,

» a • jHF1 |g|yIfi • ** ^A-1. •y ^ r \ '

"'y :j^ ' ■&M1 ^ 'v. '» *•&**£*ILi}&z£&*a f t: 1 J A * j % " ' ./ i f ! / j Af 0 \1 / 1 . J i \ M ? : l

msM

r COMRADE ENVER HOXHA AMIDST PIONEERS

On the occasion of the New Year 1978, five hundred -pioneers came to Tirana from all the dis­ tricts of the Republic and met their most beloved teacher and educator, comrade Enver Hoxha. Comrade Enver, together with other Party and State leaders spent an unforgettable evening with them. On this occasion he talked to the pioneers about the care which the PLA and the people’s state-power show for the up-bringing and education of the younger generation. Among other things, comrade Enver Hoxha said: ■'■'You have all gathered here this evening to ce­ lebrate the New Year. You have come from all over Albania and that is a very fine thing. Just as our entire people are united to a man around the Party, here tonight too, we are like a big family. We representatives of the Party, are very happy to have hundreds of pioneers gathered around us here this evening. In greeting you, my comrades and I greet all the Albanian youth and the Albanian people, inside and outside of the country, wher­ ever they live, and on this oc­ casion we wish them a joyous and happ'd year and may the love in their hearts, in the heart of every Albanian for our beloved socialist Homeland, increase. We also greet all the pioneers of the world, as well as all our communist comrades who are fighting throughout the world for a happy life in their countries too, because theirs is a difficult life, which cannot be compared with the happy life which our people, our pioneers enjoy. Our hearts heat in unison with the hearts of all the revolutionaries and pioneers of the continents of the world who hope and are fighting to emerge into the sun­ light, too, as our people, our youth and pioneers did.» A COLLECTIVE OF CREATORS

NADIDE RE£I

NTE stands tor the Electro-Technical Enterprise. We see this brand on many articles of daily use which have Woman worker Rina become part and parcel of our lives. Dimro$i at the coilwind­ ing sector of the eiec- It is 10 years since the Electro-Technical Enterprise trotechnological plant in was set up in Tirana. It commenced its life like many Tirana. other enterprises in our country, with two departments, a small number of workers, and a few simple products. With the passing of the years, the enterprise has grown, and now it has undertaken an important task: to supply the consumers with a large number of electrotechnical appliances, which, just a few years ago were imported. One example which indicates the level of mechani­ zation and the increase in productivity is the fact that, whereas the labour force has increased 1.5 fold, the range of new appliances produced has increased 12 times over, during the same period. Among these are incandescent and In the technological fluorescent lamps, domestic electrical appliances, spare bureau of the plant: parts for motor vehicles etc. Production of such things AleksandSra Janku at as electric bells, 5-8 and 12 volt transformers, rtiagnetic work. cut-outs etc., has extended greatly in the past two years. There are innovators working in every department. Fatlme Ymeri doing the final quality check Through their study and research work they have succed- on lamps. ed in building a series of machines which have automated Photos: S. Xhillari the work processes in the department and now they have begun the serial production of electrical spare parts for motor-vehicles. The NTE is an enterprise where women predominate: they may be found not only at the machines but also in the leading positions in workshops and brigades. Due to the care that usually characterizes women, the quality of the products has improved and their aesthetic appea­ rance is very good. This has made it possible to offer these products to the foreign firms. In the near future, NTE will become known to custom­ ers abroad. Besides this, production of many important new products is envisaged during the years of the 6th Five-year Plan. This has been achieved through raising the profes­ sional-educational level of all the workers. Today more than 75% of the workers have completed their general and vocational secondary schooling while continuing their jobs. The remainder are still attending the vocational se­ condary school. Some of them have gained diplomas from higher schools in courses responding to the needs of the enterprise. The number of electrical, mechanical, and che­ mical engineers working there is twelve times greater than eight years ago. The engineers and technicians run the qualification courses which are regularly attended by all the workers. Some of these engineers teach in the vocational secondary school in the evenings. The fact that their products have replaced those which were imported before, and that they are increasingly sa­ tisfying every customer and family, is a great joy to the workers of this enterprise.

2 THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAGAZINE «NEW ALB

The 30th anniversary of the publication of the first issue of Along with our increasing victories, the growing prestige of the illustrated magazine, «New Albania", was comemorated with our country in the world, and the ever greater interest shown in a meeting organized in the Palace of Culture in Tirana, at the socialist Albania, the number of readers too, has risen from year end of December last year. This was the first Albanian periodical to year. The number of direct subscriptions from readers in 1977 to appear in foreign languages and its aim was to make Albania, in was greater than the total print in 1970. «New Albania" is sold all its aspects, known to foreign readers. in the bookshops of various countries, is distributed by the Associa­ Since 1947, the magazine, «New Albania", has been militating tions for Friendship with Albania, and goes to about 60 countries shoulder to shoulder with all our people’s press.' Today, it has of the world. become a worthy organ of our press, which enjoys prestige abroad A pointer of the freindly and revolutionary feelings towards and has readers in all continents. The magazine, «New Albania", our Party and comrade Enver Hoxha, is the large number of has grown parallel with the development of the whole country: at letters that come to the editorial board. These letters originate first it appeared only in French, while today it appears in 8 from every part of the globe. They come not only from the languages: Albanian, French, Russian, English, Spanish, German, countries of Europe and America, but also from Japan, Australia. Italian and Arabic. Each issne runs to about 70,000 copies. The Guinea, and even from the Island of Mauritius far to the east of content of the magazine has accurately reflected the Marxist-Le- the coast of Southern Africa. The burden of the overwhelming ninist line of the Party of Labour of Albania, its struggle in majority of these letters is message of friendship and sympathy defence of the purity of Marxism-Leninism against imperialist and for the PLA and comrade Enver Hoxha, a message of sympathy revisionist enemies. Through the articles, documents and photographs and solidarity with socialist Albania. In these letters the readers in the pages of the bimonthly «New Albania", the foreign reader has express very warm words about the Marxist-Leninist policy and been able to learn about the development of the revolution in stand of our Party, in the case of Albanians living abroad they our country. The range of themes of the magazine, covering all express their longing for the Homeland, and they express good fields of life, has enabled the friends and wellwishers of our wishes and admiration for comrade Enver Hoxha. solidarity with and country to know the life of the people, the creative and self support for Albania which is standing firm as granite rock against — sacrificing work of our workers, peasants, intelligentsia, on the various fronts of socialist construction. the pressures and blackmail by imperialists and revisionists of With their poisonous propaganda, the imperialist enemies, modern all shades. In the majority of the letters sent to the editorial board, revisionists and reactionaries of every hue, have tried to befog the the readers request materials about Albania — a map, our national reality of socialist Albania, to obscure its successes, and to isolate flag, the portrait of comrade Enver Hoxha and his works, the Albania from the world abroad. This period of more than three Constitution of socialist Albania, the history of the PLA, a certain decades has shown that every attempt of the enemies in this di­ issue of the magazine missing from the collection, or they ask rection has failed. No imperialist, revisionist or any other kind of questions about the solution of this or that problem in Albania. fog, has been able to cloud the reality of Albania, a reality as Friends from different countries of the world who have visited brillant as the light of the sun. This reality has now become known Albania, have expressed their good impresions about everything in the four corners of the earth: from Japan to Portugal, from they have seen in Albania, through the pages of the magazine. Canada to the Latin America and Australia. The correct Marxist - They make a high assessment of our successes in the fields of Leninist line of the PLA with comrade Enver Hoxha at the head, economic, social and cultural development. In their impressions on the victories achieved thanks to this line, have brought about Albania, which remain documented in the pages of the magazine, that Albania enjoys great international authority and prestige they express their admiration over the fact that in Albania there today. Albania has become an example inspiring confidence in the is no exploitation of man by man, no impoverishment of the masses, peoples who are fighting for freedom, democracy and socialism. unemployment, or degeneration of the younger generation. They Our country’s propaganda abroad is active propaganda based on admire the vitality of our people, a vitality which has its basis the Marxist-Leninist truth of Albania. In this direction, the maga­ in the socialist order, under the wise and farsighted leadership of zine, «New Albania", performs an important function. the P.L.A.

3 F I E R X E ,

THE HYDRO-POWER BEING BUILT IN PLANT UNDER CON­ GRAVEL AND STONE STRUCTION ATFIER- WITH A CLAY CO­ ZA ON THE DRIN RE. THESE PHOTOS RIVER IS ONE OF SHOW SOME AS­ THE MOST IMPOR­ PECTS FROM THE TANT PROJECTS OF WORK ON THIS THE 5TH FIVEYEAR PROJECT. THE FIRST PLAN (1976-1980). THE TURBINE WILL SOON LARGEST OBJECT IS BE IN OPERATION. THE DAM 165 MET­ WHEN THIS PROJECT RES HIGH WHICH IS IS FULLY COMMIS- 1973

SIONED AT THE END OF THIS FIVE-YEAR PLAN, THE PRO­ DUCTION OF ELEC­ TRIC POWER FROM THE HYDRO-STA­ TIONS WILL BE TRE­ BLED.

Photos: S. Nenaj, P. Kuxni Kruja district People’s Council. The perspec­ tive of mass construction was opened to the THE PASSION ancient city with such a glorious history. You may get acquinted here with indus­ trial projects, residential buildings, outline plans of new villages... Through them, one can -read* the biography of the building work, O F THE throughout the Kruja district. Haxhi Subashi has a special love for the city of his birth. For him, Kruja has a num­ ber of special features which are rarely to be ARCHITECT found in other cities of Albania. Kruja is a balcony city facing the Adriatic, perched on SHABAN VANI the side of the mountain which rises sharply •“No, no, horizontal construction is not sui­ above it. table for Kruja!- For this reason, the architect has been Haxhi Subashi threw his pencil on the most concerned to preserve the nature and drawing board and stood up. Then, turning historical characteristics of Kruja. Together slightly towards the wall added: -I wish I had with his comrades, through studies and con­ a very big picture of Kruja, a gigantic pic­ sultations, he has found the most suitable form. ture taking up this whole wall. Then, I would The new buildings stress the vertical. Each De able to see my town better and I would of them seems to be a component part of harmonize all the future construction... ». this rocky terrain, the continuation of it, al­ Haxhi Subashi is an architect in the city most like castles attached to the ancient fort­ planning and design office under the Execu­ ress. From a distance, they seem as if they tive Committee of the Kruja district People’s have grown from the rock and are competing Council. His passion is to give the city in with the mountains. Moreover, they are a which he was born and the former Capital tasteful combination of elements of the na­ of Albania in Scanderbeg’s time, a new appea­ tional tradition with the modern. They are rance. harmonized in such a striking manner that He does not remember when his love for Architect Haxhi Subashi in his office. it is difficult to distinguish clearly where the this profession was born. His talks with his one begins and the other ends. The result is father were mostly about construction. But in the building sector. He had nothing to that all these buildings look like a unified Abdulla Subashi worked in a much narrower do with the finer points of the work, as he ensemble, in which the modern is the conti­ sphere than his son — he worked building had dreamed with that vivid imagination of nuation of the ancient. roads in his hometown or the neighbourhood youth, but this experience in building work •“The rugged terrain, concern to avoid de- becuase pre-liberation Kruja had only a pri­ was another school for him. This was the maging the olive trees, the need to combine mitive oil press and lime kilns. school of life. In 1958 Haxhi Subashi was the new buildings with the existing ones, all The boy liked technical drawing and was granted the right to study construction engi­ these things make our task difficult-, says enraptured by any photograph showing a neering at the University. At that time, the the architect. superphosphate plant, the first of its kind in beautiful building. Years passed and he began When a new residential building is to start to see such works, not just in photographs, our country, and together with it, the town of La?, the fourth in that district, were under he thinks of it just as if his own children but in reality, throughout our country. were going live out their lives in that build­ And one day Haxhi Subashi saw that he construction. The city of Kruja, too. formerly backward had begun its industrial march. ing. Working in this spirit he has made it was very close to attaining his dream — the possible for the residents of each main section state granted him a bursary to study at the After graduation, the young architect worked of the building to have views of those charac­ Construction Technical school in Tirana. In for two years on this project. teristic features for which Kruja is famous, 1954 he finished this school with no marks In 1966, the town planning office was set the ancient castle, where our legendary hero, below excellent. For four years he worked up under the Executive Committee of the Scanderbeg, with his army destroyed the Ot-

6 toman hordes in the 15th century, the industrial projects and the villages spread out on the plain below, and the sun setting below the blue waters of the Adriatic... «In designing the new hotel, we were ca­ reful to ensure that the most attractive views of Kruja, that is, of the places where people usually spend the most time, can be seen from the various sides. The same can be said for the blocks of flats: the living rooms mostly face the West, looking at the most characteristic aspects of this city. The balconies also face this direction. Thus, a striking combination of the external architec­ tural aspect with the functional aspect has been achieved. During the last ten years, so many four and five storey buildings have gone up in Kruja that, today, they house one quarter of the city’s residents (The population of Kruja is now double that of the pre-liberation period). A wrinkle furrous the architect’s brow — «The work of the architect is linked with spending large sums and bears a heavy respon­ sibility for the future. Whereas in applied arts of sculpture you can destroy a work you have begun and start again, a building which has been started must be completed and it won’t be only the present generation that judges it. , Haxhi Subashi showed us a series of photo­ graphs. He had taken them himself. They show buildings which no longer exist, as well as various projects at different stages of con­ struction__ In a word, they represent the whole dynamic of construction in Kruja in the last ten years. "What we have done so far is only the beginning... The times raise new, bigger tasks for us. The architect and his comrades study, search... When we left, night had fallen over the town. From the plain, below, Kruja looked like a mass of glowing embers stuck on the steep mountains side. Looking at the flicker­ ing outline of that city, as ancient as it is new, we could not help thinking of the burn­ Wlews of some of ing passion of Haxhi Subashi, the vivid dream the new buildings of the young architect of the ancient city. . . in the city of Kru­ ja.

