He's mad about Kadare: We were friends, our differences were personal, if we could raise a toast together...

In his writing, Qosja refers to Kadare as one of the most representative names of Albanian literature, the writer who introduced the historical, myth and ethical experience of Albanians in European and global literature, giving the Albanian language a universal dimension and Albanian culture a distinctive voice.

Reflecting also on the fact that this year even turns 90, Qosja expresses human regret that they could not celebrate this age together but underscores that their dialogue continues through works.

The complete script of Rexhep Qruja, published on Facebook:

Today, on January 28th 2026, the 90th anniversary of the birth of the great Albanian writer Ismail Kadare is being marked. This date is the birthday of an extraordinary creator, but also the day of memory, because Ismail Kadare is no longer physically among us. It was divided from life in 2024, leaving behind a work that has exceeded its time and limits on its language.

Ismail Kadare is one of the most representative names of Albanian literature. He is the writer who introduced the historical, mythic and ethical experience of Albanians to the great map of European and global literature. With his novels, essays, poetry and publicism, he gave the Albanian language a universal dimension and gave Albanian culture a distinctive, listening and respected voice.

Ismail Kadare and I have met and have drawn near since the seventyth. We were friends, conversationaries, readers and critics of each other. We have written about each other's work and shared mutual assessments.

Each of us, on his side of the border that divided us, faced various fates, severe and often unfair. The historical, political, and social circumstances, which we did not choose but which were imposed, exposed us to moral and intellectual evidence that required not only resistance but also difficult personal decisions.

The search for political asylum by Ismail Kadare in France in 1990 was misunderstood by many who did not understand the moral burden of the day. In some public appearances in the media, and especially in a statement given to the Voice of America, I reasoned that this act was not an escape from the homeland, but a system that had imposed invisible but iron boundaries, free thinking.

Kadare did not leave to save herself but to save her work and freedom. His Asia was an intellectual and ethical act: the choice of free speech in the face of the silent violence of dictatorship. History has proved that the writer seeking freedom does not abandon the nation; he serves it in the highest possible way.

I'm gonna witness that soon by visiting Ismail Kadare in his apartment in Paris.

But as is often the case among well - thought - out intellectuals, we have had differences as well as controversy.

Our most popular controversy concerned the issue of Albanians' identity. They were different opinions, different arguments, different views on the same fundamental issue. These differences were not personal; they were intellectual and cultural. However, as is true of human life at times, they have had consequences in our personal report. Our company faded, and our streets, sadly, stopped meeting.

Today, remembering Ismail Kadare at his 90th birthday, I need to stress something important: his greatness as a writer and his historic importance to Albanian culture are beyond any disagreement. Literature is measured, not by personal agreement or disagreement, but by the depth of thought, language power, and long - term influence.

Ismail Kadare was and remains the first writer of his nation. He loved Albania, not in a declarative but creative way. He loved it by turning Albanian history, drama and spirit into great literature.

This year, in June, I'll be 90. It is impossible not to think of how meaningful and how human it would have been to toast together for this rare age, for these past two lives between books, controversy, love of Albanian language and culture. Maybe it remains a hostage of my human, but not a cultural, civilist hostage because our dialogue continues through our actions.

Ismail Kadare today does not need occasional praise. He needs reading, reading and understanding. He needs his work to be treated with scientific seriousness and cultural sensitivity. Generations that come can read differently, but they will always read it. And they worship.

His divorce from life, I'm getting younger, it's just body separation. His name, his work, and his thought, when I grow up, are always. On this 90-year anniversary of his birth, Ismail Kadare, I am renewing, remains the major historical personality of Albanian culture, one of the figures that will continue to challenge us, disturb us and inspire us.

Remember with honor my friend Ismail Kadare. Your eternity in my soul and mind is eternal, eternal. It's always great: it's past, today and the future.

Rexhep Qosja Pristina, 28.1.2026