PRESS RELEASE
BoA organises the Second Conference of the Museum of the Bank of Albania: ''The role of Money in Wartime”

On 20 September 2018, the Bank of Albania organised the Second Conference of the Museum of the Bank of Albania: "The role of Money in Wartime”.

The Conference brought together historians, numismatists, archaeologists and scholars of monetary and economic history from Albania and a number of other countries to present and discuss the findings of their studies. The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr Gent Sejko addressed the Second Conference of the Museum of the Bank of Albania and thanked the participants, emphasising that this Conference is one of the most prominent events of the Museum. He added that the Museum of the Bank of Albania helps to enrich and further the study of the exposed collections, and serves as a platform for experts to discuss and share their research findings.

The Bank of Albania, as an institution that keeps and promotes an important part of the cultural heritage of the country, such as the currency, is privileged to collaborate in order for the Museum of the Bank of Albania to be not only an exposition of the rare collections, but also a place where the public may find adequate and specialised literature and expertise to learn about the economic and monetary history, and become more financially educated; financial education is much needed for our country. 

Concluding, the Governor stated that these important moments to the economic and monetary history of Albania and beyond are subject of discussions in this Conference.

First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania, Ms  Elisabeta Gjoni, opened the proceedings of the Conference. She emphasised that this event complements the rich collection of the Museum with the historical context and of the area where these coins were minted. It contributes to the historical and educational role of the Museum. This Conference is also an excellent opportunity to share experiences with representatives of the main institutions of culture in Albania and museums of central banks.

Ms Gjoni stated that the Second Conference of the Museum of the Bank of Albania addresses the mutual, complicated and multi-dimensional relation between money and war. Wars have had an impact on the economy and development of human kind from the birth of civilisations to modern times.

Concluding, the First Deputy Governor pointed out that this Conference aims to show how the radical changes introduced by wars or conflicts on political systems and alliances or divisions between states have affected monetary developments as well. “The history shows that conflict or war periods are particularly related to radical changes in monetary systems and policies”. - Ms Gjoni said.

Prof. Olivier Picard, former Director of the French Archaeological School in Athens, Professor at the Sorbonne University, Member of the “Académie des Inscriptions et Belles - Lettre” (Institute of France) was a special guest in this Conference and delivered a presentation on “Minting of coins in Illyria in wartime”.

• Conference Programme