1 THE ALBANIAN LEAGUE FOUNDED AT PRIZREN

Prof. ABBEN PUTO

The Eastern crisis of the 1875- the four vilajets, institutions to were formed spontaneously in va­ not to recognise the treaty of St. 1878 period was an event of great be entrusted to functionaries of rious regions of Albania to face Stephan and to submit the condi­ importance for the entire Balkan Albanian origin, the introduction up to the threat. tions for the Russian-Turkish peace peninsula. It affected Albania too. of the Albanian language in such At the same time, "The central agreement to the approval of an It was precisely at this time that compulsory schooling as there was, Committee for the defence of the international congress, due to meet and in juridical practice, the gua­ rights of the Albanian nationality on June 13,1878, in Berlin, encou­ the Albanian problem was brought rantee that the local recruits would raged efforts in this direction. was formed in Istambul under the to the notice of the diplomacy of carry out their military service in The assembly gathered at Prizren chairmanship of Abdyl Frasheri, the great powers. their own region, the allocation on June 10,1878, three days after who became its guiding spirit, with Albanian could not stand aside of the bulk of the budgetary in­ the opening of the Berlin Congress. the participation of many distin­ from these events, and during these come of the province to local About 80 delegates from the vila­ guished personalities of the Alba­ years, increasing activity by the needs. The Janina memorandum jets of Kosova, Shkodra, Manastirn nian national movement, belonging patriotic circles can be seen. The did not produce any effect. Never, and Janina were present. The to the three religious cults, such most advanced elements see this opening speech was delivered by up to that time, had the Albanian as P. Vasa, J. Vreto, Z. Prishtina, as a favourable opportunity to inte­ A. Frasheri, who, after making an public displayed such great indi­ S. Toptani etc. forced to act in grate the movement of insurgency gnation as that following the exposition of the political situation illegality during the whole of its in Albania within the united front events of the Balkan crisis. at that period concluded by invit­ existence. "The Albanian Revolu­ of the oppressed nations in strug­ Other dangers were soon to ing the delegates to unite in a sin­ tionary Committee**, as it was call­ gle againts the Empire. First, the threaten the integrity of Albanian gle front againts the danger of the ed by foreign diplomats of the increasing efforts by the Sublime territory. Encouraged by the vic­ partitioning of the country and to time, defined the course it would Porte to arouse in the muslim po­ tories of their great defender, Ser­ form a national league according follow, which it announced at the pulation of Albania a religious fa­ bia and Montenegro recommenced to the old Albanian tradition. The end of May through a manifesto naticism capable of increasing ten­ operations against Turkey, march­ assembly unanimously aproved his addressed to the Albanian people. sion to the maximum in their re­ ing towards the South. In January proposal, thus creating the political In it, the Central Committee stressed lations with the neighbouring po­ 1878, the Serbian troops entered organization which has gone down its objective. It put everything in pulations, had to be neutralized. the district of Kosova, while the in history under the name "The motion to defend, the rights of the The activities of the writer, Zef Montenegrins advanced towards League of Prizren**. It immediately Albanian nation before world opi­ Jubani and the abbot Preng Dogi Shkodra. Immediately the occupiers issued the call for the setting up nion and European diplomacy. Whi­ from Shkodra, that reached the launched an unprecedented wave of an armed force comprised of le strongly denouncing the anne­ point of proposing the idea of col­ of persecutions with the aim of volunteers. Its defence committees xationist aims of the neighbouring laboration between the Albanians driving the local population from were invited to join it. Both dur­ countries towards the Albanian and the Montenegrins, were parti­ their homes. In one of its order ing the debates in the League of territories, the manifesto express­ cularly fruitful. The anti-Turkish sent to its armies on this ques­ Prizren about the adoption of the ed the desire of the Albanians to revolts throughout Northern Alba­ tion, the Belgrade government de­ program of action and during the live in peace with all their neigh­ nia broke out even more power­ clared: "The fewer Albanians and events to follow, two clearly divided fully. It is interesting to point out Turks that remain, the greater the bours of Montenegro, Greece, Ser­ trends became apparent. On the here that the Russian consul in service you will render your coun­ bia and Bulgaria. It concluded: "We one hand, many pashas, big estate Shkodra, Shpeyer, wrote in No­ try.** The driving to the South demand nothing of them and covet owners and reactionary representa­ vember 1876: "It is difficult to pre­ of tens of thousands of Alba­ nothing which belongs to them; tives of the high Islamic clergy, dict the result of the uprising, but nian muslims caused a great stir in but we are absolutely determined (whose stand was in fact dictated whatever happens, undoubtedly, the country. In February, Greece, to preserve everything what is ours by the Sublime Porte) tried to Europe will soon have another too, joined in the game. Though at any cost. Thus, Albanian lands give the League the character of problem to solve: the Albanian it had remained neutral, it has­ must be left with the Albanians**. an Islamic organization which problem**. tened to make the most of the The creation of a political orga­ was to include the Albanian and In fact, this new situation arous­ defeat of the Turkish army by nization with an armed force at non-Albanian Muslim population of ed hopes that the Albanian aspi­ occupying territories belonging to its disposal and acting in more or the Balkan peninsula (Bosnians, rations might be taken into con­ the Janina vilajet, and to this end, less legal circumstances, became Bulgarians, Turks etc,), whose main sideration; however, later events it urgently sent a detachment of an urgent need for the realisation aim would be to preserve the in­ led to the loss of these hopes. some hundreds of "volunteers**, to of the program of the Committee. tegrity of the Empire. The other Just as in the past, the big po­ the Saranda region, on the Sou­ Naturally, in its initial stage, the trend was represented by Albanian wers did not recognise the na­ thern coast. The action failed. main point of the program, could nationalists, with A. Frasheri at tional interests of the Albanians, The immediate result of the be nothing other than the defence the head. They wanted to give the while the neighbouring states re­ stand maintained by the neighbour­ of the threatened Albanian territo­ League the character of a patrio­ newed their claims to the Albanian ing states was the cessation of ries. Upon this basis, certain tem­ tic organization which would unite territories. The Albanian regions Albanian revolts against the Subli­ porary common interests linked the in its ranks all Albanians without of Dibra, Tetova, Gostivar and Ka- me Porte. At the end of April, Albanian movement with the Su­ religious destinction. The objective ganik were included in the Western the whole country was shaken when blime Porte, the former aiming to of the League was to be not only «vilajet** of Bulgaria. This fact, it learned that the treaty of Saint have its hands free in regard to the defence of Albanian territories, among others, impelled Abdyl Fra­ Stephan, signed on the 3rd of the Turkish authorities, while the but also, when circumstances pre­ sheri, an outstanding Albanian pa­ March, 1878 between victorious latter profoundly desired that the sented themselves, the struggle for triot deputy for Janina in thq Otto­ Russia and Turkey, had decided on resistence of the local population Albania’s independence from the man parliament, as well as a great the ceding of Albanian territories should create an obstacle to the Sublime Porte. number of personalities of Sou­ to the Balkan states, and precisely schemes for the partitioning of the After it had elected the Central thern Albania, to gather at Janina. the handing over of the Sanjok of Empire. Council of the League and drafted From here they sent a memoran­ Prishtina to Serbia, the regions of In Albania, preparations began the memorandum directed to the dum to the Porte demanding admi­ Ulqini, Hoti, Plava and Gucia immediately for the summoning of Congress of Berlin, the assembly nistrative autonomy for the whole were given to Montenegro, while an assembly made up of personali­ dispersed, recommending to those of Albania. The memorandum In­ Bulgaria would take those of Kor­ ties from all regions as quickly as taking part that they should form cluded the following points: the uni­ ea, Pogradeci, Dibra, Gostivari and possible. On the other hand, the local committees as quickly as pos­ fication into a single province of Tetova. Local defence committees decision taken by the big powers sible. After the proceedings of the

8 Assembly of Prizren, during the Marshall did not want to take any activity of these committees, the account of the people’s movement nationalist tendency was to affirm which was expressed in hostile itself much more strongly. The demonstrations against the Sublime A BROAD first sign of this was at the meet­ Porte. He continued his march to­ ing of delegates of the regions of wards the border to hand over the the Janina vilajet. Gathered in above mentioned places to Monte­ Frasher, under the chairmanship negro. But, on September 1,1878, A. Frasheri, they adopted a docu­ when Mehmet Ali Pasha had only PROGRAM ment in favour of the national just arrived in Gjakova, the local orientation of the League. On its Committee of the League proposed part, the regional committee of that he should leave the city and Shkodra, while opposing any pre­ return to Istambul. Following the O F W O RK domination of religious sentiments Marshal’s refusal, bloody clashes over national sentiments, declared broke out between the Turkish for­ in a petition addressed to the Bri­ ces and those of the League. The tish Foreign Secretary, Lord Bea- fighting ended three days later, consfield, on June 18,1878: "The with the death of Sultan’s envoy, Albanian whether Catholic, Ortho­ on September 6,1878. dox or Muslim, hates both the Tur­ The events in Gjakova had great kish domination and any other repercursions, both inside the coun­ foreign domination". try and abroad, because Marshall The powers at the Congress of Ali Pasha was very well known Berlin did not take the existence in European diplomatic circles. Fo­ of an Albanian problem into con­ reign observers in Kosova consider­ sideration and continued to regard ed that this was the beginning of Albania as Turkish territory. The an armed revolt of the Albanian On the eve of the New Year 1978, the Central Commission in Congress made a new division of people against the Sublime Porte. charge of activities dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Albanian the Ottoman Empire intended to A few days later, on September League founded at Prizren in 1878 was called together. The Commission reduce the Russian influence in 11, the Consul general, Lippish, discussed and approved the program of political-social and cultural- the Balkans. Bulgaria’s indepen­ wrote in Viena: "Under such cir­ scientific activities which will be held all over the country during dence under the protection of Sul­ cumstances, it would not be sur­ tan was recognized, but with its 1978. This program envisages the organization of a commemorative prising if the fire of the uprising, conference in June, at which the working people will solemnly com­ borders much reduced in compa­ which has engulfed these lands, rison with those defined by the were to spread its flames in all memorate and honour this marked historic event. Following this a treaty of St. Stephan. They no lon­ directions, and if the movement, National Scientific Conference in Tirana and people’s commemorative ger included Albanian territories. with its ruinous consequences, we­ meetings will be organized, as well as scientific sessions in the districts The powers refused to give the re to be turned against the Subli­ of Kukes, Peshkopia, Shkodra, Gjirokastra and Korga, which were sanjak of Prishtina to Serbia, whi­ me Porte. The insurgents and the important bases of the Albanian League during the years 1878-1881. le giving it other regions popu­ Legue dominate the situation to­ The National Scientific Conference, to be held in Tirana, will be lated mostly by Slavs in compen­ day". sation. As regards the Albanian ter­ organized by the Academy of Sciences and the University of Tirana. In that clash at Gjakova, another Based on the assessments of the PLA and comrade Enver Hoxha of ritories that Montenegro coveted, fact became known: the Sultan’s the Congress of Berlin refused it envoy was not the only one to the renaissance in general and of the Albanian League of the years only the city of Ulqin, while meet his death. Abdullah Pasha 1878-1881 in particular, the Conference is intended to shed new light recognising the annexation of Pla- Dreni, chairman of the local com­ on this glorious event. By reassessing the known documents and Using va and Gucia. Tha High Court of mittee of the League, who main­ new material and documents, it will bring out all the aspects of the Berlin also satisfied the claims of tained connections with the Turks, Greece, by recommending as the shared the same fate. In general, struggle of the broad masses of the people, who, under the leadership border, the line of the Kalamas- that was the punishment meted out of the League, and fighting in an organized way on all fronts against Salamvria rivers, while stressing, to elements who collaborated with the Ottoman rulers, the imperialist great powers and chauvinist mo­ on the other hand, that the defi­ the foreign occupiers. Meanwhile, narchies of the Balkans, emerged as the masters of the territorial nition of new borders should, in the Sublime Porte did not dare integrity of the Homeland, national unity and the right to autonomy any case, be examined by a Tur- react, and fearful of aggravating kish-Greek commission. the situation, was obliged to treat and national independence, for the social and cultural progress of In response to the decisions of the whole affair gently. Apart our people. Moreover, the conference will shed light on the outcome the Berlin Congress, the League from this, it did not dare to carry of historical processes and traditions which the Albanian League made rapid preparations to pre­ Mehmet Ali Pasha’s mission created at Prizren, elevated to a higher level, and will criticize and vent the annexation of Plava and through to the end, thus postpon­ refute the bourgeois and revisionist views on the Albanian League ing the question of handing over Gucia. Thanks to the rallying of of foreign authors, who, in a number of instances, deny its importance many volunteers, an Albanian army to Montenegro the regions that had numbering some tens of thousands been allocated to it. The atmosphe­ and distort its character. of men was formed within a very re of tension between the Alba­ A large number of historians, scholars of diffirent profiles, short time. However, when the at­ nians and the Sublime Porte gave scientific co-workers, teachers, patriots, veterans, writers and artists, tention of the Albanians was di­ the nationalists the opportunity to in the capital and the districts have set to work to prepare these rected to the border with Monte­ put forward the question of a re­ activities. negro, the first conflict between examination of the line adopted at A steady increase in the publication of different articles has begun the assembly of Prizren, with the the League and the Sublime Porte in the press in general and in the scientific and literary-artistic press broke out. Applying the decisions aim of definitely committing the of the Congress of Berlin, in League to the course of national in particular, devoted to the Albanian League, created at Prizren, and August, the Austro-Hungarian demands. the role of the masses and the most renowned popular figures during troops began their march to the The Albanian League founded at this period etc. In special Radio and Television programs our working South to occupy Bosnia-Hertcgovi- Prizren occupies a special place in people will gain intimate knowledge of many different aspects of this na. Although it had accepted this Albanian history, not only because event. The New Albanian Film Studios will prepare documentary decision, the Sublime Porte at­ of the great influence it exerted films dedicated to the patriotic Frasheri brothers and the 100th tempted to oppose its implementa­ on events within the country, but anniversary of the Albanian League. Our drama theatres and other tion by setting some of the local also because of its repercussions at creative artists, writers, composers, painters, sculptors, etc., will reflect populace against it. To this end it the international level. It was pre­ demanded that the Albanian Lea­ cisely thanks to the Albanian Lea­ this event from an artistic angle. In this context, during 1978, an gue founded at Prizren should acti­ gue founded at Prizren, that the exhibition of figurative arts devoted to patriotic themes, will be vely defend the Muslim "brothers" Albanian question became recogniz­ opened in Tirana for which, under the care of the League of the from Bosnia with its armed forces. ed for the first time on the di­ Albanian Writers and Artists, our professional and amateur creative Supporting the idea of the natio­ plomatic scene. Certainly Albania forces have been engaged. A number of composers have devoted special nalist trend, the League refused to and the Albanians had long at­ attention to this event and a concert will be organized with their send its trops to Bosnia. This was tracted the attention of one or the works. the first disappointment of the ho­ other power, but not at that level The people are awaiting the scientific publications with special pes of the Sublime Porte in regard at which it was raised after the to the League. League. None of the powers parti­ interest. The Institute of History is preparing a series of scientific The second dates from the end of cipating in the Berlin Congress had publications in Albanian and foreign languages: monographic studies the month, with the arrival in Al­ expected that their decisions over on the Albanian League and national movement, documentary volumes bania of the Sultan’s extraordinary the Albanian territories would with acts and decisions of this League, with correspondence of our envoy, Marshall Mehmet Ali Pa­ arouse such opposition among the renaissance fighters, memorandums of our national movement etc. sha. The former delegate of the local population, organized by the During the days of the National Scientific Conference in Tirana, an Albanian League founded at Priz­ Berlin Congress had come to try exhibition devoted to the Albanian League founded at Prizren will to convince the Albanians not to ren. This forced them to reexami­ be opened with a wealth of documents from archives, foreign publi­ oppose the decision to cede Plava ne the decisions taken several ti­ and Gucia to Montenegro. The mes, over the next three years. cations etc.

