Dora D’Istria commemorated in conference

TIRANA, June 7 – “Dora D’Istria, a predecessor of Europe without borders” brought in Tirana Albanian and Italian researchers discussing the role of renowned Albanian women personalities and their contribution to the Albanian independence. A 19th century Romanian-Albanian writer and feminist, Dora D’Istria, born Elena Gjika, became one of the main advocates of the Albanian cause in Western Europe since 1866.
A documentary by Engjell Ndocaj dedicated to the life and work of the writer of Albanian origin who spent her adult life in Italy’s Florence was screened at the conference held this week at the National Museum of History.
Prof. Antonio D’Alessandri, an Italian professor author of a monograph on Dora d’Istria also participated in the conference held on June 7, at the National Museum in Tirana.
Dora d’Istria (the pen name of Elena Ghika) was born in Bucharest in 1828 into the ruling family of Romania, which originated in Albania. She was the author of numerous books, written mainly in French and Italian, including La Suisse Allemande, Les Femmes en Orient, Excursions en Roumꭩe et en Morꥠand La po괩e des Ottomans. She travelled widely in both Europe and the United States until her death in 1888.
Princess Elena Ghica (Dora d’Istria) was a promoter of Albanian national liberation. In 1873 she published Albanians in Rumania at Florence. The first unedited documentary history of the Albanians of Walachia contributed to the Albanian cause – it gave the liberation movement prestige throughout Europe. The princess was rightly named the “highest star in the unfortunate Albanian firmament.”
Published in English for the first time, “The Land of the Thunderbolt Mountains” showcases D’Istria’s writings about Albania. Through the medium of songs and folklore, d’Istria analyses an overlooked but important aspect of Eastern European history – the theme of nationality and the role of women in its development – and examines in detail the role of Albanian women in different regions of the country, from an original female perspective.