THE PRESENCE OF CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE IN THE LITERARY AND CULTURAL NEWSPAPER “NACIONAL”

BY ANGELA KOSTA - ALBANIA & ITALY

On May 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the publishing house “Nacional” organized a conference in Tirana titled:

THE PRESENCE OF CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE IN THE LITERARY AND CULTURAL NEWSPAPER “NACIONAL” FROM ALBANIA

The event was held in the conference hall of the Oxford Hotel, where the publishing house “Nacional” had the pleasure of hosting and presenting a special cultural and intellectual gathering in the heart of Tirana from Albania.

The conference aimed to shed light on the influence, contributions, and resonance of contemporary Italian and international literature within one of the most significant platforms for Albanian culture and letters, the literary and cultural newspaper “Nacional.”

Following a welcome address by the director, Dr. Mujo Buçpapaj, the floor was taken by Dr. Regina Resta, President of the VerbumlandiArt APS Association, recognized by the Senate of the Italian Republic. She expressed deep gratitude for this cultural exchange event between the two countries. Dr. Resta elaborated on and emphasized the significant contribution of the newspaper “Nacional” and Dr. Mujo Buçpapaj himself in promoting cultural values not only of Italian authors and artists but also from around the world. She also promised to return to our beautiful country for further cultural exchange activities.

Subsequently, the Vice President of the Association, Goffredo Palmerini, expressed his appreciation and pleasure at being present at this event. He recounted that around the 1980s, when he was Deputy Mayor of the Municipality in L'Aquila, he had the honor of becoming acquainted with the work of our distinguished writer Ismail Kadare: “The General of the Dead Army,” which was being filmed with well-known Italian actors, including Mastroianni, in this wonderful city.

Dr. Klara Kodra then spoke, sharing about her Italian mother's origin and the close artistic and literary relations with our neighboring country. She also highlighted the extensive activity of the newspaper “Nacional” and its long-standing contribution to disseminating the work of many Italian and foreign authors.

After the exchange of Certificates of Appreciation from both sides, other scholars, writers, and authors also took the floor. The event concluded with coordinator Angela Kosta, who expressed gratitude to the honored guests and all attendees in the hall.

Honored guests included:

1. Regina Resta – President of the VerbumlandiArt APS Association, recognized by the Senate of the Italian Republic

2. Dr. Mirella Cristina – Lawyer, Member of Parliament, Justice Commission

3. Goffredo Palmerini – Journalist

4. Maria Pia Turiello – Forensic Criminologist, Chair of the Scientific Committee

5. Mirjana Dobrilla – Writer, Translator

This event underscored the vital role of “Nacional” as a bridge between Albanian and international literary cultures, fostering dialogue and mutual appreciation among diverse literary traditions.

BY ANGELA KOSTA 

Discussing the connections and the construction of cultural bridges with Italy and countries worldwide, I believe and am convinced that even 24 continuous hours wouldn't suffice.

I cannot fail to mention and recall the time of the regime when Albania was somewhat in the shadows. We had many prominent figures or distinguished writers who fought with their pens to become what they are today—icons in world literature; previously unappreciated due to the pronounced lack of freedom to write and to have the privilege of the word or free verse. They were counted on fingers because the harsh repression buried them alive, and these are facts, not legends.

This is why all of us do not remain silent in the face of mediocrity or those who try to distort our beautiful Albanian language and its origins. It must remain pure because our linguists, ancestors, and Renaissance figures fought for it to stay that way.

The newspaper Gazeta Nacional, professionally led by Dr. Mujë Buçpapaj (I believe there's no need to elaborate on his figure, as he is already internationally recognized), has for years promoted and continues to promote many authors, researchers, historians, artists, etc., not only from the Albanian territories and the Balkans but has also excellently presented our Italian neighbors and those from many other countries across all continents, without political, religious, racial, traditional, or cultural distinctions.

This reflects what the late Pope Francis left us as a legacy: "We need to build bridges, not walls," and the renowned media outlet Nacional has tirelessly contributed, facing no difficulty—be it economic or transitional—in constructing the scaling of these bridges. We all know that the world is going through significant difficulties, not only socially but also political contradictions. Nevertheless, in Gazeta Nacional, authors have come with the pen of peace because that is what we all desire.

In Gazeta Nacional, I have personally had the honor of having many editorials approved and published, which I have interviewed, starting from Iraq, Israel, Pakistan, Iran, India (today, unfortunately, in conflict), but all with the dream of achieving global peace. All these writers survive by writing and promoting because they know that it is perhaps the only way or alternative to give and spread the right word toward fraternal unity. This is why we are here today because the pen is the powerful weapon toward this desired peace—a disarmed and disarming peace (a message full of meaning and value from the newly elected, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV).

For some time now, I have had the honor of collaborating with the daily Italian newspaper Calabria Live, directed by RAI journalist Dr. Santo Strati. This publication features numerous articles not only about the Arbëresh community but also about many prominent figures in art, literature, music, and our Albanian history. Similarly, I contribute to the monthly magazine Saturno Magazine, led by the well-known journalist and writer Francesca Gallello, and to the platform Alessandria Today, under the direction of Dr. Pier Carlo Lava.

As the editor of my three physical magazines - two in English and especially the Albanian-Italian magazine MIRIADE and above all as a female translator and promoter, I have strived to shed light on the veiled shadows of voiceless women who still live under the torment of male egoism.

Gazeta Nacional has provided extensive space to these women, ensuring that their voices become not only echoes but also hymns advocating for civilization and the pursuit of gender equality. Dr. Mujë Buçpapaj himself has personally translated the poems of many female poets from Lebanon, Pakistan, India, and beyond, without prejudice. Today, women hold high state positions-such as Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy-and many other parliamentary roles worldwide. Women today are astronauts, scientists, chief engineers, architects, heads of institutions, and more- professions led at the same level as men. Gazeta Nacional has published works from many distinguished women with unique talents.

Let this event remain long in memory—a bridge in the heart of the Balkans and Europe, a link of continuity not only with Italy but also with other foreign countries.

Thank you very much to all!

(May 14, 2025 - Tirana from Albania)