In the heart of the European capital, Brussels, at Rue Washington 17, just a few steps from Avenue Louise, lies one of the most significant addresses in our national history. It was here, on this famous street, in the years 1900-1908, that Ismail Qemal Vlora lived, the man who would later lead the declaration of Albanian Independence.
In this building, far from his homeland, he carried out extraordinary political and diplomatic activity on the Albanian issue. Brussels became his port of call, but his mind and heart always remained in Albania.
Today, this building stands as a proud testament to hidden history. It connects the heart of Brussels directly to the birth of the Albanian state.
The renowned Belgian poet and publicist Roland de Marès described Ismail Qemali, in an article for "Le Matin" in 1909, as: "a first-class politician", "an outstanding administrator", "a man of principles", and above all a liberal fighter who never stopped believing in the triumph of freedom.
Roland de Marès wrote: “He is a curious fellow, with an extremely lively intelligence. Despite his white hair and beard, his face has preserved a beautiful youthful expression. Brussels was, so to speak, his port of call, but he was everywhere, in Paris, London, Berlin. Sometimes he would disappear for a week, then one evening he would suddenly appear at my house and for hours tell me of his hopes for an imminent triumph. He was in contact with all those who had a name in international politics. He corresponded amicably with ministers and former ministers, always with a somewhat feverish activity, filling the exposition of his ideas with pleasant anecdotes about the men of his time. He explained with surprising accuracy the hidden, sometimes amusing side of the most serious political events.”
And further: “The liberal cause is in good hands if it is entrusted to the leadership of Ismail Qemal Bey.”
From this Brussels address, ironically named after the first President of the United States, George Washington, the diplomatic and political foundations of the Albanian state were laid. These walls have heard conversations about the fate of the nation, political strategy, and the great dream of a free Albania.
Brussels still preserves the traces of Albania's Founding Father. Meanwhile, we must never forget that history is not just memory. History is responsibility. History is heritage.
