The Albanian Embassy in Sofia / Ambasada Shqiptare në Sofje in collaboration with Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski and Professor Rusana Bejleri, organized today a distinguished academic event dedicated to the enduring legacy of two of Albania’s most prominent literary figures: Ismail Kadare, on the occasion of his 90th anniversary, and Dritëro Agolli, marking the 95th anniversary of his birth.

Held at the premises of Sofia University, the event gathered academics, students, members of the Albanian community in Bulgaria, and honoured by the presence of Ambassador of Kosova Haxhi Bajraktari and representatives of Embassy of Kosova.

Special guests included Ms. Anisa Ymeri, General Director from Studio Kadare, and Mr. Luc Lévy, Director of the Institut français de Sofia.

At the heart of the event was an academic roundtable titled “Albanian Voices in European Literature”, which explored the contribution of Albanian literature to the broader European cultural landscape.

Ambassador Inid Milo, in her welcoming remarks, emphasized that Kadare’s writing carries Albania to the world through a profound, allegorical voice that connects history, myth, and universal human themes. His works build bridges between cultures, time periods, and deeper truths. In contrast, Agolli’s voice is grounded and intimate, reflecting everyday life with warmth, humor, and sincerity. He brings out the emotional reality of ordinary people, inviting readers to see themselves in his words. Together, they show that language is a powerful space where identity, history, and imagination come alive.

Widely regarded as Albania’s most internationally acclaimed writer, Ismail Kadare has played a pivotal role in bringing Albanian literature to the global stage. His novels—such as “The General of the Dead Army,” “Chronicle in Stone,” —have been translated into over 45 languages, earning him worldwide recognition.

Professor Rusana Bejleri praised the Kadare’s work by bringing students of Ballkanistika Department reciting Kadare’s distinguished poems by its powerful blend of history, myth, and political allegory, offering profound insights into identity, and human resilience. The Director of the @Institutfrancais.bg in Sofia, Mr. Luc Levy,having personally known Kadare, underscored the enduring legacy of Ismail Kadare’s work in France, noting how his novels—deeply rooted in Albanian historical memory and identity—have played a vital role in representing Albania within the broader European cultural landscape

Our special guest Director of the Kadare- Museum Studio, Anisa Ymeri, highlighted the global recognition of Ismail Kadare’s work, emphasizing its enduring impact across cultures and generations. She noted that his wirk was published in a comprehensive multi-volume edition by the Albanian publisher Bujar Hudhri, further consolidating his literary legacy.

Kadare was awarded with International awards, including the Man Booker International Prize (2005), the Prince of Asturias Award for Literature (2009), and the Jerusalem Prize (2015).

Alongside Kadare, Dritëro Agolli remains one of the most beloved figures in Albanian letters. Known for his poetry, prose, and satirical style, Agolli’s works reflect the social and human dimensions of Albanian life with warmth, humor, and critical depth. His legacy continues to influence generations of readers and writers.

The Embassy of the Republic of Albania extends its gratitude to Sofia University students and professors for bringing Kadare’s legacy back where he was first translated, in Sofia.