Head of Cultural Heritage in Gjirokastër resigns after controversy over Çerçiz Topulli mannequin

Following reactions and criticism over the way the clothing of national hero Çerçiz Topulli was displayed at the Gjirokastër Museum, the head of the Cultural Heritage Agency in Gjirokastër, Florian Hysi, has resigned.

In his statement, he said the decision was made as an act of personal responsibility, while emphasizing that what was considered a mistake has now been corrected.

He added that the criticized mannequin had been changed and that he takes responsibility for the situation.

“What was considered a mistake was corrected, and I take full responsibility,” he wrote, adding that “my resignation does not mean giving up on what I believe in. It is an act of responsibility and respect for the institution.”

Meanwhile, the mannequin that drew criticism has been changed. Çerçiz Topulli’s clothing has now been placed on a faceless mannequin, after previously being displayed on one with an image that was described as ridiculous.

Florian Hysi’s full statement:

After a period of dedicated work in the service of cultural heritage, museums and Gjirokastër, I have decided to resign from the position I hold.

I have made this decision responsibly and with the conviction that every public role must be accompanied by personal accountability for every decision, action or mistake that may occur in the course of carrying it out. What was considered a mistake was corrected, and I take full responsibility.

I leave with gratitude for the support of the Municipality of Gjirokastër, for my colleagues and especially for the employees of the Cultural Heritage Agency, with whom we worked and accomplished much more than had been done in years. My resignation does not mean giving up on what I believe in. It is an act of responsibility and respect for the institution!

I remain grateful for the work that was done, for our efforts and for every mark we have left on the museums and the memory of Gjirokastër.

I will continue to love and support Gjirokastër, its heritage and our national memory in every way I am given the opportunity to do so. We tried, we corrected what was considered a mistake, and we will let the work speak for itself.