Albania in Transition

The historical events 20 years ago changed the world profoundly, as the end of the Cold War ushered in the democratisation of the countries of Eastern Europe. Albania was also swept up in the wave of the regime's critical movements, and with the overthrow of the communist government hopes for prosperity and freedom took root. Hans Peter Jost's photographs of that time document a country marked by communism in the throes of change. They recall a time when there were no private automobiles on the streets, when Coca-Cola and ATMs were not yet part of the urban landscape and the house facades were not yet adorned with satellite dishes. The images of this time with its roots in the past are juxtaposed with photographs from the Albania of today. They underscore vividly the discrepancies between the dreams of 20 years ago and the reality of today.