TIRANA, Oct 30 /ATA/ – The Third Arbëresh Studies Congress opened on Thursday at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Tirana, bringing together researchers and cultural representatives to examine historical and contemporary narratives that shape ties between the Arbëresh diaspora in Italy and Albania.
The Congress, held every two years, is organized by the Center for Arbëresh Studies and Publications (QSPA) and marks the institution’s fifth anniversary. This year’s theme focuses on “Narratives of the Past and Present in the Diaspora-Homeland Dialectic: The Arbëresh and Albania.”
The opening session featured a cultural performance in Arbëresh language by the group “Arbëria-Frasnita” from Frascineto, Calabria.
QSPA director Prof. Diana Kastrati, delivering the welcoming remarks, highlighted the importance of a clear, research-based approach to Arbëresh heritage, distancing it from folklorization and sporadic commemorative events. “This community deserves long-term vision and scholarly seriousness,” she said.
Kastrati also acknowledged the contribution of linguist and scholar Prof. Emil Lafe, calling him “a guiding figure for generations of students and an essential contributor to QSPA’s scientific work.” Lafe, who serves on the center’s Scientific Publishing Council, praised QSPA’s achievements since its establishment.
“This institution has proven its place in academic life,” he said, noting its expanding publishing and research output.
He emphasized that Arbëresh culture, language and literature are gaining broader recognition among scholars and the Albanian public. The congress, he added, aims to encourage the cultural development of the Arbëresh community rather than preserve it as a static “museum artefact.”
Damiano Guagliardi, president of the Federation of Arbëresh Associations in Italy, said the congress represents “not just the success of researchers, but a shared achievement of the entire Arbëresh community.”
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