By Evarist Beqiri

Today we remember Ismail Kadare with respect and gratitude. I had the privilege of meeting him several times throughout 2022. Our conversations were not only about literature, but also about history, the Albanian state, and the challenges of our time. They were meetings from which you learned more by listening than by speaking.

During one of these meetings, I briefly presented the idea and content of my book. We talked about the importance of symbols of our national identity.

I have a special gratitude to him, because he praised the book with generous words. This is one of the greatest honors of my life. We have also recorded his words in his warm and resonant voice:

"Ismail Qemali has been called the FOUNDER by the Albanian people. His figure shows that the Albanian nation has foundations, has a base from which to grow. The book 'The Founder', written by the scholar Evarist Beqiri, comes as a need and as a necessity to reaffirm Ismail Qemali and the Albanian nation. A nation needs occasional reaffirmations and this book about Ismail Qemali shows that it is a people that will reaffirm itself as a nation and will undoubtedly achieve this."

Yes, Ismail Kadare also gave the book the title, "The Founder".

In one of our conversations, I asked him how he saw Albanian politics today. His answer was short, but full of disappointment. He let me understand that he did not see in political actors the leadership and vision that the future of Albania required. These words of his should serve us all day today, as a testament to Albania, which is now at a historical crossroads.

Today he is no longer physically among us. But his work, his thoughts, and his love for Albania will remain a permanent part of our national consciousness.

Ismail Kadare gave Albanian literature a universal dimension. He gave Albania a voice that was heard around the world. He proved that a small nation can create great works.

The photographs with him remain for me an extremely precious memory, with a man who, with his pen, gave immortality to our history, memory, and national identity. An eternal memory with one of the most extraordinary minds the Albanian nation has produced.

Glory to the work of Ismail Kadare. His memory will live as long as the Albanian language lives. His work will remain immortal, as will his love for Albania.