4-20 September | Pedion tou Areos, Athens

The 54th Athens Book Festival was held from 4 to 20 September at Pedion tou Areos, bringing together authors, publishers, translators, readers and literary audiences from Greece and beyond.

Albanian literature was represented at the Festival through works by Albanian authors from Albania and Greece, offering Greek audiences an opportunity to discover stories, memories and narratives that transcend borders and contribute to a broader cultural dialogue between the two countries.

The following works were presented as part of the Festival programme:

• Rita Petro, writer and director of Albas Publishing House, presented “Lindur së prapthi” (“Αναποδογεννημένη”), published in Greek by Bythebook. The book offers an intimate account of childhood, identity and memory in Albania under the dictatorship.
• Writer Thanas Medi presented his novel “Kohë e djegur” (“Καμένος Χρόνος”), published in Greek by Bythebook. The presentation featured Telemak Koça, Robert Goro, Armela Hysi and Alma Zekollari. Through themes of memory, history, homeland and tradition, the work creates a space for dialogue between Albania and Greece.
• Robert Goro, journalist, writer and translator, presented “Jeta me Edith Piaf”, published by Nikasbooks, in conversation with writer Thomas Stergiopoulos. The book offers a literary portrait of the life and remarkable figure of Edith Piaf, one of the most enduring voices of French music.
• Niko Kacalidha, writer, translator and journalist, presented the novel “Përmbytja e natës” (“Η πλημμυρίδα της νύχτας”), published in Greek by Nikasbooks. The work brings together memory, human experience and reflection on the passage of time.
• Author Elona Gjergjo Tanka presented “Blugritsa” (Μπλουγκρίτσα), published in Greek by Bythebook, a work characterised by light, love, courage and imagination, appealing to both young and adult readers.

The Festival’s events were attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Greece, H.E. Mrs. Luela Hajdaraga, Mr Fitim Gllareva, Head of the Office of Interests of Kosovo in Greece, as well as representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Albania: Mrs. Eliverta Radomi, Diplomat in charge of Cultural Affairs; Ms Joana Zhonga, Diplomat in charge of Economic Diplomacy; and Ms Joneda Dodaj, Diplomat in charge of Diaspora Affairs.

The Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Greece supports and promotes the presence of Albanian culture and literature in Greece, contributing to the strengthening of cultural dialogue and to the development of new bridges of communication and mutual understanding between Albania and Greece.