TIRANA, June 25 /ATA/ President of the Republic Bajram Begaj joined today’s International Scientific Conference on Toponymy and Albanian Cultural Identity, hosted by Tirana’s Institute of Anthropology.
Embracing the symposium’s focus—When the Land Speaks with Names: Anthropological and Linguistic Traces—the Head of State delivered opening remarks that praised the scholarly efforts of the field. He emphasized that this research holds profound significance as Albania navigates its critical path toward European integration.
“Albania is joining the European Union without leaving its identity behind; instead, it brings it as an added value. Europe isn’t about erasing national cultures; it’s built on their coexistence. In this mosaic of languages and traditions, the Albanian identity becomes a natural and valuable asset to the history of the continent”, said Begaj.
President commended the studies for proving Albania’s historical and cultural ties to Europe and the Mediterranean. He also praised the research for mapping these cultural histories across the wider region, the diaspora, and the Arbëresh and Arvanite communities.
President concluded by calling on academics to bridge the gap between science, schools, communities, and the diaspora. As he noted: ‘When the land speaks in names, it tells us of our past, but it also challenges us to build a better future. /gj.m/r.e/a.f/p.s./