9 Green houses, or as we call them «roofed fields)), have been built even in the coldest regions. During winter they are green with different crops. On the market in Albania one finds fresh vegetables all the year round at reasonable prices. The State has invested and continues to invest large sums for the development of this branch of agriculture. W ithin the period from 1972 to 1977 alone the area of heated greenhouses has increased eight fold. They produce high yields: 1,200 quintals of tomatoes, 1,300 quintals of cucumbers, etc. per hectare. INDOOR AGRI­ CULTURE

d iiim it e r m a h t a

Travelling through Albania, one is struck by the big areas enclosed with glass or plas­ tic. Various kinds of out-of-season vegetables are cultivated in them. Thus, when the nearby mountains are white with snow, these roofed fields are green. «Roofed fields** can be seen in such zones as Korea, where the temperature goes far below zero. There are two kinds of roofed fields: with solar heating only — covered with glass or plastic, and with central heating — covered with glass. Early vegetables are grown in the former, while in the latter vegetables for winter are grown. The state has invested considerable funds for the development of this branch of agriculture, thus creating a powerful material basis, which ensures continuous production both for the needs of home consumption and for export. Thus, one can find various fresh vegeta­ bles at reasonable prices in Albania, all the year round. Compared with a few years ago, con­ sumption of vegetables is very much greater and is steadily increasing. The first hothouses with artificial- heating in Albania were set up on the State Farm of Sukthi (Central Albania), and later, from year to year, they were extended all over the country. During the years 1972-1977 the area of hothouses with artificial heating inceased 8 times and it is still extending rapidly. The main vegetables grown in the hothouses are tomatoes, cucumbers and capsicums which pro­ vide fresh products from October through to June of the following year. The average yields from hothouses with artificial heating during these years have been as follows: tomatoes-1200 quintals per hectare, cucumber-1300 quintals per hectare. If we add the production taken from second crops, the yield per hectare achieved amounts to 1600-1700 quintals. Very good conditions exist for the develop­ ment of vegetable crops also, in areas protect­ ed by glass or plastic, without artificial heat- ting, Early crops of tomatoes, capsicums, egg­ plant and cucumbers are grown in them to give production 15-16 days earlier than those plant­ ed in the open.

View of heated greenhouses at Levan in the Fier district.

Working on the plants in these greenhouses.

Greenhouse products in the district of Tirana. Photo: N. Kodheli AN ACCOMPA TH. KERKESHI

During the firts days of January we 3,700 kilograms of milk per head was pro­ visited the State Farm at Kamza, on the duced from 1,100 cows. The working people outskirts of Tirana. This is a specialised of the complex achieved the best results. He­ dairy farm and its main task is to supply re 700 cows produced on average of 4,000 milk for the citizens of the capital. kilograms of milk per head. Some of the It has about two thousand cows. A model milkers have got 5,000 kilograms of good material-technical base with a capa­ milk per cow, and in a few instances ble staff of specialists, to look after them even 6,000 kilograms. These are called has been established. "record cows*. To achieve this has required The cows are divided between diffe­ a great deal of work, progressing gradually rent sectors. Together with the chief ve­ from phase to phase. First of all the me­ terinarian we went to see the livestock thod of herd improvement was applied complex of the central sector. The modern by cross breeding with pedigree stock, sui­ byves are in a circle with spacious yards, table for the conditions of the farm, as well paved • roads and other necessary ameni-. as by strengthening the fodder base. Up ties. They are clean with ample light and until 1957 this improvement was done' by fresh air. The removal of menure is natural breeding alone. Since then the mechanised. Included in complex is fod­ mdst modern methods have been used at der preparing unit as well as the calv­ Kamza and all over Albania. Ensuring food ing section and special stalls for rais­ for the cows has been put on a scientific ing calves and heiferys. Milking is by ma­ basis too. The farm has a large area of chine. land at its disposal for raising fodder Before the liberation of Albania (1944), crops. in this region, as all over the country, Today there are tens of cooperative the predominant breed of cow was small and state farms in Albania where pedigree in stature and with low productivity. Now catlle predominate. Among them are the at the Kamza farm the majority of the state farms at Sukth, Lushnje, Maliq, cows are pedigree Friesians. Last year the Thumana, the zootechnical enterprise in average yield was 3,500 kilograms of milk Shkodra, and the agricultural cooperatives per cow. In the first sector, an average of of Lumalas, Shijak, Buchimas. These cows

12 NIMENT OF INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE

give high milk yields and every year provide thousands of calves and heifers for breeding purposes. These farms also have special beet raising centres. The best known breeds used for herd improvement are Friesian and Jersey for the lowlands and hilly regions and the Obe- rinntal breed which is being introduced in the mountainous regions. As a result of all this work the number of cattle has increased 70% and milk pro­ duction per cow, almost six fold as against the pre-war period. 25 years ago, only 3% of the cows were of improved breed, whereas now more than 75% of them are of high productivity breeds. In the state sector 80% of the cattle are pure bred and 20% crossbred. In most of the state and cooperativist economies modern cattle complexes have been set up, equipped with machinery to supply water, for milking, for fodder pro­ cessing and removal of manure. They employ thousands of workers and specia­ lists who are steadily raising their pro­ fessional abilities. In all the big econo­ mies there are different qualification cour­ ses and vocational secondary schools. The Higher Institute of Agricultural Studies has special zootechny and veterinary faculties. During the sixth five year plan, 1976- 1980, the output of milk is envisaged to increase thirty-five to thirty-seven percent, mainly through further herd improve­ ment, the strengthening of the fodder base, and an increased number of cows.

The cattle raising farm Maliq in the Korea district. Photo: AT A In one of the byres at the state farm at Kamza, Tirana. The state farms and many agricultural cooperatives have been equipped with milk­ ing machines. In the picture: one of the byres of the Zootechnical Station in Shkodra. Photos bv N. Kodheli FRAGMENTS FROM THE LIFE I

HALIM STOLIA

View of the town of Lezha and the plains to the west.

Lezha is a city in the North — history which dates back over ma­ etc, Lezha managed to survive speculations of the Venetian mer­ West of Albania. The population ny centuries. It has witnessed many through to the years of people’s chants with the local feudal chiefs of the city itself does not exceed invasions, from the Romans to the statepower, the years of socialist and the Sublime Porte. The chro­ 10,000 residents. In ancient history Goths, the Ottomans, Venetians Albania. nicles of present day Lezha has books, Lezha is mentioned under and the Slavs, up to the fascists Now, Lezha, breathes freely, it nothing in comon with the chro­ the name of Lissus. It is known and nazis of our century. The peo­ is growing, becoming stronger and nicles of medieval times, with the as an Ilyrian city as early as in ple have also" experienced the sa­ more beautiful day by day. It has chronicles of the cities in the capi­ the fourth century before our era. vage oppression and exploitation of assumed the appearance of a small talist countries. A short chronicle The relics of antiquity — the castle the monarchic regime of Ahmet socialist city, where life is in full of twenty four hours would be overlooking the city, archaeological Zog. The people of Lezha have a swing, where the people, with a enough to give us a simple outline discoveries, speak of the antiquity saying which goes like this: in the song on their lips are working, of the features of the socialist city. of the former Lissus which is call­ time of Zog oppression and poverty creating, and guarding the victo­ Here it is. ed Lezha today. The people of hit us from three directions — from ries achieved. January, 1978. A cold day. We Lezha speak with pride about their God, from the King and from the In the past those who wrote are approaching the city. The first city because of another fact. It was river, in other words, from reli­ about Lezha described in detail the buildings come into sight: beauti­ here that the legendary hero of the gion, from the regime and floods. diocese, the tribute and taxes taken ful, white, five-storied buildings Albanian people, Gjergj Kastriot Despite all the ups and downs from the peasants, the tragedies with flowers on the balconies. Be­ Skanderbeg, died on the 17th of over the centuries, unlike many and customs of the vendetta, the side the road, the pylons carrying January, 1468. other Albanian cities, such as Anti- swamps infested with malaria, the power in the high tension lines to As can be seen, this city has a gonea, Amantia, Bylis, Apollonia death toll from tuberculosis, the the city stand rigid as soldiers on

The National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti alias Skanderbeg. w buried here in January 146

14 parade. Beyond to the distant fully in their beds. Their waters Committee of the district. This is ple, on the leading role of the Par­ horizon stretch the beautiful fields irrigate the lands of Bregu i Matit the nerve centre directing the who­ ty in the entire life of the country. *of the regenerated plains, with tho­ and Lezha Island, Zadrima and le life of the city. Here the work­ Together with Comrade Nezir se big irrigation canals, beside Balldreni. The monstrous power of ing people and the apparatus are Osmani, inspector of culture in the which powerful tractors and exca­ the twin rivers has been imprison­ concerned with the most varied Executive Committee of the dis­ vators are working. There is a ed by the dams of powerful hydro­ problems: from the major problems trict, we shall visit a number of dialectical connection between these electric stations and now, that of agriculture and industrial pro­ centres typifying the life of the fields and canals, between the two energy pours through the copper duction to the questions of the city. Our first visit is to the ma­ rivers the Mat and the Drin, bet­ cables to the city to give it light, communist education of the youn­ ternity department of the hospital. ween the humming of the high movement, heat. Here we have a ger generation, relations in the fa­ Here life begins. Here they fight tension lines and the beautiful city synthesis of what our people have mily, and archaeological findings for the life of man. The hospital of Lezha. In the past, the Drin been able to do during thirty- which shed light on the history of is a new beautiful building over­ and the Mat rivers used to burst three years under the leadership of the city. looking the city. The time is about their banks and flood these fields, 7pm. Outside it is cold, about mi­ the Party of Labour of Albania. Between the Party Committee ruining crops, carrying away hou­ and the Executive Committee of nus ten degrees Celsius. But inside ses and livestock, and forcing the But let us pursue our chronicle the People’s Council of the district, it is warm, a constant temperature people to climb to the tops of and leave the reader to draw his which is the organ of statepower, of about 22 degrees. The corridors trees to escape the fury of the wa­ own conclusions from the facts. there exists an harmonious coope­ shine with cleanliness. On the walls ters. And today? The two rivers We enter the city and stop out­ ration which is based on the strong a slogan "Quietness heals-*. To- Ik have been tamed and flow peace­ side the building of the Party links of the Party with, the peo­ night, two young women doctors. V

Painter Nikolin Ivanaj at work preparing a new tableau.

Amateur dancers of the House of Culture.

Cooperativist Lena Ndue Markaj consulting the' pediatrician.

