 Three neighborhoods comprise Shijak; “lagjia e re,” “lagjia e vjeter,” and “lagjia erzen.” In 2010-2011 the only female mayor in Albania ran Shijak.Shijak has ancient roots, dating back to after the founding of Durrës in 637 B.C.Shijak developed as a satellite site for the Taulantii tribe although under a different name, with the tribe's hub located in Durrës.