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| Statue of Pjetër Bogdani on the left and that of At Shtjefën Gjeçovi on the right |
The statue stands proudly in Zym, placed near the monument of At Shtjefën Gjeçovi, symbolizing the deep intellectual and cultural roots of this historic region. Both Bogdani and Gjeçovi are considered pillars of the Albanian national identity — men who devoted their lives to preserving and promoting the Albanian language, faith, and collective consciousness.
A Celebration of Cultural Continuity
The unveiling took place as part of the long-standing manifestation “Takimet e Gjeçovit” (The Gjeçovi Gatherings), which this year marked its 54th edition. The event brought together scholars, clergy, cultural figures, and local residents to pay tribute to Bogdani’s life and works.
Organizers emphasized that the inauguration of the statue serves a higher purpose than simple remembrance — it aims to strengthen the collective awareness of Albania’s deep historical and cultural roots, especially among younger generations. By situating the monument in Zym, a place traditionally linked with Bogdani’s origins, the local community underscores the enduring connection between place, memory, and identity.
Who Was Pjetër Bogdani?
Pjetër Bogdani (1625–1689) was born in the region of Has, in northern Albania, during a time of great political and religious upheaval. Educated in theology and philosophy, Bogdani rose to prominence as a Catholic bishop, theologian, and one of the first major authors in Albanian literature.
His masterpiece, “Çeta e Profetëve” (The Band of the Prophets), published in Padua in 1685, is widely recognized as one of the earliest and most important works written in the Albanian language. The book combined religious thought, philosophy, and national awareness, making it a cornerstone of early Albanian intellectual history.
Bogdani’s literary and theological contributions were not merely spiritual — they carried a patriotic dimension, reflecting his commitment to his people’s enlightenment and independence. He envisioned an Albania where knowledge, culture, and faith could coexist and strengthen the nation’s moral fiber.
Symbolism of the Statue in Zym
The decision to place the statue in Zym is deeply symbolic. The Has region has long been known as a cradle of Albanian spirituality and learning, and the installation of Bogdani’s figure beside that of At Gjeçovi creates a powerful narrative of cultural continuity.
At Shtjefën Gjeçovi, another monumental figure in Albanian history, was the compiler of the Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini, the traditional code of laws that preserved Albanian identity through centuries of foreign rule. The proximity of these two monuments creates a visual dialogue between faith, law, and national consciousness — three pillars upon which Albanian identity has historically rested.
During the ceremony, local and national leaders delivered speeches highlighting the importance of remembering intellectual heritage in an age of globalization and digital distraction. “By honoring Bogdani,” one speaker noted, “we are not only celebrating our past but also investing in our cultural future. A nation that forgets its thinkers risks losing its soul.”
Strengthening the Cultural Identity of Has
The ceremony in Zym drew not only local participants but also guests from across Kosovo and Albania. Cultural groups performed traditional music and poetry readings inspired by Bogdani’s works, while students from local schools presented essays and art pieces dedicated to his life and teachings.
This initiative is part of a broader movement to revitalize cultural tourism in northern Albania and Kosovo, where many of the region’s historical and literary figures were born. The municipality of Has, in collaboration with cultural institutions, aims to make Zym a destination for heritage travelers interested in exploring the roots of Albanian literature and theology.
A Message for the Future
The unveiling of Pjetër Bogdani’s statue is not just a commemorative act — it is a renewal of identity. In a rapidly changing world, where many small communities struggle to preserve their heritage, such events serve as reminders of the enduring strength of cultural memory.
Bogdani’s life and work transcend time. His vision of enlightenment through education, his commitment to faith and language, and his courage in the face of oppression continue to inspire Albanians everywhere. The new statue in Zym stands as a beacon of cultural resilience, reminding all who pass by that intellectual and spiritual freedom are the true foundations of a nation.
As the sun set over the Has mountains that day, the bronze figure of Pjetër Bogdani seemed to gaze proudly into the horizon — a symbol of wisdom, unity, and the unbroken spirit of Albania.