Albania’s stand is presented as a rock that opens up to the world through literature, inspired by Kadare’s “Chronicles in Stone” novel.

This architectural and artistic work is realized by architect Matilda Pando and sculptor Ergys Krisiko.

“Hard work in a very short time by the people at the Ministry of Culture and the National Book and Reading Center, with the support of our partners: the Association of Albanian Publishers, Regione Puglia, the Albanian Center of Turin and others”, wrote Minister of Culture Elva Margariti on social media.

The minister also shared photos from the meeting with her counterpart Gennaro Sangiuliano, with whom she discussed advancing the relationship between the two countries, the cultural program that was signed a year ago and new projects related to cultural heritage.

“I lived in Italy for 16 years and I know very well that it took a lot of work to change our image and I see this invitation as an important station in our journey, which ends with membership in the big European family, where geographically and spiritually we have always been a part”, said Maragariti.

The Albanian salon was inaugurated with another ceremony, with the participation of singer-songwriter Ermal Meta.

The great writer Ismail Kadare was present at this event through a greeting video.

“I appreciate this event very much. It gives me delight and not only because I am hearing good news about my country. Joy spreads throughout my being and I believe in each of us. This happens when people have high interests in themselves; when they want to be useful for themselves and when this happens, they are also useful for others. Albania is one of the oldest nations in Europe and its past is often denied, which annoys me from time to time because it is unfair for a people to have its past denied. The past is not worth bragging about, but it looks into the future. Everything good that comes to Albania today comes from this rapprochement with Europe, the European Union, with the “old” states of the XV century, when Albania also had an important position, where books in Latin and Albanian were published in parallel, but this is forgotten. This is a fact that we should remember and be proud, joyful and full of hope. This is the exciting feeling that today’s news evokes in me, which is very beautiful”, said Kadare.

The activity was moderated by “La Repubblica” journalist Sara Chiappori and the meeting took place in the form of a dialogue between Ermal Meta and Minister of Culture about personal experiences between Albania and Italy.

During the 5 days of the Turin Salon, there will be about 40 activities, promotions of books translated into Italian, panel discussions on contemporary literature with a rich presence of Albanian and Italian authors and researchers, fascinated by the extraordinary Albanian universe.

The establishment of this salon was achieved thanks to cooperation of the Ministry of Culture with the National Book and Reading Center, the Association of Albanian Publishers, Regione Puglia, the Albanian Center in Turin, the Faculty of History and Philology, the University of Tirana, the Albanian Embassy in Rome./p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama wrote in the social media that, “Albania’s spectacular stand at the International Book Fair in Turin is ready – one of the biggest book fairs in the world”.

The Albanian stand has been realized as a cave with large stones, on one of which there is the inscription “Chronicle in Stone”, which refers to the novel of the great writer Ismail Kadare, “Chronicle in Stone”.

Minister of Culture Elva Margariti said earlier that the Albanian stand at the Turin fair will speak in Kadare language.

In the pavilion of “Albania”, there will be about 40 activities, presentations and roundtables with the most popular names of Albanian letters: Lea Ypi, Ornela Vorpsi, Bashkim Shehu, Lucia Nadin, Matteo Mandala, Enkel Demi, Ardian Ndreca, Fatos Kongoli, Ylljet Aliçka, Stefan Çapaliku, Durim Taçi, Rita Petro, Anilda Ibrahimi, Liridon Mulaj, Tobias Xhaxhiu, Andreas Dushi and many others./p.s./

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Frida Krifca posted images showing aspects of the ongoing work on arranging Albania’s pavilion at this important international event.

“Albania’s pavilion is being set up at the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, the largest sustainable agriculture and food fair being in held in Turin  from September 22 to 26,” Krifca said.

Agriculture Minister confirmed Albania’s participation “to proudly showcase values of our agriculture and food traditions and the values of our small-scale producers.”

Organized by Slow Food, in collaboration with the Piedmont region and the city of Turin, the fair will see participation of over 5,000 delegates from 140 countries, more than 800 exhibitors, 300 Slow Food Presidia and 500 Terra Madre food communities.

Slow Food delegations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Türkiye include family farmers, producers, academics, chefs, activists, members of the Slow Food Youth Network (SFYN ), as well as students, who will bring their knowledge and experience to the many activities due to take place during the four-day event.

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