Ermal Makri, master stonemason.

Tourists from Kosovo but also foreigners who visit Gjirokastra in this period are attracted by the skill of making souvenirs in stone.

“There are many requests that have come to me from foreigners as well as from Albanians and Kosovars, I feel satisfied and every year I carry them out with passion and I have them all in the souvenir shop so that I don’t miss them, I have both foreigners who prefer our eagle and Skanderbeg, but also locals, Kosovar Albanians who come and have given me a lot of feeling and pride for my work”, says Makri.

More and more tourists and even the residents of Gjirokastra prefer the characteristic works made by artisans as souvenirs for the holidays.