The 43rd Edition of the International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture Begins

At the Faculty of Philology of the University of Prishtina, in the presence of 200 Albanologists, scholars, and students, the 43rd edition of the International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture commenced. 

During the opening ceremony, the Rector of the University of Prishtina, Prof. Arben Hajrullahu, expressed his hope that lovers of the Albanian language and culture would remain eternally connected to Kosovo and other regions inhabited by Albanians. 

The Rector reminded attendees, who had arrived from various countries around the world, that the Albanian language was the mother tongue of humanity’s saint, Mother Teresa; the Albanian medieval hero Gjergj Kastrioti-Skanderbeg; the great writer Ismail Kadare; and is also the language of globally renowned singers Rita Ora, Dua Lipa, and many others. 

Prof. Hajrullahu particularly thanked the scholars and guests attending the Seminar from countries that do not have the best political relations with Kosovo. He also called on participants to attend next year’s International Summer University, organized by the University of Prishtina for over a quarter-century. 

Speeches at the opening of the Seminar were delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Prof. Abdulla Rexhepi; the Director of the event, Prof. Lindita Sejdiu-Rugova; the Seminar’s Co-director from the University of Tirana, Prof. Shezair Rokaj; the President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo, Academician Mehmet Kraja; the Acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti; and the Ambassador of Albania to Kosovo, His Excellency Petrit Malaj. 

The solemn opening of one of the most significant events organized by the University of Prishtina was enriched by selected artistic performances from renowned pianist and professor of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Lule Elezi. 

Founded in 1974, the International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture is the longest-running event in Albanological studies in Kosovo and other Albanian-inhabited regions. From August 18 to 29, the program will feature lectures, individual presentations, discussions, and 34 hours of Albanian language lessons across three proficiency levels. 

Throughout its history, the Seminar has maintained continuous contact with historic Albanian diaspora communities, particularly those in Italy, Croatia, and Syria. This year, for the first time, attention will be given to Albanian feminist studies and the language used in social networks. 

The full speech by Rector Prof. Arben Hajrullahu at the International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture can be read at this link.