15 Donika Keraxhi and Violeta Iso is quite young too. Despite that two rivers, the Drin and the Ma- work centres. At one time, Agim are on duty. “The situation is nor­ he explains in detail how the fac­ ti,. and the sea. Using powerful was an ordinary worker, a turner mal", they say. -"Two babies were tory will be when it is fully com­ machinery, stopbanks and drainage in a repair shop. Today he is born today in the maternity de­ pleted, how many workers and canals, we are fighting to protect known throughout the country as partment, they are both doing fine. specialists it will have: “We are the land from flooding. Two sta­ a composer. He talks to us with There are no infectious cases. We going to produce high quality typ­ tions with very powerful electric enthusiasm about the town of Le­ are getting ready to go down to the ing paper, newsprint, offset paper, pumps discharge excess water into zha where he has been working for many years, although by origin base. That is to the villages and writing and drawing paper. Of the sea. On the other hand, to work centres to check up upon course these are just the begining prevent the land getting parched in he is from another town. On the way to the city museum, and assist with hygiene and sani­ because later our engineers and the summer, and to ensure that tation. The Director of the hospital technologists will be able to create the crops grow well, vigorous work we meet a platoon of soldiers: is in charge of a health team". In new production lines". is going on to open an irrigation They are girls from a work cen­ the wards of the hospital we met We leave the enthusiastic young canal which will take water from tre who are marching to the rifle the surgeon, the nurses and the people of this factory and go to the Drini to supply the plains of range, singing as they go. For us, patients. Lina Ndue Markaj comes another place — ShenGjin. We were Zadrima. Other irrigation canals, the defence of the socialist Home­ within none of these categories: too late to meet fishing fleet. It like that of the Mati River, are land is the duty above all duties. she is not a patient or part of had put to sea that night. In the kept in good order and the net­ “We work, work, and stand on the staff serving in the hospital. Radio communications centre we work from them is being extend­ guard". These are the words of She is a peasant from the higher received this report. The ship “The ed. Seen from above, from an the song the girls are singing. The museum is very busy. Com­ type agricultural cooperative of Tenth of July" is in sector 28-32 aeroplane, the Plain of Lezha looks Bregu i Matit. “I came here a with a catch of 25 to 30 boxes of rather like a chessboard set out in rades from the Party Committee week ago with Mira, my . one fish. The ship «Drini" is in sector regular squares divided by many and Executive Committee are month old daughter". The little girl 29-33 with ten boxes. The figures irrigation and drainage canals". working there. A photographic al­ was sick and she brought her to continue for the other ships of the Continuing our chronical through bum is being prepared with scenes hospital. -“There are other mothers fleet. At the port we met the crew the town, we call at the Hydai Le­ from the progress of the Lezha district in the years of the people’s here like me", says Lina, «We stay of the fishing boat, “Islam Mus­ zha secondary school. These days, statepower. here and feed our babies which are tafa". It is not long ago that this the pupils have their term holi­ It’s a beautiful afternoon in the still breastfed. The state provides ship, with its Captain, Fran Iva- days. However the teachers are city. The wind has died down and us with food and a place to sleep nai, wrote a glorious page in the on the job. We find them all at a at the hospital free of charge history of our fleet. Pirates want­ meeting of the Teachers Council. the sun is warm. The streets are full of young people, workers and Indeed we still get our pay ed to capture our ship. Being una­ There is only one question on the pupils. The shops are full of goods, in the cooperative even for the ble to do this they killed the Cap­ agenda, to complete the basis of days we stay here at the hospital tain as he stood at the wheel. An teaching material for the class­ products of our textile combines, ordinary seaman, the assistant mo- factories and plants. The display with our children". torman Nikolin Qobani imme­ rooms within two days. After the meeting, the teachers go to cases in the food stores are full, Lezha is mainly an agricultural diately sprang to take the Captain’s and the prices are still the same district. However in the years of place. Now Rroku, Nikolini, and their classrooms. There, together with pupils who have come to as years ago, although in other people’s power, industry, too, has the others are preparing their ship countries of the world have gone developed beyond any comparison to put to sea. help, they work to prepare for a good begining of the second term sky high. The fruit and vegetable with the past. The newest and The machine and tractor station shops are selling oranges, dried is the agricultural machinery base of the school year. In another part biggest industrial project is the of the school, the classrooms are figs and fresh vegetables. paper factory. Today in the boiler of the district. With a few notes, We could go on talking about the engineer of the enterprise, being got ready. In the evening, department, the second furnace was adult workers of various ages will many sectors, about the libraries lit for its first trial. In the other Anesti Kondakgi, tries to give us come here to attend the part time and bookshops, about the amateur departments of this great factory, a more or less clear picture of the school. They are part of that great artistic groups, about the new fa­ installation work is nearly complet­ role which agricultural machinery army of 70,000 pupils who are at­ mily life in which new socialist ed and final tests are being run. plays in the development of agri­ tending secondary schools of diffe­ norms have been established. But let us end our chronical in the stu­ Soon the timber from our forests culture. Tractor brigades Centers rent categories, part time. have been created attached to the Let us proceed with our chroni­ dio of the drawing teacher of the will pass through the processing “Hydai Lezha" Secondary School, agricultural cooperatives. These gi­ cal. Comrade Nezir Osmani, who departments and provide us with a the painter Nikolin Ivanai. Niko­ wide range of papers. Nok Perva- ve great assisstance in keeping all accompanied us, set out for the the agricultural machinery in good lin is a young man. However, his thi is in charge of the shift in the agricultural cooperative to assist paintings have been seen by fo­ order and- uninterrupted operation. with measures in preparation for boiler department. “At one time I reigners in our exhibitions abroad. Now, in these days of winter, they was an ordinary mechanic at a the Gjirokastra Festival. The Gjiro- Nikolin’s works were included in are carrying on vigorously with machine station", he tells us, “while kastra Folklore Festival will be the most recent exhibition of Al­ deep ploughing, opening up new today, I am able to manage the held in October this year. In the banian painting, in Algeria. Now land, and other seasonal work. former festivals, Lezha, won work on the powerful boilers he is working on a tableau with Not far from the Machine and which will supply steam to the awards with its groups, receiv­ an historic subject. The patriot Tractor Station is another enterpri­ whole factory". Everywhere in the ing first prizes and banners. This Ismail Qemali was accompanied to se, the Water Directory. Comrade factory you can see young men year, the people of Lezha want to a Conference in London by ano­ Myftar Lleshi gives us some details succeed again in Gjirokastra. and girls, with plans and specifi­ ther Albanian patriot, Isa Boleti- about where they are working at Accompanying us through the ci­ cation in their hands occupied ni. The Albanians were told to the moment and how the workers with the machines and control ty now is another worker of cul­ leave their weapons at the entran­ of this enterprise are distributed. pannels. Arben Oshafi, Chairman ture, the composer Agim Velaj. ce to the conference chamber. They of the Trade Union Committee, “The plains of Lezha, lie between We go with him to a number of observed the custom. Between ses­ sions of the meeting, one of the participants in the conference hap­ pened to say, “See, we disarmed the Albanians, we took their wea­ pon". “No", said Isa Boletini, “you have not disarmed us at all". And from his sash he drew a second pistol which he had kept out of sight. Such are the features of Lezha, a small city, many centuries old, which in our days, has assumed the features of a true socialist city where the people are united by their common work and common aims for the building of the new life, socialism.

The new paper factory which will soon commence production.

This fishing boat bears the name ot Fran Ivanaj. Photos: S. Xhillari

16 Facsimile of the organ published by Japan - Albania Friendship Association.

A scene from the hall where the meeting on literature and art in the People’ Socialist Republic of Albania was held.

A MEETING DEDICATED TO ALBANIAN LITERATURE AND ART On the occasion of the participation for the first time of the Albanian Publishing Houses in the International Book Exhibition in Frankfurt (in the German Federal Republic), the Association of Friends of Albania organized an evening dedicated to the literature and art of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania. Friends not only from Frankfurt but also from many other cities in the German Federal Republic took part. In opening the proceedings, the Chairwoman of the Association, Inge Junk, spoke of the great successes achieved by our people during the years of the People’s State Power by relying firmly on their own Publications of the Association about our country. resources. She also stressed that today, Albania enjoys the respect and admiration of peoples throughout the world. Inge Junk concluded her speech with a call for even more work to strengthen the friendship between the German and Albanian peoples and to constantly increase the number of friends of Albania. At this Session, the leading member of the Association, Karen Wagner, read a paper on the significance of the Albanian literature and art of socialist realism. During the evening the Hamburg musical group, "Elbshpielers*, presented a number of Albanian songs.

THE FOUNDING OF THE JAPAN-ALBANIA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION

Books and organs of our press exhibitied at the International Book A National Conference held in the city of Osaka, Japan, in Exhibition at Frankfurt. November last year successfully founded the Japan-Albania Friendship Association. The representatives who took part in the Conference approved the report and the constitution and elected the Council and the Exe­ The Hamburg musical group performed Albanian songs. cutive Committee of the Association. The Association was formed as a result of a number of activities carried out by the Japan-Albania Friendship Movement during last year, such as the setting up of the "Contact centre*-, the founding of its organ, "Friendship and Solidarity*, the formation of branches in the principal cities of the country, and so on. The founding of the Japan-Albania Friendship Association will promote the movement of friendship and solidarity between the Japa­ nese and Albanian peoples. pression and injustice of the past, symetrical rhythm of two dancers, THE SOCIALIST and important historic episodes of in M. Bushi’s sculptural group, the revolutionary development and «The First sickle», portrays the joy progress of the countryside under of the Myzeqar peasants over the COUNTRYSIDE IN THE the guidance of the Party of La­ abundant harvest. In a relief by Th. bour of Albania. Thoma entitled «The Pickers>► we The essential thing in the art see portrayed with fine, elegant WORKS OF OUR of socialist realism is its proleta­ draughtsmanship, the procession of rian partisanship which is expres­ pickers carrying the boxes of grapes. sed through its ideo-artistic content. The vigorous portrait of a brave, PAINTERS AND SCULPTORS The works of the Exhibition dedi­ beautiful and hard-working coope- cated to the countryside portray rativist woman, her hair wrapped themes, subjects and figures typi­ in a typical kerchief is given in ANDON KUQALI cal of the Albanian socialist coun­ K. Rama’s bust «The Dropull Wo­ tryside in its revolutionary deve­ man^, while the slightly larger than lopment. life proportions and plastic forms In recent years, more and more landscapes, in engravings and de­ A striking feature of the works of the bust, «Zenel Gjoleka», by local and national exhibitions of corative works of applied arts, the in this exhibition is their combina­ H. Beqiraj give the legendary pic­ figurative arts on particular themes viewer can see skilfully portrayed tion of heroic and epic elements ture of a peasant fighter of the have been organized in Albania. in elegant plastic forms and true with lyric and even idyllic ele­ past. Last autumn such exhibitions, on colours, typical peasants, and es­ ments. And this is so because we Harmonious colour contrasts and an atmosphere of movement per ■ the theme of the countryside, were pecially peasant women, dynamic are dealing with the new life in the village, with agricultural work, vade the tableau, «Celebration in opened in most of the district cen­ aspects of the vigorous collective with nature. the Highlands» by D. Jukniu, re­ tres of the country and even in work in the flourishing fields and villages. The best works from these M. Dhrami’s sculptural group, flecting the joy of the highlanders gardens of the cooperatives, scenes exhibitions and subsequent works «The Shepherd’s Melody», portrays on the day electric light reached by our artistst were displayed last full of light and vivid colours of a happy moment when the peasant their village. In the painting, «The November in the National Exhibi­ nature profoundly transformed by stretched out in the leafy shade Brigade leaders», by H. Nallbani, a tion on the theme of the coun­ the hand of man, and other as­ of a tree is playing his flute, with group of cooperative members in tryside, which included works by pects of the life in our socialist his rifle close at hand, while near­ working clothes are coming forward 200 professional and amateur artists. countryside today, as well as those by. in silhouette, is the harmonius with their work tools on their In statues and reliefs, in thematic that recall the peasant revolts figure of a young peasant woman shoulders, majestic in their sim­ compositions, portraits and many againts feudal-bourgeois social op­ who sits listening. The powerful plicity, while the whole tableau is

18 Danish Jukniu "CELEBRATION IN THE HIGHLANDS ’ - oil (170x220 cm). permeated by the warm colours of the soil and its fruits. S. Hysa’s tableau, "The Land Reform» has been constructed with a bold sweep and in clear colours. In a dramatic composition, the tableau, «Pulling out Fences» by P. Mele, portrays a moment from the beginning of collectivization in the countryside. The warm links of the leadership with the people is the leitmotif of many compositions. Z. Shoshi’s ta­ bleau, «Speaking About the Land>‘, shows comrade Enver Hoxha among the peasants during the war years. The landscapes in this exhibition cover a wide range of different types and stand out for the artist diversity of styles. There are many works in this Exhibition pleasing to the eye with the beauty of their draughtsmanship, colours and forms, which attract attention with their interesting mo­ tifs. They inspire lofty thoughts and sentiments, love for society and work, courage and patriotism. With the truthfulness of their ar­ tistic portrayal and their socialist content, these new works respond to the revolutionary aspirations of the masses.

19

L AFFORESTATION AND

Afforestation of hills and mountains is a permanent problem1 not only for the working people of agriculture but also for city workers, who time after time make contribution with vo­ luntary labour in plantings trees. Thanks to this care, -“the march*- of the forests over the slopes of formerly bare mountains and hills, is a phenomenon which strikes the eye every­ where in our country. The bare mountain slopes, the catchment basins of irrigation reservoirs, river grovels and coastal sands, places which are unsuitable for agriculture, are planted with young trees. In general, afforestation has been concen­ trated on the hilly and mountainous regions of the country, in places where planting trees is part of the fight against erosion, too. After many years of persistent work, the creation of the coastal belt protecting the plains from Vlora in the south up to Velipoja in the north, has been achieved. In conformity with the economic require­ ments of the country and the sorrounding envi­ ronment, in afforestation priority has been given to the planting of different kinds of pines, which produce valuable timber and grow quickly, such as the black pine (in the mountai­ nous zones), the coastal pines (soft, wild and maritime pines) in the coastal low-lands etc. A great deal of work is being done for afforestation of the water catchment basins of the irrigation reservoirs, for their protection against premature filling with silt. This work will be completed in 1978 for the existing re­ servoirs and will continue in the future parallel with the construction of new reservoirs. The varieties planted in these basins are those

iV-. OF THE HILLS MOUNTAINS

most suitable to hold the soil well and which give greatest protection. Tree planting is com- mbined with the construction of stop banks, retaining walls, brushwood fences, etc. The poplar, as a fast growing tree with many uses, especially for the paper industry has been planted on the banks and in the gra­ velly beds of rivers. The sides of the national roads and major chanals have been planted with poplars, thus adorning our fertile plains with green belts. Beside the major projects, extensive affo­ restation work has been carried out around the cities and other residential centres, thus creating very beautiful parks. All this work for the transformation of the nature through afforestation, starting from seed selection has been carried out on sound technical-scientific foundations. Forest nurseries have been established in every district and they meet all the needs of the country for saplings. Technical designs based on study of the conditions of the coun­ try and the aim pursued, are worked out for afforestation projects. Apart from the considerable funds the state makes available every year for afforestation, In the forests of Martanesh (Central the broad working masses of town and coun­ Albania). tryside make their voluntary contribution to extending the forests and the fight against erosion. Bearing in mind the great role forests play View of the Prrenjas and Qafe Thana as the source of timber, in protecting the soil zone. and improving the climate, care for their pre­ servation and extention is increasing, not only Photo: S. Xhillari to meet the immediate needs, but also bearing in mind the needs of future generations. A formerly barren spot in the Puka district is a nursery for forest saplings SOPPLIMENTO Dl GIROLAMO r v s c e u i NELL ISTOR3E Dl MONSIGNOR PAOLO C lOV tO , TOraipoiuuncmofDtomoaBiftoQi GENERA.L£ r , /•”* <-i.» j, DES TVRCS f VJ$*r ******* LSI CVEttES

