In the world of watchmaking there is one name that stands out throughout history resonating with a lasting impact that spans generations – Tufina. The story of Tufina’s watchmaking legacy begins with Ismail Tufina, a clockmaker whose tale intertwines with the soul of Tirana, the capital city of Albania. It was Ismail Tufina who meticulously crafted the mechanism that adorned the Clock Tower, a guardian of time that marked significant moments in Tiranas history from 1827 to 1916. However Ismail’s influence extended beyond the towers’ gears; he passed on his expertise to a lineage of clockmakers, a lineage that continued through his sons, grandsons and great grandsons.

The origins

The clock tower became a symbol of Tufina’s dedication to the artistry of watchmaking. Ismail’s descendants formed a group of artisans committed to precision and craftsmanship. This tradition was further strengthened during the half of the 20th century under the guidance and leadership of Arif Tufina. Arif and his sons, Haxhi and Shaban became renowned for their excellence as “The Tufina Brothers” (Vllazën Tufina). Their exceptional craftsmanship was recognized by having two wall clocks proudly displayed in the Albanian Prime Minister and President chambers both proudly bearing the name “Vllazën Tufina.” These incredible timepieces showcased Tufina’s mastery and expertise intertwining their history with the essence of Albania.

A dark era

As time passed significant changes unfolded. A dictatorial communist regime took hold casting a shadow over the Tufina family and their watchmaking legacy. They faced harassment, arrests and heartbreaking tragedies, where the most unfortunate one is Fiqiri Tufina’s assassination. 

Fiqiri, Bahri Tufina’s cousin, ventured into the world of watchmaking in both Albania and Italy. He had his own licensed business operating under the name “Fiqiri Tufina.” He managed his business independently and his shop was located on Via Regina street. A very well trusted watch shop at the time in Italy. He also sold his watches in downtown Tirana.  

Fiqiri was best known for producing the “Fiqiri Tufina” watch, featuring a completely pure gold case in a white dial and a thin elegant 40s design for men. The watch’s box was inscribed with “Fiqiri Tufina – Tirana” and featured a yellow silk fabric. He would travel a lot between Italy and Tirana. His watches held tremendous value. One of his watches sold at auction in Italy in mid 2000s , where the price reached up to 10,000 euros.

Fate dealt a cruel blow. In 1944 as communism rose to power in Albania. Fiqiri Tufina’s life was tragically cut short by Kajo Karafili — the assassin appointed by Enver Hoxha, the dictatorial leader of Albania at the time. The suffocating grip of communism saw trade, private businesses and personal possessions as threats leading to Fiqiri’s demise. 

Following his death, the Tufina’s paid a substantial sum to prevent the murder from being classified as political, as the consequences for the rest of the family would have been even worse. Tragically, when Fiqiri passed away, he left behind a 7-year-old daughter who passed away a few months after her father. The Tufinas’ lives were profoundly shaken. The indelible mark left by Fiqiri’s assassination became a significant dark chapter in the chronicles of Tufina.

The Tufina family continued to face persecution with Bahri Tufina and others enduring arrests under the Extraordinary Law of Confiscations in 1948. However they managed to preserve their traditions across generations passing down knowledge from parents to children as a lifeline connecting the past to the present. As time went on, Tufina’s reputation spread beyond borders becoming a revered name in the world of watchmaking.

German watchmaking

The transformation of Tufina into a recognized German watch brand can be attributed to Enis Tufina, Bahri Tufina’s grandson. Enis was once a football player for KF Tirana but had to seek refuge in Germany during Albania’s oppressive dictatorship. He continued his football career abroad playing for clubs like VfL 93 Hamburg, VfL Pinneberg and VfR Neumünster. Unfortunately a serious knee injury put an end to his sports career. However, this change of events led him back to his family’s work in watchmaking.

In the aftermath of his injury Enis Tufina embarked on a journey to revive his family’s horological tradition. In 2004 he brought life into the legacy by establishing two German representative brands under the name of Tufina – Theorema and Pionier. Enis Tufinas deep connection to his heritage is reflected in the German watches that are meticulously crafted by hand, staying true to their customs and techniques. These high-quality watches are now available worldwide through their official online store.

Final Notes

The captivating story of Tufina’s journey tells a narrative that spans centuries and continents. From Ismail to Fiqiri Tufina’s legacy to the collections launched under Enis Tufina’s guidance, the family’s commitment to precision artistry and resilience remains steadfast. The enduring legacy of Tufina continues to evolve like the gears within their timepieces marking the passing of time while leaving their own mark on watchmaking history.

If you are an art connoisseur or are interested in art, strolling around an art gallery or engaging with somebody else who appreciates it as much as you do is often enough to keep you satisfied.

However, given the size of the art industry and the fact that millions of people have a somewhat less passionate viewpoint but still enjoy a casual trip to a gallery from time to time, there is a need for art that can engage, attract and maintain an audience that might not share the same level of intrigue.

Interactive art in gaming

Inviting an audience to participate in any capacity helps to keep people alert, interested and engaged. Video console gaming and casino gaming are good examples of how engaging with an interface or a platform can generate heightened levels of interest, making it less likely that a participant will get bored too quickly.

Mobile gaming has added another level to this, with many casino games using exclusive games in real time as part of their overall wider package and gaming experience . It’s not just casino gaming where this is prevalent, although roulette gaming, in particular, has been successful utilising live casino technology.

Other mobile games have also highlighted the strength of audience engagement. Free-to-play games using a touchscreen interface to control characters are another good example, while classic games such as chess or 8 Ball Pool allow you to line up your moves by engaging directly with your screen.

Interactive art defined

In an art gallery, interactive art can take many forms. You may have to put goggles on for an exhibition and enter an augmented or virtual reality world. Other examples include floors you stand on that light up in different colours or shapes. Likewise, a wall installation might change colour or emit sounds when you press certain parts of it.

Some video console gamers believe certain titles are so expansive, and feel so real that they could constitute interactive art. Once you stroll into the realm of characters making their own decisions and randomly generated events in a free-roam world that exists because of a decision you have made as the character, you can understand the appeal.

Why is interactive art so important?

Some people may think art is purely aesthetic or recreational, but many arts are vital for the human brain. Music, painting, singing, comedy, drawing, writing, and watching films all engage the part of our brain that responds to creativity. Interactive art combines essential elements of art, both visual and immersive. There are so many examples and so many prolific artists who specialize in interactive art that it’s a highly respected part of the industry.

Interactive art attracts people in droves, and just like any interest or hobby, there is usually a small percentage at the top who are ardent art lovers. However, the significant portion below this level simply wants something outside the box that will keep them engaged. Interactive art is one of the most effective ways of accomplishing this.

The practicality of engaging an art audience

Although some of the world’s top art galleries receive public and private funding, many rely on admission fees from the volume of people they get through their door. Interactive art is one of the most potent forces that helps drive audience engagement and promote organic word-of-mouth advertising.

It’s also a type of art that helps to bridge the gap between traditional galleries and people who learn by being more hands-on and practical. Galleries don’t allow you to suddenly start putting your hands on some of the great works of art they have on display, but interactive art flips that idea on its head – and it’s part of this rule switch that engages casual art audiences just as much as the pieces themselves.

Interactive art inspires creativity

Having downtime embedded in our busy schedules is crucial as it helps to reset the mind and engage other areas of the brain. Going to an art museum or a gallery is one of the best ways to do this, and interactive art that encourages audience engagement is one of the most effective ways to channel and inspire the creativity in all of us.

While it might not be the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of ways to get creative, it’s something to consider. It is often cheaper than other forms of entertainment and can be enjoyed with your family or friends.