Academician Rexhep Qosja praised Ismail Kadare today, highlighting his universal contribution to the Albanian language and his distinctive voice in Albanian culture.

Qosja sent a letter to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for the 90th birthday celebration of Kadare. Although he could not attend, his letter was read aloud to the audience.

In the letter, Qosja described Kadare as an extraordinary creator. He emphasized that Kadare’s work surpasses time and language boundaries.

“Ismail Kadare is among the most representative names in Albanian literature. He integrated the historical, mythical, and ethical experience of Albanians into the broader map of European and world literature,” Qosja noted.

He also reflected on past disagreements with Kadare. These debates, often about Albanian identity, were intellectual and cultural rather than personal. “Our most known debate involved questions of Albanian identity. We had different opinions, arguments, and perspectives on the same fundamental issue. Although sometimes these disagreements affected our personal relationship, literature measures thought, language, and lasting influence, not personal disputes,” Qosja explained.

Today, on Kadare’s 90th birthday, Qosja reaffirmed his importance as a writer and his historical significance for Albanian culture.

“Kadare needs reading, rereading, and understanding. His work deserves serious scholarly attention and cultural sensitivity. Future generations may read him differently, yet they will always admire and respect him. His passing is only physical; his name, work, and ideas remain universal. On this 90th anniversary, Kadare remains a great historical figure of Albanian culture, a person who will continue to challenge, provoke, and inspire us,” Qosja concluded.

/a.c/