n"r' At„„,

IN V E N E T IA , M DC VIII-

With our national Kero, Gjergj beg by Pontano, Pikolomino and Kastriot Skanderbeg (1405-1468) at Zarite. Meanwhile, Jacob Shrenk the head, our people, fought with published in German a work on outstanding heroism during a quar­ the Great Kastriot. In 1603 in his SKANDERBEG ter of a century. They resisted work in English, -The History of countless Ottoman forces and al­ the Turks*, Richard Knowles tells ways emerged victorius, because of the life of Skanderbeg, as Bar- they were fighting for freedom, in­ leci recorded it. In 1604, Lavardin IN EUROPEAN dependence, for their land. Led by republished in French the well Skanderbeg, our people resisted the known work, -The History of Ottoman onslaught with rare cou­ Gjergj Kastrioti, called Skanderbeg, LITERATURE DURING rage, defended their own territory King of Albania* This work con­ and at the same time defended tains his outstanding deeds of va­ Europe. lour and famous victories over the THE FIRST HALF Thus, the figure of Skanderbeg Turks. There is no difference bet­ became so famous that many wri­ ween this publication and that of ters and scholars in different parts 1597 by the same author. With his OF THE 17 TH of the world were obliged to write attractive style, Lavardin made this and speak about him. Over a pe­ valiant Albanian leader well known CENTURY riod of five hundred years more in France. Three editions of his than one thousand works have book were printed within one year. been compiled or published about At the begining of the book is the Skanderbeg. Even during the 17th well known sonnet by the poet century, historical and literary Ronsard. In 1605, in Venice, Lu- works were still being published kari published his book in the Ita­ about him. lian language -A Rich Symmary of That century opened with a pu­ the Annals of Raguza*. This work blication in Polish by Marcin Czer- describes the founding of the city, minski. At the same time, in the the origin of the Republic, what it JUP KASTRATI work, -The History of the city and owned its government etc; it also Kingdom of Naples*, Summonte re­ mentions important events, its wars produced, almost word for word, all customs, costumes, magistrates fa­ ges related to Skander­ milies etc. On pages 94, 96, 106 *4?-if LOTTOMANNO DEL SIGNOR LAZARO SORANZO. roVEJI DA’PIE MO EAOGVACLIO non (bUmtaw deUa Pocc mu deff«Ec Sigrot tk 'T g rth i Mr he m e tb lll.* r i if.WrtiErffe'cgU U oat dUrrfi pKA-iijn, Jr .jisxoraaslmu d Ovgferuu ALLA SANT1TA DIN.SIGNORE CLEMENTE V1IL

m i s f i t t L " R i n c i p e a r m a t o

f l a g e l l o ,,^nrrA sDAM- S s s a s dduc*

** c c k > * s-,' OTTOMANA

VICO 110 there is valuable information French, contains the life of Ale­ about Skanderbeg. This wellinfor- xander Kastrioti, the great grand­ T H E T IT L E med analyst also knew about -"The son of Skanderbeg and his love History of Skanderbeg* written by affair with Olimbia. A frontes- Pal Angelli. Lukari had made use piece note reads "Completely edi­ of this work himself for his own ted and published by I. Bodwin.* «PEOPLE’S TEACHER» book. In the same year, Johan Ma­ The reader would imagine that this riana, in the Latin work, "The His­ is the name of the author, but in tory of the Afairs of Spain* men­ fact this is only a pseudonym. Ac­ tions the treaty between Skander­ cording to Barbier, the name of beg and Alphonse of Naples and the compiler of this literary work about the participation of Gjergj is Pierre de Buassat (1603-1662). In Kastrioti in the final battle over 1634, in Hueska, a district of Ara- who was to inherit the throne of gona,a well known comedy was pu­ Naples. blished in Spanish called, "Prince In 1606 an epic poem by the poe­ Skanderbeg*, written by the renown­ tess Margarita Sarroki "Skander- ed author, Luis Velez de Gue­ beyada*, written with great warmth vara. In 1635, a book in Italian \ and feeling, was published in Ro­ called, "Portraits and Eulogies of me. In 1607, in the Latin work Outstanding Leaders*, written by "The Deeds of the Hungarians*, Roshjo, Maskardi, Leonidha, Tren- In our socialist society, the teacher occupies a very honoured Pekenshtejn also deals with the sareli etc. was published in Roma. position. The figure of the teacher, as the educator of the younger military activities of Skanderbeg This work contains 127 portraits. generation with the features of our communist morality, is a figure and his victories over the Turks. Among the others are the portrait of high prestige which has been formed through the decades of In 1608 in his book, in Italian, history but particularly in the years of socialist Albania. and eulogy of Gjergj Kastriot When we say that the high morale figure of our teacher has been ■"Supplement to the History of Pal Skanderbeg. created through the history of many decades, we remember the first Jovio* Rushelli deals with the batt­ In 1635, a book was published teachers of the Albanian language in past centuries, especially in the les of the Albanians, led by Skan­ in Latin called, Gjergj Kastrioti first half of the 19th century. Occupied by the Turks for nearly 5 derbeg. In 1609, G. Pontano publish - Epirus, called Skanderbeg, the mighty centuries, with great difficulty, Albania managed to preserve and ed the very interesting work entitl­ and invincible Prince of the develop its ancient ■ cultural traditions. The occupier did not allow ed: "Skanderbeg, that is, the Life Epiriots, returned to his people and the opening of Albanian schools nor even the writing of the Albanian language. The great struggle of our national renaissance at the close and the Valiant Deeds performed Su Homeland*, by Frang Bardhi. This of the 19th century, had to be waged before the first steps towards ecessfuly by Gjergj Kastrioti, King work was been translated into Al­ schooling could be taken in Albania and the first Albanian schools of Epirus, called Skanderbeg after banian by Prof. Stefan Prifti and could be opened. The first teachers of the Albanian language were, his Great Deeds Against the Cruel­ has been published in two editions. first of all, fighters for freedom. They linked their educational work ty and perfidity of the Turks*. In 1641, the work by Bodier, «An with the cause of the freedom and independence of Albania. After The author has enrichened his book Account of the General History of the proclamation of independence in 1912, the figure of the teacher who Turkey* was published, in which still had to work in very difficult conditions to spread knowledge and with the Hero’s own speeches. He schooling was regarded with love and respect among the masses of gives us a short summary of the there is a description of the batt­ the people. historic events of this outstanding les of the Turks, their invasions, During the National Liberation War new horizons were opened Albanian warrior. uprisings and their most renowned for the Albanian teacher. Besides fighting the war in the liberated The year 1610, saw a reprint in deeds. In the fourth edition in and still occupied zones, the great struggle began to eliminate illitera­ Italian of the work "The Outstand­ French, revised and supplemented, cy and this continued after Liberation too. During the war, in the ing and Glorious Activity, as well several pages have been dedicated liberated zones schools were opened, teachers’ conferences were orga­ as the Triumphant Campaigns nized, and the First Teachers’ Congress was held. The Communist to the lofty figure of Skanderbeg. Party of Albania attached great importance to the question of education which Gjergj Kastrioti, called Skan­ In 1643, a Latin poem of 894 lines and culture. It worked out the guide lines for the great reforms and derbeg, Prince of Epirus, carried was published in Lubeck called, revolutionary transformations in the field of education. The People’s out against the Turks in which "Skanderbeg*, that is a poem of State Power created the conditions for compulsory eight-year the true method is shown of how praise about the birth, life, and schooling, for the general education free of charge for all, for the to fight, how to lead an army, death of Gjergj Kastriot, the fear­ extension of schooling both territorially — from the towns to the most how to make soldiers ready for less former prince of the Epiriots* remote villages, and in range — from pre-school education to higher Under the title is the following schooling of university and post-graduate level. war and to emerge triumphant in The lofty figure of the teacher in our society has been built up any difficult undertaking*. It is note, "Recently given to the pupils through the efforts of many generations of teachers, who have contri­ said that this work was written in for exercises in the school of Ku- buted their toil, their blood, and, in many cases, their lives. Petro Latin by Dhimiter Frengu, but becense, now extended and elabo­ Nini Luarasi, who was one of the first teachers of the Renaissance scholars have expressed conflict­ rated with the greatest zeal by Ja­ period, was poisoned by the enemies of the Albanian people. Luigj ing opinions about this, so the cob Kokert Lubecens, Vice-Rector Gurakuqi, the first director of the Pedagogical (Normal) school, opened problem is still unsolved. of the school*. It seems from this in Elbasan at the end of the first decade of our century, was killed by the agents of King Zog. The dedicated teacher and great poet, In 1614, the historical novel, explanatory note, that this book Millosh Gjergj Nikolla (Migjeni), died from tuberculosis contracted "Skanderbeg* by the writer, Chev- was used in the school as a text­ from the difficult conditions in which he worked in the period of the re, was published in Paris. The book for Latin exercises. feudal-bourgeois monarchy. The partisan, Ndrec Ndue Gjoka, who scholar, Adam Buholcer, in the In 1644, the work by Chevrois started to open the first schools in his region during the National Latin work, "A Chronological In­ entitled, "Skanderbeg*, was pu­ Liberation War and after Liberation, was assassinated by bandits dex*, published in Frankfurt, in blished in two volumes totalling organized by imperialist and clerical reaction. 1616, devotes considerable space to 1,192 pages. The whole work has Because of the great merits of our teachers in the past and the work they are doing today for the education of the younger gene­ our National Hero. been divided into four books. Later ration, amongst the splendid conditions which have been created for The National Library in Tirana this great book was translated into educational work, the People’s State Power has established the teacher has a hand-written copy of the English and republished twice in in a place of honour. The supreme state organs have created titles work in Turkish, "The Crown of 1721 and 1729. In 1648 in Bologne of honour for the teachers. Such are the titles, "People’s Teacher* Histories* (1621). This work con­ the historical novel by Fosset, "The and "Merited Teacher*. Besides these titles, various other decorations tains events dating back from the Scourge of the Turks* was pu­ are awarded to teachers according to their merits. founding of the Osman Dynasty to blished. During the same year, it According to state dispositions, the title "People’s Teacher* is awarded to teachers of pre-school institutions, those of the lower and the death of Selim the First. This was republished in Rome under higher cycle of the eight-year school, those of the secondary and higher rare manuscript speaks about the a slightly different title, "The Ar­ schools who have done more than 15 years work in education and preparations of Sultan Murat the med Prince or the Real Scourge have distinguished themselves in the field of people’s education, have second for the invasion of Alba­ of the House of.Osman. A history made outstanding contributions to the progress of the new school, for nia, the different Turkish incur­ as true as it is replete with Politi­ the teaching and communist education of the younger generation and sions against Albania and the stand cal lessons*. for tireless work in the cultural uplift of the people, for the construc­ of the Albanian people, the capture This brought the first half of tion of the new society in the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania. The persons awarded this high title by the Presidium of the People’s of the castles of Elbasan and Shko­ the 17th century to close with Assembly, receive the medal with the respective citation. dra and the extension of the do­ works written about Skanderbeg The title "People’s Teacher* has been awarded to many patriotic mination in the district of Vlora in the Latin, Greek, Polish, Ger­ teachers, such as Petro Nini Luarasi, Pandeli Sotiri, Hoxha Tasimi, as well as about Scanderbeg. man, English, French, Italian, Spa­ Luigj Gurakuqi, Millosh Gjergj Nikolla, Ndrec Ndue Gjoka, Thoma In 1629, a work in Spanish en­ nish, Turkish and other languages Papapano and many others. titled "Prince Skanderbeg* by Mar­ in various cities of Europe and in Recently, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the creation of the University of Tirana, 8 untiring workers for our people’s edu­ tinez de Mora, was printed in Ma­ different literary genres, such as cation were awarded the title "People’s Teacher*. They are: Kahre- drid. In 1631 the publication ap­ poems, dr&ma, novels etc, or scien­ man Ylli, Aleks Buda, Kol Popa, Eqrem Qabej, Mahir Domi, Kol peared in Paris of "The Negro- tific works, such as histories, bio­ Paparisto, Shaban Demiraj, Sotir Kuneshka, as w&ll as Vehbi Bala of Pon History*. This novel, in graphies, monographs etc. the Higher Teacher Training Institute of Shkodra. 23 In recent years, a big palace of culture has been built in the centre of the «Bajram Curri» higher THE PENSIONERS type agricultural cooperative, at Burizana, the Kruja district (central Albania). Through the various mate­ rials and photos, the cooperativists recall or learn about the past of the region. There we met with some pensioners of Burizana OF BURIZANA village. One of them is Nezir Dani. In July last year he retired on the pension, but this has had little effect on his way of life. He enjoys good health and he knows this is thanks to his work. Besides his work at home he carries out several duties to the benefit of the cooperative. More than anywhere else, Nezir is to be found in the grain stove of the cooperative, weighing the corn, or among the youth of the coope­ rative working in the fields. In the afternoon he is usually to be seen in the Palace of Culture. He likes to read the newspaper and to attend cultural acti­ vities. Nezir Dani is one of the best known figures in the village. You can see his photograph on one of the stands of the museum, he was the secretary of the National Liberation Anti-fascist Council in Sep­ tember 29, 1944, when there was fierce fighting in this zone against the nazi invaders. He worked in this post for twelve years. His name is listed among the names of founders of the cooperative on Septem­ ber 26, 1956. Today, he is the happy father of five children. Among other things Nezir Dani told us about the wellbeing of his family and of his fellow villagers. Just in the past five years 106 new houses have been built in Burizana village, and 735 radios and 56 TV sets have been bought. Their pensions are adequate to assure them a confortable living. In Albania, the member of an agricultural cooperative pays nothing from his per­ sonal income into the pension fund. The costs are financed by the contributions from the agricultural cooperatives and the state budget. The pensioner Dervish Faruku is known in Bu­ rizana as an expert in raising seedlings. In'February 1976, when he became 65 years old, after working for 25 years, he retired on the pension. He says life is activity and activity is life. Therefore he is always engaged in work for the cooperative and he enjoys good health. It is a special pleasure for him to place his experience in the service of all. These last two years he has trained young specialists in .raising seedlings. One of the oldest men among the pensionists is Ramadan Hima. Now he is more than 83 years. As soon as the unique system of pensions for the members of the agricultural cooperatives was esta­ Pensioners of the ■'■'Bajram Curri" Agricultural Cooperative at the village museum. blished in Albania, Ramadan got full pension. He has found his own way of serving society. In the In his meeting with the children, pensioner Sabri Xhafa speaks of the Burizana of the past, past, he was one of the poorest people in the village, Photos: S. Xhillari • but he alleviated the pain of want with song and playing the lahuta (a musical instrument) because they have been his closest companions since his youth. Today Ramadan has a lahuta he made in 1932. With this ancient folk instrument and with his young heart he appears on the stage of the Palace of Culture and the hearths of culture, and he plays it in the meadows of the village too. For Burizana villagers, Ramadan and his lahuta have become two synonyms. Ramadan Hima is full of energy and enthusiasm. Being a member of the Old Men’s Artistic Group of Kruja, he has had the chance to visit other districts of Albania. The great transformations of our country have become a source of inspiration in increasing his repertoire. Here we said something only about some of the pensionists of Burizana, but others are no less active. If you talk to them they will tell you about experiences from life which you won’t find in any book. What urges these old folk to work, where lies the source of their enthusiasm. They are the gene­ ration which suffered the bitter past and enjoy the blessings of our days. All these great transfor­ mations have taken place before their eyes. They have been active participants in doing away with the swamps in this region, in construction. For a long time now, neither huts, nor wooden ploughs nor malarious people are to be seen in Burizana... The people of «the white age", as we call the pensionists, enjoy the close company of the younger generation of the cooperative, who get advice from them and honour them for the road they have traversed and for the contribution they are making every day. 24 During 1977, the workers of the stra, work will be done on a num­ Institute of Monuments of Culture ber of monuments at Butrint such in Tirana carried out maintenance as on the Nympheum and the Ro­ and restoration work on over 100 man Baths, on the basilica and the monuments in every part of Alba­ surrounding walls of the Nym­ nia. This work was done by the pheum,and the walls of a number of workers of the district branches dwelling houses of the ancient city of and workshops of this Institution Apollonia, on the surrounding walls under the supervision of the re­ of Hekal, on the citadels of Kanina, storers of the Institute. Shkodra, Durres, Kruja and others. Of interest are the restoration In commemoration of the 100th an­ work at the archaeological centre at niversary of the Albanian League Apollonia — on the monument of founded at Prizren, work will be the Avgonaughts and the Nymphe- done on several historical monu­ um — the work on the walls of the ments. acropolis and tower houses of the It is worth mentioning that this Illyrian city of Zgerdhesh near Kru­ year will mark the completion of ja, and that on the castles of Bs- the work of discovering examples rat, Shkodra and Drisht. Large-sca­ of folk construction in all the vil­ le restoration work has been car­ lages of Albania, in order to regi­ ried out on the houses and archi­ ster those which are of significance tectural ensembles of the museum for the history of Albanian architec­ cities of Gjirokastra and Berat as ture, while proclaiming the most well as at Korea and Elbasan. Last typical and perfect ones as monu­ year, an increased volume of re­ ments of culture. This major scien­ storation work on the peasant hous­ tific action will be a very impor­ es which have been proclaimed tant contribution to the enrichment monuments of culture on account of the heritage of material culture of their architectural value was created by our people through the done. centuries. On the other hand, this Steps have been taken to rein­ year will mark the completion of force the basilicas of Voskopoja the text of the history of Albanian and the church of Ristos in architecture up to 1912. It will be Mborja in the Korga district and amply illustrated with the neces­ other monuments, and to preserve sary materials, and will portray the their mural paintings. Restoration great architectural wealth which the Albanian people have created work has been done on the icono­ Temple of the Argonauts at Apollonia (Fier district) before and after stasis of the Himara cathedral, on restoration. through the centuries, its place in a number of icons, as well as on the contemporary world, and its special features. This book will be a number of ornamental ceilings the crowning achievement of the and five places of the characteri­ research work done so far in this stic houses in the city of Shkodra. field. A very fruitful contribution has At the same time 1978 will mark been made by the sector for the an increase in the publishing acti­ setting up and reorganization of vity of the Institute of Monuments museums as,r for instance, the mu­ PRESERVATION of Culture. Three volumes of the seum of popular education in Kor­ series «Monuments►► will be sent ea, the house museum of the re­ to the press. They will contain ar­ nowned painter, Vangjush Mio, the AND RESTORATION ticles on architecture and the re­ museums of the Anti-fascist Natio­ storation of monuments of architec­ nal Liberation War in Korea, Elba­ OF THE MONUMENTS ture and art. The workers of the san, and other districts. Institute have prepared two albums, The plan of scientific themes for one of the city of Kruja and the 1978 envisages a great number of OF CULTURE other of the museum-city of Gjiro­ jobs on monuments of various gen­ kastra. During this year monograph res for which the plans of resto­ on the architecture of the museum ration have already been complet­ city of Gjirokastra and other pu­ ed. In addition to work done on blications on method and of a po­ many dwelling houses of the mu­ pular character, will be sent to the seum cities of Berat arid Gjiroka- press.

