Dhimitër Pasko, known to the general public by his stage name Mitrush Kuteli, was born on September 13, 1907. He commenced his education in his hometown of Pogradec, and later pursued it in Thessaloniki, Greece. In 1928, he embarked on his studies in Romania, majoring in economic sciences, while at the same time attended various literary and foreign language courses.

He graduated in 1931, and in February 1934, he received his doctorate in banking and monetary sciences with the highest honor, “Diplomam Magnam cum Laudæ,” at the University of Bucharest. However, Pasko is relatively lesser-known for his work in the banking sector, where he served as a technical consultant to the Albanian Central Bank since 1943.

He gained popularity through his remarkable contributions to literature, journalism, and translation. Additionally, Kuteli was a collector of Albanian folklore, preserving it over centuries.

Well-known for his democratic views, he couldn’t avoid the iron hand of the dictatorship. In 1947, he was imprisoned on charges of being an enemy of the people, serving a 5-year sentence. Part of his imprisonment took place in the Vloçisht camp in Maliq. He would eventually be released from prison in 1949, following the breakdown of diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia.

The conditions he faced after his release did not afford him the opportunity for publications, thereby preventing him from expressing his literary talent. For a significant period of time, he turned to translations, finding solace in this pursuit.

Unfortunately, some of his works were confiscated and lost forever. Mitrush Kuteli passed away at the age of 60 on May 4, 1967, leaving behind a legacy of rich language and immortal characters.

The Academy of Sciences awarded him the prestigious title of “Honor of the Academy” in recognition of the rich legacy he bequeathed to Albanian civilization.

/m.ll/