During the course of this event, the architects will share their experiences and discuss the challenges of today’s urban and social development, while also contributing to the development of policies and actions that drive the major transformation of our country as part of the European Balkans.

At the beginning of his speech, Prime Minister Edi Rama, present at the event, highlighted the significance of the festival taking place on a sacred day — Eid.

“Today marks a national celebration embraced by all Albanians, no matter their religion,” said Rama. “It’s a day deeply embedded in a history shared by Muslims, Christians, and Jews — and perhaps most importantly, by the collective spiritual memory of humanity. A story that has journeyed through time, across beliefs and lands, carrying profound significance to the very moment and place we find ourselves in today.”

While explaining the powerful symbolism of the day, Rama stated that this holiday represents a moment that tests the very essence of faith.

“In the Islamic tradition, Abraham receives a vision,” Rama said. “This vision repeats over several nights, and in that faith, when a dream recurs, it is no longer merely a sign but becomes a joy, a message, a divine command: ‘Sacrifice your son, Ishmael.’ The father does not hide it; he shares it with his son. And so, father and son walk toward the unthinkable—not with fear, but with peace. Toward a moment that will test the very core of faith. Not blind obedience, but deep-rooted belief. And just as the blade is raised, a ram appears; the sacrifice is redirected, and the prophecy is fulfilled—not through death, but through surrender. Because what lay on the altar that day was not a child, but the ego.”

Rama said that “possessiveness, the illusion of control, and what remained was the most lasting offering of all—the connection between dream and faith to carry it forward.”

The Prime Minister expressed that “this is the meaning we celebrate today.” “Not the ritual, but mercy; not the knife, but mercy; not the power to take, but the grace to give; not the offering of flesh, but of oneself,” he said.

/sm/