The spread of the Albanian language was a vital task passed down from the National Renaissance to the Congress of Monastir, which began on November 14, 1908. At this congress, the Albanian elite demonstrated a commitment to compromise, religious unity, and the necessary maturity to promote gender equality, as evidenced by the participation of Parashqevi Qiriazi.

Based on these European values, the congress played a pivotal role in shaping the national identity that would later fuel political action, culminating in the declaration of independence.

During the congress, the Commission on the Alphabet was convened, bringing together a group of prominent intellectuals of the time. The goal was to standardize an alphabet for writing the Albanian language. The congress continued its work until November 22, 1908, a date now celebrated by Albanians as “Alphabet Day.”

In conclusion, the Commission on the Alphabet decided:

“After reviewing the minutes of previous days and recognizing that the work done was substantial but not yet satisfactory, we, driven by external factors, decided to adopt the Istanbul alphabet alongside a simple Latin alphabet, both of which would be taught and used together by all Albanians. The teaching of both scripts in schools would be compulsory and mandatory for all.”

/a.c/