Characteristic dwelling houses in the museum-city of Gjirokastra before and after restoration. Photo R. Veseli

25 ON THE STANDS OF THE «ALBANIA TODAY» EXHIBITION.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING IS ONE

OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BRANCHES

OF OUR HEAVY INDUSTRY AND

IT HAS MADE GREAT PROGRESS.

THE 1960 PRODUCTION OF THIS

BRANCH WAS TURNED OUT IN ONLY

20 DAYS IN 1976. IN COMPARISON

WITH 1960 TODAY IT PRODUCES

TWELVE TIMES AS MANY SPARE

PARTS AND 130 TIMES AS MANY

MACHINES AND ITEMS OF EQUIP­

MENT. THE «TRACTORI» PLANT

ALONE EMPLOYS NEARLY AS MANY THE FIRST MOTOR CADRES OF HIGHER TRAINING AS THE ENTIRE ENGINEERING INDU­ PRODUCED STRY OF THE COUNTRY EMPLOYED

BY THE «TRAKTORI» PLANT IN 1960. AT PRESENT THIS BRANCH

OF OUR INDUSTRY MEETS 82 PER It was a great joy for the whole collective universal motor for the mechanization of agri­ of the «Traktori» plant in Tirana when it suc­ culture. CENT OF OUR NEEDS FOR SPARE ceeded in producing the first 75 h.p. motor of Basing their work on the principle of self- Albanian make. reliance the collective of this plant, the initia­ The production of this motor is the result PARTS. BY THE END OF THE 6TH tor of the revolutionary movement, -To work, of several years of work by the collective of fight and live as under seige-, has succeeded the «Traktori» plant, because a good part of in providing the economy with about 400 de­ FIVE YEAR PLAN THE WORKERS OF its details had long been produced. It embodies tails and aggregates which were formerly im­ the sweat and toil of the workers and the ported, within the first two years of this five- OUR ENGINEERING INDUSTRY WILL engineering-technical personnel of all depart­ year plan. For the production of these items, ments. 3,000 items of equipment, 2,100 cutting instru­ REACH THE TARGETS SET BY THE In conversation with the cheef engineer of ments, 390 measuring instruments and about the plant, Qemal Daja, and other workers we 200 dies and models had to be produced. learnt that serial prouction of this motor will 7TH CONGRESS OF THE PARTY OF soon begin. It will be used chiefly in agricul­ The collective of the -

26 ALBANIA IN FIGURES

THE INDUSTRIAL MARCH

Albania has long since been transformed from the backward agricultural country it was before libe­ ration, into an agricultural-industrial country and has taken and is taking important steps in the course of its transformation into an industrial-agri­ cultural country with advanced agriculture. In 1975 the total volume of industrial production was 97 times greater than in 1938. During the same year industrial production constituted about two thirds of industrial and agricultural production taken together, as against only 8",, in 1938. Industry produces about 57% of the total social product and about 46% of the national income. Thus industry has become the leading branch of the national economy, a reliable and powerful base for the development of all the other sectors and branches of the economy.

Today, Albania utilises its natural resources inde­ pendently, has created and is creating new branches of the heavy processing industry. Albanian industry processes oil, copper and a series of agricultural pro­ ducts. Now it produces machinery and equipment chemical fertilisers, iron and steel, and will soon produce nickel, cobalt, galvanized iron, steel sheet and tubes, high quality fuels, liquified gas, hydrochlo­ ric acid etc. and is opening mines, plants, facto­ ries, hydro power stations, railways etc. Thus the program for the creation of a complex heavy and light national industry is carried out.

Products of our mechanical engineering industry. Photo S. Xhillari With the development of the processing industry during the sixth five year plan (1976-1980), in 1980 more than 65°,, of the volume of exports will be made up of locally processed products, as against 46% in 1960.

Before liberation, about 75" n of the industrial output of the country was produced in only four or five cities, whereas today, every district of Alba­ nia has a series of industrial projects of different branches. Once backward, simply agricultural dis­ tricts are known today as districts with important enterprises of the extracting and processing industry. For example the district of Fieri (in Southern Al­ bania), is known for the extracting and processing of oil and gas and the production of chemi­ cal fertilizers, the district of Dibra, for the chromium industry, Mirdita and Kukes for the copper industry, Pogradec and Librazhd for iron- nickel, Berat for the textile industry and so on. As a result of the creation of new industrial cen­ tres in the districts the number of new towns has increased. Now, there are three times as many towns in Albania as before the war. A good part of these towns have been created in mountainous districts.

The entire output of copper extracted during 1946 is now extracted in six days. In 1975 the output of copper ore increased more than six times over in comparison with 1960. Eight times more blister copper was produced than during 1960.

In 1976, production equal to the total output of the engineering industry for 1960 was produced in just 20 days. As against 1960. this important branch of heavy industry now produces 12 times more spare parts and 130 times more pieces of equipment and machinery.

27 THE CINEMA

Shots from the new Albanian feature film •"■Tomka and his Comrades'*. THE PIONEERS IN THE WAR FOR FREEDOM

- ABOUT THE FILM

« TOMKA AND HIS COMRADES*

LUAN DIBRA The Anti-fascist National Liberation War, as an unprecedented awakening of the cons­ ciousness qualities, and outstanding virtues of the people, with those major upheavals and LEGEND deep-going social and psychological transforma­ tions, is a great and endless source of spiri­ tual nourishment for the patriotic and revolu­ tionary education of the people and rising generation of Albania. This is why the theme of the war remains a permanent theme for all our artists. It is important that in being dealt with over and over again this theme must always remain fresh, new truths and aspects must always be revealed by going deeply into the great processes of our people’s revolution, so broad and complex, that the portrait of the heroes of the war, so powerful arid modest in their heroism must emerge In all its majesty that the power of the ideas of the Communist Party to transform and inspire are presented truthfully, ideas which became the mental and spiritual property of the entire people, from the old folk to the children. One merit of the film7 "Tomka and his comrades*, a production of the "New Albania* film studios, is precisely its original arid convincing treatment of the great theme of the war, seen from the angle of the contribution made to the revolution by the children, as a completely natural integra-i tion in a cause which had to do with the life and death of a nation and an entire people. The film is dedicated to children, but it deals with great ideas of the history and noble spiritual tradition of our people. The cause of freedom is the concern of all: under no cir­ cumstances, can the Albanian ever tolerate foreign domination. When the children in the film, under the very noses of the German nazi, known for their cynicism, savagery and cruelty insist on keeping the little piece of ground where they play, it is not merely a Relief with mythical animals on the wall of the chapel of the St. Nicholas monastery at Mesopotam question of children insisting on a place to in the Saranda district (of the 18th century). pursue their childish interests. It is a reso­ Photo: R. Veseli lute confrontation, inspired by deep hatred and a clear conviction and consciouness, of these sons and daughters of the people with the merciless enemy, with the tanks, rifles, guns of an invader armed to the teeth, who does not hesitate to commit even the ugliest crime. THE LEGEND OF BISTRICA And the children, who feel and understand this, do not waver, are not afraid and dance right under the wolf’s jaws, with powerful courage. To the south-east of Saranda, at the far today there are two. However it would be Behind them stands a whole people with the end of the Bistrica plain, stands an iso­ better for you to eat the donkey first and Party at the head. lated hill, almost quadrangular in shape. keep me for after... as something more Its slopes are eroded, while below, it is delicious. I tell you this for your own The children’s heroism is presented in a surrounded by four streams. On top of good, but you may do as you wish.. most natural way. The children who are per­ the hill are the ruins of the Finiq acro­ Without suspecting the trick, the dragon forming heroic acts are, at the same time, still polis (one of our most important archaeolo­ listened to the peasant and swallowed the children, with their innocence and purity, their gical cities. Beyond the hill towers the jag­ donkey and its load first. But meanwhile, jokes and rich dreams. The evolution of their ged peak of a mighty mountain. In contrast the burning ember was spreading the fire character and spiritual world proceeds in con­ to the other parts of our south-west riviera, inside the tinder. Soon, the dragon felt with their rich and varied cover of pines, the fire in its belly. Maddened with pain, formity with the circumstances, with the na­ citrus, and olive trees, which beautify this it dug its claws into the rock and began ture of the heroes themselves, with the atmos­ district, this mountain behind Finiq stands to roar, to twist and to writhe, with scal­ phere and relationships which each of them bare a rugged rocky peak. Only near its ding slime and flames pouring from its has with people and life. crest there are two rows of trees to be mouth. "Water, water. I’m burning,* roared Assessing the artistic values of the film, seen, winding across cliffs and gullies, right the monster so that the mountain echoed it can be said with confidence, that «Tomka around the summit. These two strange-look- to the heavens. But there was no water and his comrades*, constitutes not only a new ■ ng rows of trees on that barren moun­ anywhere round about. success, but a real step forward in the creati­ tain strike the eye immediately and attract Belching smoke and flames and vomi­ veness of the film producer Xhamfize Keko, the attention of visitors. According to le­ ting scalding slime, the dragon slipped and who has now become well known for her films gend, in ancient times a terrible dragon slid down to the mountain gorge. But about children. This time we have to do with has descended upon this region: every day not a drop of water did it find there, either. Then, it prayed to the earth: «Oh, mother a more profound and mature treatment of a it demanded a living person to eat. The of us all, give me a little water from your theme which, while it is about children, also entire region was becoming depopulated and fear reigned in every home as each bosom to quench this great fire burning interests adults for the valuable generalisations awaited the day of his own dreadful fate. inside me!*. There and then, the earth made of the period, the rich background of One day a brave and clever peasant emer­ opened and the water of the Bistrica ri­ thoughts and events, the pleasure and emotions ged from the ranks of the people. He de­ ver gushed out. The dragon plunged in which the film arouses. cided to get rid of the monster and thus its head and breathing clouds of smoke, The acting of the children is undoubtedly save the district. What did this courageous drank till it burst. But the flow of the ri­ a very important factor in the achievement man do? He loaded his donkey with a ver has not stopped since that time, while of the artistic values of the film. Almost bundle of tinder, and putting a burning on the scorched slopes of the mountain without exception they are talented, intelligent ember in the middle of the load, set off the marks of the dragon’s claws remain to children, with a rare ability to adapt themsel­ for the dragon’s den. He was both clever this day. There where the slime fell on the ves to their roles. and brave this peasant. When he came to earth as the dragon slipped and slid down «Tomka and his comrades* is a new pro­ clearing full of human bones, and face to to the gorge, those two strange rows of duction. with real ideoesthetic values of the face with the terrible dragon, he was not trees sprang .up, and they have put out "New Albania* Film Studios, which will serve afraid at all. The brave man said: -Hey new shoots, leaves and branches ever there, Dragon! You expected only one, but since. the revolutionary, patriotic and artistic educa­ tion of the children and the rising genera­ tion.

