Begaj was invited by the patriotic association “Labëria – Nder i Kombit” to address a joint event with the University of “Eqerem Çabej” marking November’s commemorative days, including the Week of the Alphabet.

In his remarks, Begaj described the Albanian language as “the soul and backbone of the nation”, and urged renewed commitment to safeguarding and enriching it. He called for a new strategy to ensure Albanian-language education for children living abroad.

The head of state highlighted the contribution of prominent figures from Gjirokastër, including linguist Eqerem Çabej and writer Ismail Kadare, recalling Kadare’s famous line that “language is homeland”.

Begaj placed special emphasis on the 1908 Congress of Manastir, calling it “one of the brightest moments in Albanian history”. The unification of the alphabet, he said, laid the foundations of Albania’s modern identity and prepared the country for independence.

He praised teachers, parents, cultural associations and clergy who work to preserve Albanian in the diaspora, calling them “ambassadors of our language” and urging greater institutional support.

Begaj thanked the organisers and the university for their role in promoting Albanian language and culture, stressing that “preserving Albanian is preserving the homeland itself.”

During the visit, he met Gjirokastër Mayor Flamur Golemi and local officials, and toured the Ismail Kadare House Museum, the Education Obelisk and the city’s hilltop fortress.

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