Korçë
Korçë (pronounced [ˈkɔɾtʃə]; Albanian definite form: Korça) is the eighth most populous city of the Republic of Albania and the seat of Korçë County and Korçë Municipality. The total population is 75,994 (2011 census), in a total area of 806 km2 (311 sq mi). It stands on a plateau some 12850 m (2,789 ft) above sea level, surrounded by the Morava Mountains.
Korçë | |
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Municipality | |
Top to bottom, left to right: View over Korçë and the Resurrection Cathedral, House Çeva, Old Bazaar by night, Traditional architecture around the Old Bazaar and House Lubonja | |
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Flag Emblem | |
Korçë | |
| Coordinates: 40°37′N 20°46′E | |
| Country | Albania |
| County | Korçë |
| Settled | 15th century AD |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Sotiraq Filo (PS) |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 806 km2 (311 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 850 m (2,790 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Municipality | 75,994 |
| • Municipality density | 94/km2 (240/sq mi) |
| • Municipal unit | 51,152 |
| Demonym(s) | Korçare (f) Korçar (m) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal Code | 7000 |
| Area Code | (0)82 |
| Website | bashkiakorce |
The area of the Old Bazaar, including Mirahori Mosque, is considered as the urban core of the city. Founded by the local Ottoman Albanian nobleman Ilias Bey Mirahori, the urban area of Korçë dates back to the late 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century, however its actual physiognomy was realized in the 19th century, during a period that corresponds with the rapid growth and development of the city. The Old Bazaar has played a dominant role in Albania's market history. Korçë is the largest city of eastern Albania and an important cultural and industrial centre.