#TiranaReads2018 to Remember

#TiranaReads is a public literary initiative, which began as a reading marathon in bookstores, schools, and libraries throughout IDMC, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture. Together with young people and citizens, renowned figures from the country's cultural, media, and political scene also participate.

Unlike previous editions, this year's #TiranaReads has some new features. First, it focuses on a specific theme: "Identity and Remembrance." The activities will center around the theme "Identity and Remembrance." The core of the event will be exploring the creation of identity, which is an autobiographical process that intertwines memories and stories that have shaped our lives. Every attempt to give shape to memories, experiences, and our aspirations, anxieties, and hopes, is an integral part of this process. The authors present during the #TiranaReads2018 will share their own autobiographical approaches in their work, and the challenges they encountered in the process of self-discovery, with the audience.

Overview of the #TiranaLexon2018 Event

Dear partners and supporters of the #TiranaReads2018 project,

The fifth edition of this now familiar literary initiative, which has become a beloved event for book lovers, this year has attracted particular interest due to its chosen theme: "Identity and Remembrance," explored in the works of prominent authors. The activity drew significant attention from researchers, journalists, authors, writers, and publishers who were present during the 3 days of our event (22–24 October 2018).

Albanian-Swiss author, Besa Myftiu, kicked off this year's #TiranaReads with the motto "Tirana Reads to Remember." Besa Myftiu read and discussed with moderator Prof. Doc. Lili Sula and the audience, her life beyond Albania, as well as her creative work, which offers a unique and individual perspective on the past. The audience was eager to hear from her and ask questions.

With a focus on exploring the role of literature in confronting the past, the second day of "Memory Days" took place at the "Europa House." Authors invited by the Institute for Democracy Media and Culture (IDMC), Karsten Dümmel and Albert P. Nikolla, presented other aspects of the communist period, through passages from their works and also through discussions with attendees.

As expected, there was great interest. Former dissidents, diplomatic representatives, historians, and many students from Tirana schools closely followed the insights of these two authors about the destruction of human identity by dictatorial systems and the consequences in today's societies, in Germany or in Albania.

The theme of the event focused on "Identity and Remembrance." Godole, in her opening speech, said:

What was interesting for the participants was that during his persecution, Dümmel had left East Germany 56 times until 1988 when he "was bought" by the Federal Republic. Dümmel said that for this process, intervention from outside was necessary, because "you can address everyone with paper, but it's difficult to allow this". He also emphasized that just as Albanian people, he was unable to move around freely, saying that "generally, those who moved out had political connections or were from the Stasi".

In another discussion, anthropologist Albert Nikolla spoke about his book "The New Albanian." Nikolla discussed the aspects that shaped people during the period of the dictatorship. He said that the so-called "New Albanian" should be loyal to the Party and live for it, should not be indifferent, but should spy, and be aggressive towards the "Old Albanian." Nikolla read excerpts from his book, and emphasized that through the creation of the "New Albanian" communists managed to erase the elite and in today's days, they can maintain this trait, such as "a feeling of distrust and fear".

Meanwhile, a part of #TiranaReads moved to the "Isa Boletini" high school in Vorë, where author and literary critic Agim Baçi held a discussion with students about his work. He encouraged the young people to read as a way to see the world differently, and to build relationships with books and authors.

At the same time, #TiranaReads to Remember, on the third day, presented "The Literary Quartet" format. This innovative format focused on four works that explored the theme of memory and identity. "The Quartet" was hosted in the French Reading Room, with students and book lovers, and was introduced by the Director of the National Library, Persida Asllani.

According to Jonila Godole, the translator and pedagogue of journalism and communication, the Quartet aims to promote professional debate about books and to focus more on the works themselves. The works chosen for the Quartet were "Insufficient Time" by Helena Kadare, "The Waltz of Joy" by Ylljet Aliçka, "I Wonder, Is There Anyone...?" by Primo Levi, and "I Remember" by Ylli Demneri. The Quartet was moderated by journalist Beti Njuma, poet Ledia Dushi, literary critic Agim Baçi and Jonila Godole, all known for their expertise in these books.

The Quartet sparked a constructive debate about all the works presented.

In the afternoon of October 24, #TiranaReads took place at the "Ismail Qemali" high school, where students participated in a real reading marathon, reading excerpts from the works of Gëzim Peshkëpia and Saimir Muzhaka.

We would like to thank the Ministry of Culture for their support of these activities, as well as our partners: the National Library and Europa House.

We would like to note that #TiranaReads this year attracted the attention of many media outlets in our country, which reported on it accurately in television programs, journalistic articles, and various online information sources, and was closely followed by a qualified audience. You can find the relevant links below that show media coverage.