On July 7, 1993, Aleks Buda passed away. He was the first president of the Academy of Sciences of Albania. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, he played a key role in Albanian history and culture. He led the Academy from 1972 to 1993. Moreover, the state honored him as a People’s Teacher for his contributions.

Buda was born in Elbasan into a well-known intellectual family. First, he completed primary school in Lecce, Italy. Then, he attended high school in Salzburg, Austria. Afterward, he studied philosophy and literature at the University of Vienna from 1929 to 1935.

Between 1939 and 1943, Buda worked as a teacher. Specifically, he taught at high schools in Tirana and Korça. During this time, he also joined the National Liberation Movement. In 1944, he was elected deputy chairman of the movement’s council in Elbasan.

Following this, from 1945 to 1946, Buda served as director of the National Library. Later, in 1955, he helped establish the Institute of History and Linguistics. There, he founded the medieval history sector, laying the groundwork for Albanian medieval studies.

In addition, Buda was the only historian to attend the Albanian Orthography Congress held in Tirana in November 1972.

He focused much of his research on Illyrian history. Based on the hypothesis of Albanian Illyrian origins, he stated that Albanians belong to the oldest inhabitants of the Balkans and even Europe.

Furthermore, Buda worked to train young historians. He especially supported scholars of medieval Albanian history. As president of the Academy, he organized scientific research and promoted Albanology studies.

His efforts earned him several honors. For instance, he received the First-Class Republic Award. He was also decorated with the First-Class Order of Freedom and the First-Class Order of the Flag of Labor. Finally, in 1990, the President of Austria awarded him the Great Golden Medal.

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