Recently renovated thanks to the technical and financial support of UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture, writer Ismail Kadare’s birth home in Gjirokastër opened its doors to visitors, both Albanian and foreigners.
Located in the neighbourhood “Palorto”, the house was given the status of Cultural heritage on occasion of Kadare’s 80th birthday.
This home was one of the most visited facilities during the last tourist season, even though it was being restored. Located in a dominant position over the city, and next to other important buildings, the house has been listed among the most successful buildings from the architectural standpoint.
From now on Kadare’s home will be a cultural centre managed jointly by the Municipality of Gjirokastër and the Ministry of Culture, as a mansion, a place for exhibitions and music.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, Speaker of Parliament Ilir Meta and Minister of Culture Mirela Kumbaro attended the ceremony held on this occasion. The event was attended also by the Mayor of Gjirokastër Zamira Rami, family members and relatives of writer Ismail Kadare, and personalities of culture in the country.
A friendly atmosphere prevailed in the Great Room of the house, where among other things, original objects belonging to Kadare’s house were exposed, such as the writer’s cradle, the brazier of the house and a coffer.
Mayor Zamira Rami welcomed the attendees and read a greeting letter by Ismail Kadare, who has always retained a special gratitude to his hometown.
Minister of Culture Mirela Kumbaro said that this home museum is an important cultural centre not only for Gjirokastër. “This home has been very generously donated to the Ministry of Culture, in order for it to be shared not only with residents of Gjirokastër. This house wasn’t used to be like it appears today. It burnt down in 2000, and was rebuilt thanks to a precious contribution of the UNESCO and of the Albanian government.”
Speaker of Parliament Ilir Meta said Kadare’s house is a very important cultural institution, which will give the city of Gjirokastër a new dimension. “I want to thank very much the Ministry of Culture, the government and the municipality of Gjirokastër for their dedication to this such an important cultural institution, whose features are not only specific to this city or to our country, but are also European and international, and as such they will give Gjirokastër a new dimension. In addition, taking into account such an important day, such an important moment, we all feel proud because Kadare represents our nation’s culture, its European identity”.
Writer’s family members said that the opening of the house to visitors is a remarkable day. Shahin Kadare, brother of the writer, was impressed by the restoration of the house, and said that along with the hometown, it has left special traces in Kadare’s work.
In his speech, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Ismail Kadare’s home museum is of great importance for the historical memory both of Gjirokastër and of our nation. The Prime Minister informed that the next step to be taken to complete the house, is to bring here the books, manuscripts and personal belongings of the writer, for which the Prime Minister has personally requested the assistance of Kadare’s wife, Helena, and of other close relatives of his.
“We are certainly pleased that, due to the persistent work of the minister and of the mayor, we succeeded in opening the doors of this house of great importance for the historical memory not only of Gjirokastra, but also of our nation. We will continue with the next stage, because the house needs to be populated with Ismail’s books, manuscripts and personal items. I spoke with Helena, who is Ismail’s best half, in order to add a library with the books by Ismail’s favourite authors, so that the house will not be just a museum, but a place with a lively atmosphere, always open, that attracts people not only to visit it, but also to study and read. So, a unique library in Albania, and perhaps not only in Albania, for all lovers of literature. I am convinced that we will accomplish successfully this stage. The minister and the mayor have already started working with a renowned architect”, the Prime Minister said.
Later on, Prime Minister Rama and the other attendees, accompanied by architect Agron Doraci, visited the reconstructed spaces of the house, and wrote their opinions in the book of impressions in conclusion of the visit.