29 SHEFQET MUSARAI HOW THE «BALLAD OF THE BALLI KOMBETAR»WAS CREATED

Shefqet Musarai is one of the most outstanding representatives was the creation of the Communist Party of the Albanian people. Musarai of the new Albanian culture, one of the writers, most honoured and. was a member of the Party from the time it was fonded. He fought beloved by our readers. Musarai was born on the 27th of April, with the rifle and the pen. He became one of the most skilful writers 1914, at Smokthina in lflora. He passed his childhood in the great of the illegal leaflets of the Communist Party and a collaborator with upheavals of the First World War, when the district of Vlora was many clandestine organs of the press such as «Zeri i Popullit*>, «Bash- in the frontline of great power interimperialist clashes. Shefqet kimi~, ••Kushtrimi i Lirise- etc. During the war, as a genuine revolu­ Musarai was six years old when the people of Vlora, especially the tionary, he carried out important political duties and functions, taking people of the district of Mesaplik, hurled themselves over the barbed part in the big partisan detachments (the First Partisan Shock Divi­ wire of the positions of the Italians who wanted to maintain their sion). During the war he also wrote the texts of many partisan songs, occupation of Vlora. The democratic movements, the bourgeois de­ sketches and satirical poems. But the major work of Musarai in the mocratic revolution of 1924, and the spreading of revolutionary MIL war period was the "Ballad of the Balli Kombetar,- a poem which ideas in Albania, moulded Shefqet Musarai as a young man with attacked the collaborationist organisation, «Balli Kombetar- and the progressive and revolutionary tendencies. In 1930 he began to write local traitors with the powerful weapon of satire. This work was the about the most accute problems worrying the country arid, the people, culmination of that very broad cultural and artistic creative work of seeing these from the realist angle. Thus he entered the pleiad of Musarai which was■ born in the days of the National Liberation War those progressive workers opposed to the official conformist literature. and which constituted the embryo of the new culture of socialist Alba­ But the thing that gave the young poet the possibility to freely nia. Below we are publishing the author’s own notes about the creation express his feelings of love for the people and hatred for the enemy of the poetical work. "Ballad of the Balli Kombetar-* (editors note).

The National Liberation War, illegality under very difficult tech-' mising themselves with the fascist trary, badly exposed through its organised and led by the Commu­ nical conditions, leaflets, communi­ occupiers, and who, consequently, own stand, it sank even deeper into nist Party of Albania, with Com­ ques, newspapers, and magazines enjoyed a certain credit, especially treachery until it united its wea­ rade Enver Hoxha at the head, was were published, scores of epic and in the ranks of the intelligentsia of pons openly with the occupier and at the same time, a great popular satirical poems were written, when that time. committed the most monstrous cri­ revolution. It included all spheres partisan songs were compo­ Although, behind the scenes, the mes. of the life of the people, from the sed in the mountains and the pri­ creation of the Balli as an orga­ With the fall of Mussolini and organisation of the state to ques­ sons to be sung later in demonstra­ nisation was encouraged and approv­ on the eve of the capitulation of tions of culture, literature and art. tions and in the firing line. But ed by the fascist occupiers, it pro­ Italy, when the greater part of Al­ Thus, as early as the days of the first of all, let me tell the reader claimed itself as allegedly illegal bania had been liberated, and the war for national liberation from the something about the subject. The and with slogans of struggle aga­ people, led by the Party, were pre­ nazi and fascist occupiers, the first Balli Kombetar, the collaborationist inst the occupiers. But this did not paring to take the power into beginings of a new revolutionary traitor organisation, was created as last long. The touchstone of whe­ their own hands, the leaders of the culture, which was to become the a reaction against the National Li­ ther what the Balli declared in its Balli turned over the page and basis of the socialist culture of our beration Movement. socalled illegal propaganda was rushed to reach agreement with the days, emerged. The satirical poem, Included in the Balli Kombetar true, would be its active participa­ partisans. The Party and the Na­ •-The Ballad of the Balli Kombetar-, were the most fanatical representa­ tion in the armed struggle against tional Liberation Front demanded was created in the conditions of tives of the feudal, bourgeoisie, in­ the enemy, a thing which it that the organisers and leaders of that revolutionary impulse of the cluding personalities who had deli­ had no intention of doing and did the Balli must render account for National Liberation War when, in berately avoided openly compro­ not do at any time. On the con­ their treachery and crimes while the

30 masses deceived by them must ple and the youth for a greater and unconditionaly join the National Li­ more determined mobilisation aga­ beration Front and fight with wea­ inst the enemy and the traitors is pons against the new Nazi invaders due, in the first place, to my edu­ who were striving to take the place cation in the Party in the ranks of the former. of which I had the good fortune to The Balli, which was in fact a take part from its foundation. Right collaborationist organisation, could from the begining the Party never not accept these conditions, and, ceased to teach the workers of li­ as was natural, very quickly put terature and art to get rid of any itself in the service of the new sort of intellectual pose of indepen­ occupiers, always, under the lable dence form society and to consider of an -“illegal nationalist organi­ as more sacred than anything else, sation-. For more than a year on the duty to live in the ranks of end, it took part as the right hand the people with its hopes, worries of the Hitlerite invaders-in burning and aspirations, and to serve the and devastating the country, in great cause of the people, the na­ mass murders and internments, in tional and social liberation and the the hope that in this way the Peo­ construction of a more worthy fu­ ple’s National Liberation Movement ture, with both the pen and the would be liquidated and it would rifle. be able to secure statepower as This kind of education led me usual. to write poems dealing with the But all the efforts and demagogy main problem of the great historic of the Balli were defeated, just as moment which I jived through, to­ its Hitlerite patrons were defeated, gether with the people, when I by the strength and iron will of the was thirty years of age. Albanian people led by the Com­ In fact as a worker of the ille­ munist Party. gal agitation and propaganda of In the Spring of 1944, the National the Party during the war, I always Liberation Movement had become found myself, in my publicist and greatly extended and the intiative literary writings, in confrontation of the war was now passing into with the propaganda of the Balli the hands of the National Libera­ and had exposed its unscrupulous tion Army organised in brigades. treachery and demagogy. Thus, at It was now clearly apparent that the beginning of January, 1944, the the victory of the people was ine­ pamphlet, “Yesterday and Today-, vitable. The Balli Kombetar, which published as a pamphlet on one of could see disaster approaching, has­ the enemy printing presses dealt tened once again to manouver to in biting satire, with the majority of hang on at least to a few dominat­ the problems which would be treat­ ing positions for the future. This ed five months later in the verses in brief is the subject of the poem. of the -Ballad of the Balli Kombe- tar-, in which the certain victory of the truth and justice of the peo­ * * * ple over the deception and trea­ chery of the Balli was clearly fore­ cast. -"The Ballad of the Balli Kombe- The Ballad of the Balli was tar» was written precisely at the created mainly as a satirical work, time, (May 1944), when the National but the satire is frequently accom­ Liberation Movement numbered panied by epic elements. As such whole partisan divisions and briga­ it could be called a tragi-comic poem Photo: V. Koci des in its ranks, when the Hitlerite because that was true of the acti­ invadors were on the decline and vity of the Balli Kombetar: tragic at the great anti-fascist Congress for the hideous crimes which the of Permet, the people’s delegates members of the Balli committed, from all over Albania elected as comic because of the fact that they Commander-In-Chief of the Na­ became ludicrous -with their efforts tional Liberation Army, and Head to pose as patriots. The reader scoffs of the Provisional Democratic Go­ at the Balli in the Ballad and at vernment of the People, the foun­ the same time the poem makes der and tested leader of the Alba­ him aware of the great backgro­ nian Communist Party, Comrade und of the genuine effort which Enver Hoxha. the legendary national liberation THE CHILDREN’S FRIEND The Ballad was written at the war of our people constitutes. The request of a group of anti-fascist characters in the poem, in general youth who wanted to ridicule the are historical characters, but the JONUZ DIM v tragicomedy of the Balli, to express poem presents them as representati­ Director of the Puppet Theatre-Shkodra their profound indignation over its ves of their respective classes. At grave crimes, to laugh to scorn its the same time they preserve their ludicrous declarations in which it individuality and characteristics, said one thing and did another. which in the context of their acti­ The Balli Kombetar was trying to vity, sometimes assume a comic keep the wheel of history from turn­ and sometimes an epic character. Like many other professional theatres of our country, the Puppet ing. But the wheel of the people’s One main character in the poem Theatre in Shkodra was born on the basis of the amateur theatre. revolution, crushed the Balli, show­ who represents the common people, Along with its transformation from an amateur theatre to a professional ed it up for what it was, an the brave, wise, and generous pa­ one, its quality improved, its repertoire was enriched and its popu­ organisation of Don Quixotes. The triot, who hits the traitors hard with larity with the audiences grew. Now, we can say that this theatre partisans wanted something simple his simple but stern tongue, is the has become dear to the children and has become part of their lives. written about those Don Quixot­ figure of Dai Ceni, also an histo­ In all its activity our theatre tries to inculcate in the children the es. They wanted the text for a rical character. sense of what is good, what is beautiful, love for work and the song which could be sung and danc­ The --Ballad of the Balli Kombe- collective, loyalty to the Homeland, the struggle for justice and truth. ed too. But as the author having tar» is read with interest even to­ We consider the young members of our audiences as collaborators. In strongly emotional situations, the actors enter into dialogue with them, always made a target of the Balli day. It pleases me as the author and ask their opinion about this or that negative character, ask their Kombetar with my illegal publicist when I see that the work that was opinion of, and stand towards, the mistake or crime he has committed writings, I took up my pen and written without any great preten­ etc. Their vivid replies are harmonized with the atmosphere . of the instead of a text for a song, I tions in the days of the war is still a play, without clashing with the main idea, but on the contrary, increasing created a poem which I never ima­ work of value even today. As I said the dramatic force and educational effect of the play through this gined would be so well received above, the great merit for this be­ collaboration. and withstand the passage of time. longs to our Party, to our people Our active repertoire includes 17 plays. These are performed inter­ It was published illegaly in Tirana which guided me and suggested to changeably. The themes cover a wide range. There are plays which on the courageous initiative of the me not only that I should take up deal with life at school, the vigorous work going on from end to end a theme which would be able to of our country, the National Liberation War, the people’s liberation printing workers in one of the struggle, etc. printing establishments under the withstand the passage of time, but Our theatre gives performances not only in the city, but also control of the Germans. that I should treat it from that in the villages of the district, setting up the stage in the places most The merit that this poem had in realist veiwpoint which would make suitable to the children, in the schools, or the village square. Our hitting right on the mark and ser­ it valuable even in our days. For theatre has become known also through its performances broadcast ving the broad masses of the peo­ me this is the greatest reward. on TV. 31 S T O R Y MEETING AT THE AIRPORT

