#TiranaReads Albanian

#TiranaReads is a public literary initiative that started as a reading marathon in bookstores, schools, libraries, etc., organized by the Institute for Democracy, Media and Culture, with the support of the Ministry of Culture.

Unlike previous editions, this year, the initiative is under the motto #TiranaReads Albanian. Researchers, authors, and publishers have raised the alarm about the sharp decline in the number of people who choose to read in Albanian. After the 1990s, the sales of Albanian books have not exceeded 500 copies, and in the best case scenario, Albanian literature seems to be heading towards obscurity. Therefore, to raise awareness among readers about Albanian literature, this edition will be called: #TiranaReads Albanian.

It is designed as a moving activity, which will travel throughout the city, going to where the readers are. The meetings will take place at: "Hamit Beqaj" Library, Library Hall, National Historical Museum, Hemingway Tirana, Tirana Times Bookstore. The presence in several key locations throughout the city aims to make #TiranaReads an event for Tirana residents.

Part of the readings will be excerpts from the works of contemporary Albanian authors, such as: Agron Tufa, Enkel Demi, Evis Cerga, Lekë Tasi, but also literary researchers and critics. They will be accompanied by readers, high school students, teachers, members of literary clubs and other guests, who will discuss and read excerpts from the works of their favorite Albanian authors.

Over three days, on October 17, 18 and 19, 2019, the literary meetings will take place in the evenings, from 17:00 to 21:00.

October 17, "Hamit Beqaj" Library

17:30–17:40 Opening remarks:

• Elva Margariti (Minister of Culture)
• Jonila Godole (Executive Director, IDMC)
  

17:40–19:00 Readings and discussions by library readers, members of literary clubs, high school students and university students.

Invited: Bujar Hudhri (publisher), as well as researchers and professors of literature from the University of Tirana.

Moderator: Anisa Ymeri (library staff, journalist)

October 18, Library Hall, National Historical Museum

11:00–12:30 Literature as a place of memory

Readings and discussions: Lekë Tasi (author)

Moderators: Agim Baçi (literary critic), Fatmira Nikolli (journalist)

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A former cellist and painter, the conversation with Lekë Tasi will focus on his book "Grabjan by the Hills", in which the artist conveys memories of life in internment during the communist regime. Through his diary of the years under the regime, he presents characters and figures he knew.

October 18, Hemingway Tirana

18:00–19:30 Readings and discussions: Agron Tufa (author)

Moderator: Lili Sula (literary critic)

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Agron Tufa is a poet, novelist, translator and researcher; winner of several literary awards, including "The Silver Pen" for the best novel ("Fabula Rasa", 2005), the National Literary Prize for his entire body of work (2009), etc. He is the translator of some of the most important Russian authors of the 20th century. His latest book, "Lady Nobody and Mr. Nowhere", will be the focus of this meeting.

October 19, "Tirana Times" Library

19:30–20:45 Readings and discussions: Enkel Demi (author), Evis Cerga (author)

Moderator: Edlira Agolli (writer)

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Enkel Demi is a journalist, moderator and writer, but is better known under the pseudonym Tom Kuka in Albanian literature. He is the author of two successful books entitled "Jujubes over Cobblestones" and "The Stones of Solitude", which were published under the pseudonym Tom Kuka. In the light of his third book, which also focuses on Tirana, but in a different historical period, he will answer questions from readers and share stories about Tirana from the perspective of Tom Kuka.

Evis Cerga graduated from Cairo University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Translation. She worked as a translator at the Embassy of the World Bank in Tirana for thirteen years. Since 2007, she has worked as a freelance translator. With her first book, "Friendship Street", she adds to the list of female writers with a unique and original voice, presenting stories of life, characters from modern and historical Tirana.

Organizers

Partners

"Hamit Beqaj" Library

Hemingway Tirana

"Tirana Times" Library