The man who had so much friction with Kadare during his lifetime regarding the identity of Albanians, academician Rrexhep Qosja, has dedicated a note to the famous writer on the one year anniversary of his death. He calls him an “extraordinary creator” who headed the note, to continue with the invitation for re-reading.

There, Qosja brings a summary of his acquaintance with Kadare, as well as the continuation of the relationship between them.

Of course, he also mentions the disagreements and controversies with him, without detracting from the merits of the one who was as a writer.

“Today, on January 28, 2026, it is noted The 90th anniversary of the birth of the great Albanian writer Ismail Kadare is the birthday of an extraordinary creator, but also a day of remembrance, because Ismail Kadare is no longer with us, leaving behind a work that has transcended the limits of his time and language. He is the writer who introduced the experience historical, mythical and ethical map of Albanians. With his novels, essays, poetry and journalism, he gave the Albanian language a distinct, heard and respected voice. Ismail Kadare and I have been close since the seventies. We have been friends, interlocutors, readers and critics of each other each other and shared mutual appreciation. We both, each on our own side of the border that separated us, faced different, severe and often unfair fates. The historical, political and social circumstances, which we did not choose, but which were imposed on us, put us in front of moral and intellectual trials that required not only endurance, but also difficult personal decisions.

Ismail’s request for political asylum Kadare in France, in 1990, was misunderstood by many who did not understand the moral weight of that time. In several public appearances in the media, and especially in a statement given to VOA, I reasoned that this act was not an escape from the homeland, but a rejection of a system that had placed invisible but iron limits on free thought.

Kadare did not run to save himself, but to save his work and freedom. His asylum was an intellectual and ethical act: the choice of free speech in the face of the silent violence of the dictatorship. History has proven that the writer who seeks freedom does not abandon the nation in the highest possible way. disagreements, even controversy. Our most famous controversy was related to the issue of the Albanians’ identity. These disagreements were not personal; they were, as it happens in human life, also in our personal relationship. Unfortunately, our paths did not meet. remembering Ismail Kadare on the 90th anniversary of his birth, I feel the need to emphasize something important: his greatness as a writer and his historical importance for Albanian culture are beyond any disagreement. Literature is not measured by personal agreements or disagreements, but by the depth of thought, the power of language and its long-term influence. Ismail Kadare was and remains above all a writer for his nation Perhaps he wanted it by transforming history, drama and the Albanian spirit into great literature. This year, in the month of June, I will also be 90 years old. It is impossible not to think how significant and how human it would have been if we raised a toast together for these two lives spent between books, controversies, and love for Albanian culture human, but not a cultural hostage, because our dialogue continues through our works. Today, Ismail Kadare does not need to be read, re-readed, and understood. He needs his work to be treated with seriousness and cultural sensitivity. The coming generations may read him differently, and they will worship him His name, work and thought are eternal. On this 90th anniversary of his birth, Ismail Kadare remains a major historical figure of Albanian culture, who will continue to challenge us and inspire us. I remember you with fondness and respect, Ismail Kadare. eternity, eternity. It is a magnificent eternity: it is past, present and future”.

Source: prizrenpost