The National Historical Museum commemorated the 49th anniversary of the passing of the writer, scholar, publicist, and multifaceted figure Ernest Koliqi (January 15, 1975).
Ernest Koliqi was born in the city of Shkodra, where he attended the Saverian College of the Jesuits and later continued his education in Ariccia, Lombardy. He returned to the homeland in 1922, quickly integrating into the cultural and political life of the country as an activist of the “Bashkimi” and “Atdheu” societies.
During the years 1933-1937, he pursued higher studies in literature at the University of Padua. During the Italian occupation, he was appointed Minister of Education. In 1943, he left Albania to head the Albanian language department at the University “La Sapienza” in Rome, where he remained until the end of his life.
Ernest Koliqi is the author of several literary works such as “Kushtrimi i Skënderbeut” (Skanderbeg’s Oath), “Hija e Maleve” (The Shadow of the Mountains), “Tregtar famujsh” (Ghost Merchant), etc.
He not only contributed to poetry but also to the genres of the novel and drama, rightfully considered the founder of the Albanian short story. Ernest Koliqi is one of the most visionary intellectuals regarding questions of national culture and the Albanian issue.
