For more than half a century, Pretash Nilaj has been singing the lute. He is one of the few remaining lute players in the Highlands, a region known for outstanding lute players and for their songs of knights, popular warriors and heroes of the nation. Pretashi says that he learned to sing lute from his grandfather and father when, together with other highlanders of Kelmendi, they gathered in each other’s towers and sang songs of bravery.

Participating in a large number of national folklore festivals and numerous activities, at home and abroad, the lute player Pretash Nilaj is known for his mastery and originality in interpreting the songs of the warriors and many new songs, dedicated to the warriors and prominent figures of nation, as is Mother Teresa.

Widespread over the centuries, mainly in Highlands, Dukagjin and Highlands of Gjakova, the lute is an important part of the cultural heritage of Albanians. Pretashi regrets that, from year to year, the number of lute players is decreasing and, along with it, the interest of young people to learn the lute is waning.

It is important, says Pretashi, that the state structures be more attentive in preserving and promoting this important part of the national heritage.

“For centuries, every house has had lutes in Great Highlands”says Pretashi. After 1990, when a large number of highlanders emigrated abroad, or moved to cities, interest in the lute began to wane. But in recent years, says Pretashi, highlanders have returned to the desire to have the lute in their homes, as a symbol of national pride. This has pushed Pretashi, in addition to playing the lute, to work on the production of new lutes.

/Klara Ruci/