Culinary tradition represents one of the most valuable assets that defines a people, a region, and a community. Passed down from generation to generation through flavours, memories, and family experiences, it keeps alive the history and cultural identity of a nation.
In this spirit, journalist and author Ilda Lumani presented the book “Shijet tona”, a publication that brings together 99 authentic Albanian recipes, carefully collected through collaboration with Albanian homemakers both in Albania and abroad. The book goes beyond a simple collection of recipes, becoming a cultural journey through tradition, collective memory, and Albanian culinary identity.
During a discussion with the Albanian community in Greece, emphasis was placed on the importance of preserving and transmitting this heritage to younger generations of the diaspora, as well as on the possibilities of further developing this project in cooperation with the Albanian community in Greece.
Valuing the book as an important testimony to Albania’s cultural wealth, Ambassador Luela Hajdaraga highlighted that every recipe carries family histories, regional customs, and values passed down through generations. She further underlined that food has the unique power to bring people together, build bridges of understanding, and convey the story of a nation in a simple yet deeply meaningful way.
Ilda Lumani is a well-known figure in Albanian media, with over two decades of experience in journalism. She has contributed to print and television media as an author, screenwriter, and media project director. Since 2015, she has been the editor-in-chief of BORDO, one of the most recognized publications in Albania in the fields of culture, lifestyle, and the promotion of national values.
In addition to her work in media, Lumani is also an organiser of cultural activities and events that promote Albanian culture, traditions, and culinary heritage. Through the book “Shijet tona”, she makes a significant contribution to preserving and promoting Albanian culinary heritage, documenting authentic recipes that reflect the history, identity, and collective memory of Albanians both at home and abroad.
With this publication, Ilda Lumani demonstrates her commitment to safeguarding national values and strengthening cultural ties between Albania and the diaspora through shared stories, traditions, and tastes.
