In Memoriam
The talented poet and translator Dhori Qiriazi passed away on September 2nd, 2009, at the age of 76.
Among us, and beyond us, we now share the pain of the news that Dhori Qiriazi, the poet, the translator and our dear friend is not with us anymore. He has marked us and has gone in the calmest, least clamorous way, very much like his life and his poetry. The only thing he could not take with him is his poetry and his word. Fifty years ago, the astonishing emergence of Dhori Qiriazi amongst the generation of writers of the 60’s foretold his future status as a special gem in the crown of Albanian lyricists. And he made it: word after word, book after book, Dhori Qiriazi will remain forever in our memory of today and tomorrow as an icon of the Albanian Lyric.
First and foremost, Dhori Qiriazi is an exceptional poet and lyricist. In the collection of Albanian poetry, all his books, from the first one entitled “Kur zemra rreh s롰ari – When one’s heart first beats” up to the latest one yet unfinished, – are subtle, subtle like hidden jewels to be discovered.
Dhori Qiriazi is also a case of endurance. If we believe that art and poetry, as the essence of art, are a dialogue with freedom, Dhori Qiriazi is without doubt the case of endurance without betraying that dialogue. Living for over thirty years in Ersek묠a small south-eastern city of Albania, where there often blew cold and harsh winds to the soul and human freedom, Dhori Qiriazi could be nothing but the nonchalant bohemian through his subtle yet shocking verse, with his simplicity and beauty. His entire intellectual life has been at once a struggle and deliverance.
Today we must remember not only the poet but also the gifted translator: Robert Burns, Petrarch, Nekrasovi, and many more, spoke in a wonderful Albanian language because of Dhori Qiriazi’s spirit and commitment.
Dhori Qiriazi, the exceptional poet, writer, translator and talented teacher has marked us and has gone. But his last, heartfelt verse “Un롫am qen롩 lir렭 I have been free” is his last will: addressed to all of us. To everyone. Be free.
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Drit쳯 Agolli, Sabri Godo,Teodor La诬 Suzana Turku, Xhevahir Saphiu, Bardhyl Londo, Natasha Lako, Ko詠Petriti, Besnik Mustafaj, Pre硚ogaj, Nasho Jorgaqi, Nasi Lera, Petraq Zoto, Seit Mansaku , Moikom Zeqo, Albert Rakipi , Myslim Islami, Jorgji Qirjako, Valter File, Bajram Lapi
