President Bajram Begaj visited Gjirokastër today. As part of November commemorations, he attended the nationwide meeting on the Albanian language. The patriotic association Labëria – Nder i Kombit organized the event in collaboration with Eqerem Çabej University.

During the visit, President Begaj emphasized the importance of preserving and enriching the Albanian language.

In his opening speech, he called the language “the soul and backbone of the Albanian nation.” Moreover, he connected the event to November’s sacred dates and the week of the Albanian alphabet.

He praised past efforts to protect, teach, and enrich the language. At the same time, he called for a new strategy to teach Albanian to children living abroad.

Additionally, President Begaj highlighted the contributions of prominent figures from Gjirokastër, such as Eqerem Çabej and Ismail Kadare. He quoted Kadare: “Language is the homeland.”

He also emphasized the historical role of the Congress of Manastir in unifying the Albanian alphabet.

“The 1908 Congress of Manastir remains one of the brightest moments in Albanian history. After the Lezhë Assembly and the League of Prizren, the Congress paved the way for the spiritual and cultural unity of Albanians through alphabet unification. Consequently, it laid the foundations of our modern identity and sparked a unity that prepared our independence,” said President Begaj.

He acknowledged teachers, parents, cultural associations, and clergy who keep the Albanian language alive in the diaspora. Indeed, he called them ambassadors of our language worldwide and praised their efforts. Furthermore, he stressed that their work needs stronger support and a shared, sustainable vision.

“We must consciously guard our language. Therefore, we must protect it with love and wisdom, updating it and adapting it to the times,” President Begaj added.

He thanked the organizers and Eqerem Çabej University for promoting Albanian language and culture. Finally, he concluded: “Preserving Albanian is preserving our homeland.”

President Begaj met Mayor Flamur Golemi and local authorities. In addition, he visited the Ismail Kadare House Museum, the Obelisk of Education, and the Gjirokastër Castle.

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