On the first anniversary of his passing, academics, writers, poets, and politicians gathered to honor the legacy of Ismail Kadare, the giant of Albanian literature. Prominent figures paid tribute to his contributions and the lasting impact he left on Albanian and world literature.

One year ago, at the age of 88, the genius of Albanian letters, Ismail Kadare, passed away.

Officials and public figures praised the writer’s life and work during a commemorative event organized by the Albanian Parliament and the Academy of Sciences.

In her speech, Speaker of Parliament Elisa Spiropali described Kadare as an eternal icon of Albanian thought and spirit.

Elisa Spiropali:
“Kadare became Albania’s passport when the country itself was caged in isolation. He was the wave of civilization of an Albania drowned under the oriental fog of another Gjirokastra native from the ‘Madmen’s Street,’ as if to repay the stone city with both ends of good and evil — giving back to the city for the whole nation.”

Skënder Gjinushi:
“Kadare was the most passionate defender and researcher of the Albanian language, its origin and antiquity. He is an identity figure of the Albanian people, alongside Ismail Qemali, Skanderbeg, and Mother Teresa — and will forever remain in the collective memory of the Albanian people. The Academy had the honor of having him as a member for 36 years.”

Academics recalled the legacy of a writer who gave the Albanian language global dimensions and described Kadare as a pillar of national identity.

Pirro Misha:
“His constant concern was for Albanians to once and for all determine their place in history as part of European civilization. He always warned of the existing dangers. Albanians can consider themselves lucky to have had a figure like Kadare.”

Shaban Sinani:
“A writer is responsible for everything that happens in society during their lifetime. Kadare faced that responsibility head-on, challenging both history and the present. His literary record is so powerful that it may even become a fundamental challenge for the future of Albanian literature. With his work, Kadare defeated death.”

Bujar Hudhri:
“Since that day, July 1 of last year, the image of him in his living room ready for his next journey remains unforgettable in my memory. That’s how I will always imagine him — flying toward a new planet for literature, but this time with no return. The pain of his passing will fade, but the treasure he left us and his works will remain forever.”

Also present at the ceremony was Elena Kadare, the wife of the literary giant, who said that his life was intertwined with that of the Albanian people and the country itself.

Elena Kadare:
“He was an Albanian writer who elevated his literary metaphor to the level of national breath, describing through his work the fate of Albania and its people throughout their journey. Just as Albanians survived, so did Ismail himself. His life, at its core, was the life of Albanians seeking freedom, equality, and progress.”

Born on January 28, 1936, in the Palorto neighborhood of Gjirokastra, Ismail Kadare was Albania’s most distinguished writer, both at home and abroad. His work elevated the prestige of Albanian literature worldwide. His books have been translated into 45 languages, and he received numerous international awards.