Ismail Kadare’s Manuscripts Unveiled for the First Time at the Prime Minister’s Library

For the first time, the manuscripts of Ismail Kadare, Albania’s most renowned contemporary writer, were publicly revealed this evening at the Prime Minister’s Library. The manuscripts are displayed in a unique polyhedral installation, paying homage to the vast legacy of Kadare’s work, and are now showcased at the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD).

The opening event, attended by Kadare’s family, admirers, and government officials, was led by Jetona Koçibelli, director of COD. She described the manuscripts as a collection of Kadare’s unfinished dreams, a treasure for future generations to explore and understand.

The exhibition features 44,488 pages, including unpublished novels, poetry, and sketches, charting Kadare’s creative evolution from the age of 11. These works are not only a personal chronicle but also an artistic reflection of Albanian history and identity.

Ardit Bido, director of the General Directorate of Archives, highlighted Kadare’s significant contribution to Albanian literature and culture. Kadare’s daughter expressed gratitude to COD and the Archives for organizing the exhibition, sharing how it felt to see her father’s manuscripts on display, and reading a poem she called a written testament to his enduring legacy.

This rare exhibition offers a deep dive into Kadare’s creative mind, illuminating his artistic process through every handwritten page and providing a new lens on his literary journey.

/a.c/