The Legacy of Ismail Kadare: A Tribute to an Albanian Literary Giant
Belgrade: Ismail Kadare, an acclaimed Albanian novelist and playwright known for defying his country’s Communist rulers through his writing, has passed away at the age of 88. His editor confirmed that Kadare died in a Tirana hospital after suffering a heart attack.
Kadare rose to prominence in 1963 with his novel “The General of the Dead Army,” which garnered international acclaim. Prime Minister Edi Rama hailed him as a “monument of Albanian culture” in a tribute on Facebook.
Throughout his career, Kadare received numerous prestigious awards, including the Man Booker International Prize, the Prince of Asturias Prize for the Arts, and the Jerusalem Prize. Despite being nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature 15 times, he remained humble about his chances of winning.
Kadare, who divided his time between Albania and France, was a vocal critic of Albania’s Communist regime and sought asylum in France in 1990. Last year, he was honored by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Born in Gjirokaster in 1936, Kadare leaves behind a legacy of literary masterpieces that have been translated into 45 languages. His contributions to Albanian culture and international literature will continue to inspire generations to come.
Published 01 July 2024, 12:55 IST