In the aftermath of World War I, Albania was a country struggling with poverty, instability, and the challenges of nation-building. During the 1920s, an American Red Cross mission arrived in the country, determined to provide shelter, food, medical care, and education to the population. What they discovered in Albania, however, went beyond hardship—they found extraordinary individuals whose talents left a lasting impression.
Among them was Kolë, remembered as the most sought-after Albanian by the American mission. His unique gift was language. Kolë spoke an astonishing 18 languages fluently, earning him a reputation as a “gem” among both his compatriots and the foreigners who worked with him.
The Americans’ Trusted Interpreter
Archival records from the Library of Congress include a photograph of Kolë, described as the mission’s chief interpreter and confidential messenger. Before joining the Red Cross in 1920, he had spent three decades serving at the French Consulate in Shkodër. His reliability and wisdom quickly made him indispensable to the Americans.
In the captions accompanying his photograph, the missionaries praised him as “an honest and trustworthy man” and “a jewel, a great compliment for one who comes easily to hand.”
Kolë’s reputation soon crossed the Atlantic. In its May 3, 1920 edition, a Minnesota newspaper wrote admiringly of his extraordinary skills:
“Kolë, the chief interpreter of the American Red Cross mission in Albania, has the reputation of having the wisest tongue in the country. He is said to speak 18 languages, and all of them wisely. This is rare in Albania. It means that he can speak with every one of the numerous tribes without uttering a word that might be misunderstood as taking sides in their armed feuds. He has been an important factor in keeping the American mission, which distributes aid, out of quarrels and troubles. Kolë is one of the few residents of Tirana who does not carry a firearm.”
A Bridge Between Cultures
Kolë was more than a translator; he was a cultural mediator. In a country marked by tribal divisions and frequent conflicts, his ability to communicate neutrally across communities proved vital. His wisdom and tact helped the American mission deliver aid without being drawn into local disputes.
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| In the middle an American missionary, on the right Kole, and on the left another Albanian, rear view |
A Child Prodigy in Languages
Kolë was not the only Albanian whose linguistic talents amazed the Americans. Archival documents also mention a young boy from Tirana who spoke five languages despite never having attended school. Taught by his father—the Prefect of Tirana, educated at the American College in Constantinople—the boy was employed by the missionaries as an interpreter and messenger. He was described as a “promising new talent in linguistics,” a symbol of Albania’s untapped intellectual potential.
A Forgotten Legacy
The story of Kolë and the young interpreter illustrates how, in the early 20th century, Albania was home to individuals whose skills bridged cultures and built trust during turbulent times. For the Americans, these Albanians were not only collaborators but also remarkable personalities who embodied wisdom, honesty, and talent.
Today, their names remain largely unknown outside historical archives. Yet, their legacy serves as a reminder that even in the hardest of times, extraordinary people can make a profound difference.