In a remarkable gesture of cultural respect and international recognition, the Paris City Council has unanimously decided to honor the legendary Albanian writer Ismail Kadare by placing a commemorative plaque at 63 Boulevard Saint-Michel, the address where Kadare and his family lived for many years. This is the same place where the literary giant created some of the most celebrated masterpieces of his career, marking an unforgettable chapter in both Albanian and European literature.
The unanimous approval by the Paris Council represents not only a tribute to Kadare’s immense literary contribution but also a deep acknowledgment of the Albanian culture and its role within the European intellectual landscape. The decision has been warmly received in both Albania and France, resonating deeply with admirers of Kadare’s work around the world.
A Heartfelt Tribute from Paris to Albania
The news was first announced by the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in France through a heartfelt statement on social media. The embassy described the Paris Council’s decision as “a living and emotional homage to the colossus of Albanian letters, Ismail Kadare, and, through him, to Albania and its culture.”
The statement continued:
“The Paris City Council has tonight, with unanimity, voted in favor of placing a plaque in honor of Ismail Kadare at 63 Boulevard Saint-Michel, the place where he and his family lived for many years, and where he wrote some of the most beautiful pages of his literature. Thank you, Paris. Thank you, France.”
This symbolic recognition carries profound meaning. Paris was not just the city where Kadare resided—it was the place where he found intellectual freedom, creative inspiration, and a spiritual connection to European culture. For Kadare, France was a second home, and French readers were among the first to embrace his genius, thanks to early translations and critical acclaim from Parisian literary circles.
Ismail Kadare: The Voice of Albanian and European Literature
Ismail Kadare, who passed away on July 1, 2024, at the age of 88, remains one of the most influential writers of contemporary European literature. Born in Gjirokastra, Albania, Kadare rose to international prominence with his 1963 novel “The General of the Dead Army”, a haunting meditation on war, memory, and human absurdity.
Over the decades, Kadare’s works have been translated into more than forty languages, earning him an enduring place among the literary greats of the 20th and 21st centuries. His unique blend of myth, history, and political allegory allowed him to write about the universal human condition while also reflecting the complexities of life under dictatorship in Albania.
Among his most acclaimed novels are:
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The General of the Dead Army (Gjenerali i ushtrisë së vdekur)
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Chronicle in Stone (Kronikë në gur)
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Broken April (Prilli i thyer)
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The Palace of Dreams (Pallati i ëndrrave)
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The Concert at the End of Winter (Koncert në fund të dimrit)
Kadare’s ability to weave together Albania’s folklore, history, and modern existential struggles has made his works timeless. His prose bridges the gap between Balkan traditions and Western literary modernism, earning him prestigious awards such as the Prix Mondial Cino Del Duca (1992) and the Jerusalem Prize (2015). He was also frequently mentioned as a Nobel Prize candidate, reflecting his stature as a true citizen of world literature.
63 Boulevard Saint-Michel: A Place of Inspiration
The address 63 Boulevard Saint-Michel in Paris’s Latin Quarter holds deep sentimental value for Kadare’s readers. It was here, in the heart of the intellectual district, that Kadare lived, wrote, and reflected during his years in France. Surrounded by universities, libraries, and literary cafés, Kadare found in Saint-Michel a creative sanctuary that inspired much of his later writing.
By placing a memorial plaque at this exact location, the City of Paris not only celebrates the legacy of a foreign writer but also highlights the universal language of art and literature that transcends borders. For many Albanians living in France, this recognition symbolizes the integration of Albanian culture into the broader European narrative.
Cultural Diplomacy Through Literature
Kadare’s recognition by the Paris City Council is also a victory for cultural diplomacy. It underscores how literature can build bridges between nations and foster mutual respect through shared artistic values. For decades, Kadare’s novels have served as a window into Albania’s soul — revealing its history, resilience, and humanity to global readers.
This homage by Paris thus strengthens the cultural ties between France and Albania, reminding the world that great art belongs to everyone. As literature lovers, Albanians can take pride in knowing that Kadare’s voice continues to echo across the boulevards of Paris, immortalized not just in books, but now also in the city’s historic streets.
A Legacy That Lives On
Ismail Kadare’s passing marked the end of an era, but his words continue to live in the hearts of millions. The plaque at 63 Boulevard Saint-Michel will serve as a permanent reminder of his creative spirit and his profound connection with France. It ensures that future generations of readers, students, and writers will pause on that street, read his name, and remember the man who transformed Albanian literature into a universal art form.
With this gesture, Paris reaffirms its role as a capital of culture and memory — and honors a man who, through his pen, united nations and transcended time.