TIRANA, May 25 – Albania marked on May 25 the 180th anniversary of the birth of Naim Frashëri. He remains one of the leading figures of the Albanian National Renaissance. Frashëri was born in 1846 in the village of Frashër in southern Albania.

The national poet also worked as a historian, journalist, translator, and educator. He received his first lessons in his hometown. In 1865, his family moved to Ioannina. There, he completed studies at the Greek “Zosimea” high school together with his younger brother, Sami Frashëri.

Later, Frashëri worked in Istanbul in the Ottoman press administration. He also became one of the publishers of the magazines “Drita” (“Light”) and “Dituria” (“Knowledge”). He later returned to Albania for health reasons and worked in Berat and Saranda between 1872 and 1877. During that period, he wrote his first poems in the Albanian language.

Meanwhile, historical developments linked Frashëri closely to the Albanian national movement. His older brother, Abdyl Frashëri, played a leading role in the League of Prizren. At the same time, Sami Frashëri led patriotic and cultural activities through the Istanbul Society.

Naim Frashëri later devoted himself entirely to literature and the Albanian national cause. His poem “Bagëti e Bujqësia” (“Herds and Crops”) portrayed Albania’s natural landscape and rural life. “Lulet e Verës” (“Summer Flowers”) reflected philosophical ideas and patriotic themes. In addition, his epic poem “Istori e Skënderbeut” (“History of Skanderbeg”) elevated national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg as a symbol of resistance and unity.

Frashëri also wrote school textbooks and contributed to Albanian-language education. His works remain known for their literary language, patriotic spirit, and human themes. His verse “Ti Shqipëri, më jep nder, më jep emrin shqipëtar” (“O Albania, you give me honor, you give me the Albanian name”) remains one of the best-known expressions of Albanian national identity.

Naim Frashëri died on October 20, 1900. The Academy of Sciences of Albania will organize a commemorative event on May 26 under the theme “Naim Frashëri on the 180th anniversary of his birth”.

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