Muçi, a prominent Albanian writer, was presented with the book fair’s top award by the Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj for his third part of a narrative trilogy of fairytales entitled “Fajin ma ka gjuha” ( My tongue is to blame).

Attending the awards ceremony at the 24th Tirana Book Fair, including Best Author and Best Book of the Year, Tirana Mayor expressed gratitude to all contributors “for taking Albanian literature to the pedestal it deserves.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to all of those who are engaged in one of the most challenging industries, namely the industry of publishing, translation and knowledge. In a context like ours this is really one of the greatest challenges. I would like to praise all of those who are committed to this cause,” Veliaj said in his remarks at the ceremony.

Veliaj also noted that this is the second time when Tirana Municipality is the main sponsor of the annual book fair and underlined that Tirana has been selected as the European Youth Capital in 2022 and events will include a special edition dedicated to young Albanian authors.

The “Best Book of the Year” was declared “The Genius of the Nation” written by Uran Butka on the life and work of Mid’hat Frashëri, an Albanian renowned author and diplomat, and an important figure during the Albanian National Awakening.

Virgjil Muçi was honored as “Best Author of the Year” for “Fajin ma ka Gjuha”, the third part of a narrative trilogy of fairytales.

The 24th Tirana Book Fair kicked off at the Palace of Congresses after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and will remain open until Sunday.

/k.s/j.p/u.sh/