Mathematics in Albania (Q1361156)

This is quite an interesting article, on a hardly known topic: mathematics in Albania and -- which is even more interesting -- life in Albania, after the second World War. The author -- an Albanian who emigrated already as child -- discusses the main stages in the development of mathematics in Albania, starting with 1957, when the University of Tirana was established. Professors by then were Pilika and the Russian Kaminin (as a matter of fact, the relations with Moscow were not only the closest but also the unique ones!), the progress recorded in only one year being remarkable, indeed. The president of the country, dictator Enver Hoxha, controlled everything, especially the university life. Thus, when the political relations with USSR cooled, this was felt immediately in the Albanian universities. Beginning with 1965, the interest was directed towards China; thus, specialists were sent to specialization stages, but, in 1971, the cultural revolution put an end to these perspectives. By then, courses in probability theory and computer sciences had been initiated. The idea of a computer centre became almost possible. In 1970, a cooperation program was initiated with the University of Prishtina in Yugoslavia, whose students were mainly Albanians from Kosovo. Also, cooperations with UNESCO organizations began. The story of Mishel Fundo -- a brilliant mathematician -- is also told.