Albania

Albania is a country located on the Balkan Peninsula and therefore, it is primarily the focus of the peace impact of the Mili Dueli project.

Interestingly, Albania’s name has origins from Latin word “albus” which means “white“. According to historical information, the Romans called it because the sun always appeared on its side in the morning.

Since 1944, the country has found itself under the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha which lasted until 1985. Since 1990, the development of democracy and freedom has begun. Since 2009, Albania is a NATO-member country and has the candidate status for membership in the European Union (EU).

Today, Albania has about 2.8 million inhabitants, most of whom identify themselves as Albanians. Of the minority peoples, the Greeks are the most numerous. When it comes to religious structure, although Islam dominates (about 60%), the state has a significant number of Catholics (10%) and Orthodox (about 7%), so this country is without a doubt an example of a multi-religious community.

The main situation in the Balkans, this country has with Serbia and it is concerned about the country / autonomous province of Kosovo. Serbia does not recognize the independence of this autonomous province with which it was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and with which it also shares its rich history. Meanwhile, Albania insists on recognizing Kosovo’s independence, as there is a large ethnic Albanian population in the Kosovo area, which has called for autonomy due to dissatisfaction and discrimination being part of Serbia.

Significantly smaller conflicts between the two countries have taken place between Albania and North Macedonia over the issue of ethnic Albanians in North Macedonia. Today, these relations have significantly improved and both countries are moving together towards the European Union with the will of their citizens.

The official language is Albanian. Since the language is not close to the languages ​​of the peoples of the former Yugoslavia, the popularity of Mili Dueli is spreading more slowly in this country. However, in the seventh season, the authors began to apply. In the eighth season, we had a total of 26 applications from Albania, of which 13 authors were presented in the competition after pre-selection and due to the large number of applications we received.

The mission of the Mili Dueli project is to continue promote peace and tolerance, as well as intercultural dialogue and connecting Albanian poets with poets from other Balkan countries, but also the world. The project seeks to support a way to find a solution to stop conflict by getting to know the people of the conflicting parties. Also, spreading and exchanging cultures and anti-war propaganda is very welcomed, all that with the aim of overcoming Balkan disputes and possible bloodshed.