Albanian novelist and poet Ismail Kadare, known for his works that challenged the communist regime in Albania, has passed away at the age of 88 in Tirana. President Bajram Begaj praised Kadare as a “spiritual emancipator,” and the government declared two days of national mourning to honor his legacy.
Kadare gained international recognition for his novel “The General of the Dead Army,” which was published in 1963 and inspired a film starring Marcello Mastroianni. Despite facing repression from the communist government, Kadare continued to produce a wide range of literary works that were translated into 45 languages.
Born in Gjirokaster, Albania, Kadare studied in Moscow before returning to his home country where he faced persecution for his writings. Following the fall of communism, he resisted calls to become President of Albania and continued to focus on his writing career.
Kadare’s contributions to literature were widely celebrated, with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. French President Emmanuel Macron awarded him the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor title during a visit to Albania last year.
He is survived by his wife, Helena, and two daughters. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, and flags in Albania will fly at half-staff to mark the occasion. Kadare’s impact on Albanian literature and his defiance against oppressive regimes will be remembered for years to come.
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