TIRANA, June 28 /ATA/ – Albanian President Bajram Begaj praised the Arbëresh community in southern Italy as a vital cultural link between Albania and Italy during a visit to the Calabria region this week.
Begaj met with Arbëresh residents in several Calabrian towns, including Andali, Marcedusa, Cervicati, Mongrassano, Plataci, Santa Caterina Albanese, Frascineto, San Demetrio Corone, San Benedetto Ullano, San Cosmo Albanese, Castroregio and Cerzeto.
“The Arbëresh community is a bridge between Albania and Italy, between the past and the future, between identity and full integration,” Begaj said, calling the centuries-old diaspora a living testament to enduring ties between the two countries.
The Arbëresh are descendants of Albanians who fled the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century. They have preserved their language, traditions, and religious rites for generations.
Begaj urged community members to continue passing down their linguistic and cultural heritage. “Each time a child hears a word in Arbëresh, each time a grandparent tells a story in that language, something precious is reborn,” he said.
The Albanian head of state highlighted prominent historical figures of Arbëresh origin, such as poet Zef Serembe and independence activist Terenc Toçi, describing the community as “guardians of identity, language, culture, and spiritual tradition.”
Begaj also underscored joint efforts by Albania and Italy to nominate the Arbëresh cultural legacy—known as the “Great Vow” (Moti i Madh)—for recognition by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. This includes religious rites, traditional costumes, and the preservation of the Arbëresh language.
As part of the visit, Begaj announced that three Arbëresh towns will install statues of Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, in their central squares.
Calling for stronger bilateral ties, Begaj encouraged greater economic cooperation and cultural exchange between Calabria and regions in Albania. He called for initiatives to promote student exchanges, artistic collaboration, and business partnerships in tourism, agriculture, and crafts.
“I believe in the strength of this friendship, in the strength of this brotherhood, and in the three flags behind us—of Albania, Italy, and the European Union,” Begaj said. “Together, we are stronger and will coexist forever.
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