Known as Sazan Island, the former Italian military stronghold and once-secret communist naval base is once again contested as proposals for a luxury resort raise conservation concerns.
Over the weekend, thousands marched across Albania protesting luxury tourism projects tied to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.
ADVERTISEMENT 
ADVERTISEMENT
Protesters assembled in the capital Tirana and at the protected Vjosa-Narta lagoon on Albania’s Adriatic coast, where activists argue the development endangers one of the Mediterranean’s critical biodiversity areas.
Brandishing Albanian flags and inflatable pink flamingos — which have become emblematic for the movement — demonstrators chanted slogans such as «Cancel the project!» while carrying banners declaring «Ivanka go home» and «Albania is not for sale».
But what exactly is Kushner Island, where is it located, and why has it turned into such a political controversy?
What is the origin of Sazan Island?
«Kushner Island» is a colloquial name for Sazan Island, an almost deserted Albanian territory in the Mediterranean that is at the heart of a disputed luxury resort initiative supported by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump.
This nickname has been used widely by opponents and activists who warn that the project’s scope could drastically alter the island’s character.
The island carries significant military heritage. During Ottoman times, it was mostly unpopulated, yet its strategic location made it a vital naval point. After Albania gained independence in 1912, several regional powers contested control over it.
In 1914, Italy took occupation of Sazan, known in Italian as Saseno. It was officially handed to Italy after World War I and fortified extensively. Under Mussolini, the Italians constructed military barracks, defenses, and coastal fortifications, using the island to regulate access to the Adriatic Sea.
After the Second World War, the island returned to Albanian sovereignty and became one of the most secretive military sites during Enver Hoxha’s communist regime.
Spanning roughly 5.7 square kilometers, it is Albania’s largest island, notable for its harsh coastline, abandoned tunnels, and numerous Cold War bunkers.
What role does Jared Kushner play in Sazan Island’s development?
Jared Kushner is financing the project via his investment company, Affinity Partners. The planned development, estimated at about €1.4 billion, aims to convert a portion of Sazan Island into an upscale resort with hotels, villas, apartments, a marina, and other premium amenities.
Environmental organizations and local activists have voiced strong criticism, highlighting potential risks to fragile ecosystems and a lack of transparency in the plans.
Meanwhile, proponents including the Albanian government argue it will generate employment, stimulate foreign investment, and enhance tourism. The development is promoted as a luxury «eco-resort» tailored to affluent international tourists.
Where is Sazan Island situated?
The island lies off Albania’s southwestern coast, precisely where the Adriatic Sea converges with the Ionian Sea, close to the city of Vlorë. It forms part of the Albanian Riviera, one of the Mediterranean’s fastest-expanding tourist regions, and directly faces the heel of Italy.
Throughout much of the 20th century, the island operated as a military post and remained mostly inaccessible to civilians. Its strategic position was vital during both the Italian occupation and Albania’s communist period.
Why do protesters display images of flamingos?
The pink flamingo has emerged as the emblem of opposition to Kushner’s supported resort project. Protesters brandish flamingo signs, costumes, and placards to highlight environmental concerns related to expansive tourism developments along Albania’s coastline.
This symbol originated during demonstrations against hotel developments in the ecologically sensitive wetlands near Narta Lagoon, a crucial area for migratory birds including flamingos. Eventually, the flamingo was embraced more broadly as a symbol of environmental advocacy and resistance to perceived unsustainable coastal projects.
As activism around the Sazan project intensified, the flamingo became the defining icon of the campaign. Protesters have organized events featuring large pink flamingos and flamingo-themed attire, leading some commentators to label the efforts as Albania’s «Flamingo Revolution».
For movement supporters, the bird embodies the defense of Albania’s natural environment and opposition to developments they believe prioritize upscale tourism at the expense of ecosystem conservation and public access.
Additional sources • AFP, AP