Well-known writer Ismail Kadare celebrated on January 28 his 80th anniversary. Various cultural events took place throughout Albania, while the writer received congratulations from the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, the Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj, the Minister of Culture Mirela Kumbaro, former Mayor of Tirana and leader of the Democratic Party of Albania Lulzim Basha, as well as various institutions in Albania such as the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, the Municipality of Gjirokastra, etc.
Kadare said for Panorama that he was amazed with all the festivities for his 80th anniversary. “There are friends of mine who are not satisfied with anything; they say that more must be done for me. But no, I disagree. A lot has been done for me; I even felt astonished,” Kadare said while expressing pity that no one remembered the death anniversary of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. “Just a few days ago was the death anniversary of Skanderbeg, on January 17. We only remember the day of his death. Only a few newspapers talked about him. This should not be happening, it’s a shame.”
For Kadare’s 80th anniversary, several events took place in Gjirokastra as well as in Tirana.
The ‘Gjirokastra reads Kadare’s books’ event was spread in eight different public squares in Gjirokastra where many people read Kadare’s works. Tirana also celebrated the author’s birthday by bringing on stage the “Who brought Doruntina?” play. Directed by Laert Vasili, the drama returned on stage popular actress Margarita Xhepa who once again played the leading role. The National Theatre which has recently opened its new season with the Russian play Three Sisters has decided to dedicate the play to Kadare’s birthday.
Cultural and artistic events were held on January 29 and 30 in Tirana as well as in Gjirokastra. Kadare’s house, which officially opened in Gjirokastra on January 30 will turn into a museum and cultural center that will lighten up the cultural life of Gjirokastra.
Coming events
In Kadare’s honor, several events will take place throughout the year. The exhibition titled “ A journey in Kadare’s city” will stay open from February 12 to February 28 at the National Library of Albania. In April, the “A journey in Kadare’s city’ exhibition will saty open in Kosovo during the months of July and August.
Unable to be present during the festivities of his anniversary in his hometown, Gjirokastra, Kadare wrote a thanking letter to the Major of Gjirokastra, Zamira Rami.
“Dear Mayor of Gjirokastra,
Unable to be among you for reasons that do not depend on me, I would like, through this letter, to express my gratitude, my emotions, and why not, my longing for your noble invitation letter to participate in a joyous event, that is connected to my life, more precisely with the first 17 years of my life.
I believe that I am credible if I tell you that I have been trying to maintain a lasting relationship with my hometown, convinced in this case, that no matter what I have tried to give to the city, has been far less compared to what the city has given me.
Dear Mrs. Rami,
You are running the Municipality of the city, which during my teenage years I liked to call strange. With this setting, was connected, apparently, its unusual appearance and implications, that my mind could not understand at the time.
That a young lady like you would one day run the city with a heavy Medieval shade, would be yet another astonishing surprise. Without going into details, I would like to add that all these astonishments which often seemed difficult, would bring good luck.
Wishing you all the best and greeting through you all my fellow citizens, hugs.
Ismail Kadare
Paris, January 25, 2016
Birthday Wishes
“Happy Birthday to Ismail Kadare, one of the greatest authors of our time and a culture treasure of Albania!” – the U.S. Embassy in Tirana.
“Nothing more beautiful in the day of Kadare’s 80th anniversary, than his memory for his parents from Renuar Cafe. Thank you Ismail Kadare!” – Minister of Culture Mirela Kumbaro.
“Happy Birthday, General of beautiful Albanian letters army.” – Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj
“In the occasion of Kadare’s 80th anniversary, I wish our great Albanian writer happy birthday. It is a great day, not only for Kadare and his family, but for all Albanians wherever they are.” – Leader of Democratic Party Lulzim Basha
