or Tirana
City (pop., 1999 est.: 279,000), capital of Albania.
Founded in the early 17th century by a Turkish general, it gradually became a trading centre at the junction of roads and caravan trails. It was named the capital of Albania in 1920. In World War II Tiranë was occupied by Axis forces (1939–44). It is Albania's largest city and main industrial and cultural centre, home to the national library and theatre and site of the University of Tiranë (1957).