Albanian bard Ismail Kadare rests in Tirana's embrace today

Tirana, July 3, 2024— Today, Albania honored the memory of Ismail Kadare, the esteemed Albanian writer who was laid to rest in a ceremony at Tufina Cemetery.

Kadare, celebrated for his iconic novels such as "The General of the Dead Army" and "Broken April," passed away on Monday at the age of 88 due to cardio-respiratory failure.

Born in 1936 in Gjirokastër, Kadare achieved international renown for his literary works, translated into over 45 languages. Despite enduring censorship during Albania's communist era, he courageously depicted the struggles of totalitarianism in his novels, earning admiration globally. Following his exile in Paris in 1990, Kadare remained steadfast in promoting Albanian literature until his final days.

Earlier today, thousands gathered at Tirana's National Theater to bid farewell to Kadare, as his coffin lay in state. Prime Minister Edi Rama eulogized him as "a literary giant whose words resonated beyond our borders, enriching Albanian culture and inspiring countless minds."

A delegation from Kosovo, led by President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti, also paid respects. "With the burial of Ismail Kadare today," wrote Kurti, "we mourn the loss of a literary luminary, yet his enduring legacy will continue to shape our shared narrative."

Today marked a solemn occasion as Albania and Kosovo unite in grief over the loss of Ismail Kadare, whose literary brilliance and unwavering spirit leave an indelible imprint on both nations and the world.