NIKO NIKOLLA

After a long flight of 21 hours, He tried once more but this time — He, — said the woman, — is prowling the waters of the Me­ passing over three continents, I closer still- Geneva. from the U.S. 6th Fleet. Didn’t diterranean. You must have noticed landed at an airport. Dawn was None available! Came the same you see how he behaved? Thinks that when people sense a danger breaking. In the misty rain, the curt answer. he has the weapons and can do they are always more definite and runway lights gave the surface a I thought I ought to speak be­ anything he likes. Damn them! less reserved, and speak more glassy sheen. Although it was the cause something unfair was going They’ll get no tickets from me/ We clearly and sincerely about what end of Automn, the breeze blowing on. If I had encountered such a didn't invite them! What do they they really feel. This is the first in from the Tyrhenian sea was thing in one of our travel agencies want here in the Meditarranean? time I have set eyes on you, but warm. I would have intervened at once. Her tranquil tones had disap­ you are from a country that has I entered the great vestibule of The plane I had just left had fewer peared and she was speaking an­ played a part in my life. I know the airport and enquired the ad­ than 20 passegers. This had stuck in grily. Mokra in Albania. dress of the airline whose aircraft my memory like a feeling of fear, — They are prowling around She pronouced the name Mokra had brought me here. I was taken because when you travel all night here with their eyes on you and clearly and accurately. somewhere to the middle of the across three continents and see that on us. Everyone knows how things — Excuse me, but I can’t help hall. The airline office was a sort great cabin, with room for 150 pas­ stand with us, but you are lucky being astonished at this. I am from of counter behind which a woman sengers, almost empty in the se­ enough to have a quiet and beau­ those parts, too... was standing in silence. When I mi-darkness, it creates a sort of tiful country with good people. I’m — It’s a long and painful histo­ introduced myself she responded anxiety, especially when you fly going crazy here from the roar of ry for me-she went on. — If it with a quiet smile. Several times through the monsoons over Africa these engines. It seems to be boring were not for Mokra, 1 would have she looked at me quietly, through and the aircraft rockes and boun­ through my brain — she said as grown up an orphan. And not her glasses, but she said nothing. ces like a truck on a pot-holed if abandoning herself to despair. only me, but six girls, because we She tried several numbers but got road. And now, after this flight Taken by surprise at this unex­ were six sisters. Now, I am the no reply. Again and again she tried lasting nearly 21 hours, this em­ pected turn of the conversation I only one left. One of them was but it was no use. At last she tur­ ployee of the airline could not give remained silent as if I did not killed by an earthquake less than ned to me apologetically and said: this passenger a ticket to go about know what to say. a month ago. She was the fifth _ I’m sorry, I can’t help you. his business. If the airline were to Perhaps what I said about your sister to come to a tragic end. There is no reply on any of their hear of this it would fire her on country sounded to you like com­ Please don’t probe any deeper; our numbers. But don’t worry... Perhaps the spot, and she would be out of pliments — said the woman with family would serve as a tragic a little later... a job. However, she seemed not glasses _ or you may have taken theme for a novel. But now I am The conversation was interrupted in the least concerned about this them worthless flattery, devoid of fortunate to have my father, the by a burly, broad — shouldered danger. sincerity, as part of my job to dearest person I now have, living man, with close cropped hair and The burly man with close-cropped butter up the passengers. This is with me. He is the man who was a blue uniform, who came rushing in without so much as «by your hair muttered something in his what the company is always insis­ reborn in yo u r Mokra, Albania... leave», he spoke a few words to own language and stormed off to ting on, and wants us to do even Yes I’m not exaggerating, but ex­ the woman behind the counter in find another agency. more of it, but I hate the falsity pressing my father’s and my own a mutilated parody of her mother Although I knew the plane was and hypocrisy, which our company sincere feelings. He has no reason tongue from which, it could be flying almost empty, because she fosters so carefully. now to eulogise anyone, because deduced that he wanted a ticket to had been so,, ready to help me, I — Please — I began, but she cut for the past two years he’s been London, on the aircraft which I asked the question again in a round me off. completely blind, as a result of had just left. The woman with about way. — I know what you are thinking an accident at the -Zornis* plant. glasses heard him out quietly and Were all the seats full or is — the woman with glasses went Now I work for this foreign air replied curtly, as though she there some strike by air service on, — I know what you’re think­ line. I have to get up at four in couldn’t care les: workers? ing. The way this conversation the morning to come here, and — None available! _ No, _ she said in a tone of has gone, anyone might have had when I go home in the evening I The burly man with close-crop­ know how I feel. But can you ped hair tried again, but this time relief. — But you don t know who same doubt’s perhaps not about for a closer destination — Paris. he is. the tone, but about the sincerity imagine what a blind man can do None available! replied the wo­ — How could I? — I replied of it. But it went that way because on his own all day long? They say man with glasses. with increasing curiosity. of that ominous fleet which is the work day is 8 hours, but 1

In their letters the readers often ask about the A TALK WITH THE READERS criteria guiding the translation of world literature into the Albanian language, and what is being done in this field. In reply to these enquiries we are publishing this article by DONIKA OMARI, chief of the editorial board for foreign literature at the -Naim Frasheri* Publishing House, Tirana. WORLD

To acquiant the Albanian reader choose the most progressive, the with the most outstanding works most revolutionary authors and LITERATURE of revolutionary and progressive books, dealing with the most revo­ world literature is a permanent lutionary moments, so that we can task of the publishing houses of illustrate to our reader what he has our country. Foreign literature in learned about the history of the IN THE ALBANIAN Albania is published according to peoples, about their class struggle, certain scientific criteria, always and the development of their pro­ setting out to provide the readers gressive thought.* with works of sound content and During the 33 years of the Peo­ LANGUAGE high artistic level. Comrade ple’s State Power, the fund of Enver Hoxha has said: -We must translated literature has been in- spend 3 to 4 hours travelling apart tains. But he wasf not alone, his — Then he had asked who would you will be doing your duty to­ from anything else. To calm her, elder brother was with him. He help him. A tall man came forward wards your own people, too.". I took out a packet of cigarettes was better able to fend for hims­ and he took me to his house. They "From now on I am with you. and proffered it to her. She thank­ elf because he had gone to work lit a fire for me, gave me food, But even with this I can never ed me but did not take a cigarette. in the USA, too. That was all we but I could neither eat nor drink. repay you». That is how he felt it. I found I didn’t want one either. knew. But what happened later They put me to bed. During three Many years have gone by since that A feeling of pity was mounting on upset all that. It is clear that months of suffering, I often thought time, but he never forgets you. He inside me. A few minutes passed my father went there as an in­ that it was all up with me. But always remembers you with the in silence. She seemed to pull her­ vader therefore the fate of every those people looked after me like greatest respect, and the most pro­ self together. She took off her invader awaited him. I know, the their own child. One day the war found sincerity. glasses, wiped them with a hand­ history of your country, sir I have burst out over the village. Children, From Spring to Autumn, when kerchief, and after putting them on read about it. Indeed I greatly adults and the old folk cleared out your country was liberated, my again said: enjoyed reading it. When someone immediately. It’s all over, _ I said, father was with the partisans. He — Excuse me — What I told forces his way into your home he I’ll fall into the hands of the Ger­ kept a diary during that time. He you is no concern of yours, but doesn't expect you to welcome him mans after all. I cannot escape himself says that he was a poor when we are fed up we want to with flowers. And the fate of every death. writer, but what he has seen and pour it all out to someone. invader is known. But the day However, my hosts put me on a written there would amaze you. — Lady — I said, a little he­ came when fascism, which had stretcher and took me with them Some time ago, one of my nephews sitantly, — a person has to be got our country into an impasse, into the forest. We were without came and asked his grandfather strong. Life has tought those Mo- surrendered. Of course, the road food for two days and nights. The why what he said about Albania kra peasants you just mentioned it had taken could have no other little milk they got from a goat was different from what was writ­ a great deal. It’s not for nothing end. At that time, my father was they gave to the children and me. ten in hir geography text-book. One they say that the evil fell on iron ill in a hospital in a town by a That was the longest and hardest of the teachers had told the pupils and melted it, fell on wood and beautiful lake. In the morning he winter I have passed. In the spring that what was in the text-book burnt it, fell on stone and split it, met his brother who had decided I began to recover and one day, .was untrue, but my father told fell on man, but he endured it. In to surrender to the German troops, when I had begun to get up and my nephew another way of ex­ the world, man must not submit who were considered as our allies felt I was gaining strength, I asked posing the lies. Together with twel­ to his fate, must not be passive, and were coming to take over. This, them to take me to the commander, ve of his school mates, he sent a because in this way they will according to him, was the best the one who, when I was so sick letter asking many questions about trample you down. One must be way to get home. They parted in and demoralized, had told me that the content of the geography text­ strong and wise to cope with mis­ the morning but by lunch time he I must first recover and then they book to an Albanian magazine. fortunes. In Mokra which you men­ learned that the Germans had shot could look at my case. But instead Some time later this letter was tioned, they have had their full his brother as soon as he surren­ of meeting him I heard the parti­ replied to by the pupils of a secon­ score of misfortunes, but the man dered. Every one in the hospital sans singing a song dedicated to dary school in a village on the of Mokra, like every Albanian has was terrified. An Albanian helped him. I was taken to the new com­ Adriatic coast, directly opposite us. known how to withstand them, to my father. He did not allow him mander. I was astonished when I What those Albanian pupils said cope with them, and life, there to fall into the hands of the Ger­ learned that commander was that was a well deserved reply. They where it seemed to be dying out, man troops, but took him away. My tall man who helped me that night completely exposed the lies in the has emerged stronger. When so­ father often tells me u)tigt hap­ by taking me to his village. I stood geography text-book. My father meone sets himself an objective, pened that day, because it is un­ silent in front of him. How should was delighted and next time my and fights for it without retreating, forgettable. He relates this history I speak, what should I say?" nephew came he sang him your he is sure to emerge triumphant. to every one, especially to those Father still did not understand. partisan song «Comrades unite in Excuse me for asking how you who happen to say something about His mind and soul were disturbed the unit". came to know Mokra, a thing your country. This is how my by two opposing feelings. On the — Thus my friend, — said the which I find astonishing. I ask father tells it: one hand, gratitude that they had woman with glasses. — Those words less from curiosity than from that «I was ivery ill. The Albanian saved his life, on the other, the I said about your people I learned human feeling every one experien­ took me and helped me, but during thought that now he had reco­ from the gratitute of a simple man. ces when he hears his own country, the night we were faced with so­ vered they would settle accounts After a moment’s silence she praised, especially when he is far mething unexpected that I shall with him because he was an in­ remembered that she had to do away. never forget. When we found our­ vader. It is somewhat ridiculous, something for me and began to dial — That’s right, — she said, — selves face to face with the parti­ but remember that my father is a the telephone number I wanted. That human feeling makes not only sans, my blood ran cold. Since our very simple man and did not know A flush spread over her pale, you but me too, feel respect for allies, the Germans had killed my the Albanians, and even less the strained face when the call was that people, who have helped in brother, what are the partisans partisans. As father tells it — «I answered. my life, though indirectly. My going to do with me who have said to the new commander: — There your are — she said, father was iri your country come as an enemy! I was taken — Put me on trial and sentence handing me the receiver, take it, during those awful years for your to the Commander. He questioned me. However I have not killed any they have answered at the other people and ours. They were two and I begged him- not to kill me, one and have not committed any end". brothers in the 104th Infantry re­ because the Germans had shot my crime. About an hour later, when I was giment. They set out for Albania. brother in the morning. He had left The commander looked at me leaving the airport, she said to me: We were told that Albania was five orphaned children, while I had thoughtfully without speaking. Fi­ — When you go back to your a wild country where the people six. The commander cut me short: nally he said to me: country, please do something for were cannibals. What hadn't we — First get well. When you get — We do not kill victims, we kill me — go to Mokra and tell them heard! But my childish imagina­ better we’ll look into the matter. fascism, nazism, the enemy. You what I said. Tell them these are tion neither understood nor con­ We do not have hospitals and me­ are a victim. That is what fascism the words of a simple woman who, cerned itself with these things. I dicines, but anyhow, we will do reduced you to. Therefore, don’t sit although she has never seen them only knew that my father was far our best to treat you in the pea­ idly praying, but pick up the rifle has the greatest admiration for that away, across the sea in the moun­ sant’s homes. and come and fight. In this way country and those people.

creased and enriched in an orga­ author towards the phenomena of maca-« by Racine, “Candide* by The Russian revolutionary-demo­ nized manner; thus our reader is life and society. Voltoire, and the revolutionary co­ crats, as well as the outstanding becoming ever better acquainted This criterion — the question Of medies of Beaumarchais. Our rea­ critic, Belinsky and others, have with this literature. the conformity of the artistic level ders are acquinted with the critical also been translated. The classics of world literature to an important social content, is realists of the 19th century Stend­ Among the German authors, enjoy special respect and love in the basic one for the publication hal, Balzac, Hugo. Merimee, Flaubert, Schiller takes first place in regard our country. We now have in our of foreign literature in Albania. Zola, Daudet, Francin, Maupassant to the number of works published libraries the full translations of Another criterion is the proportio­ and Rostand, through their major in Albania. The patriotic and free­ Homer’s two great poems, the nate, and not spontaneous, repre­ works. From the authors of the dom-loving sentiments of his dra­ •"Iliad"- and the -“Odyssey"-, we also sentation of this literature in time Commune, we have in Albania, mas have ensured always great have the full translation of -Don and space. Valeis, Pothier and other poets of popularity among our readers. The Quixote" by Cervantes and «The Here we have a .very broad range the Commune. classic German literature is also Divine Comedy" by Dante, the — from the Homeric epos up to From the English writers of the represented by Goethe, Heine and major works of Shakespeare, the classics of the beginning of our past undoubtedly the best known Lessing. Goethe’s -“Faust", Tolstoy’s “War century, from the American nove­ in our country is Shakespeare, and The American, Mark Twain is and Peace", etc. lists of Critical realism to classical after him comes Dickens. We have dear to our readers. “Torn Sawyer* In Albania we choose and trans­ Chinese poetry. Many French clas­ also translated Milton and Defoe, and “Huckleberry Finn* attract late those works from classical lite­ sics have been translated. There is Swift, Burns, Scott, Byron, Thacke­ readers of all ages in Albania. rature in which the fine artistic a long list, both of authors and ray, Hardy, Stevenson and others. Whitman, Longfellow and Cooper form complements a sound content, works. Following “The Misanthro­ Russian classical literature is are known and read, too. with lofty humane ideas, democra­ pe* and “Tartuffe* come most of very widely represented, beginning From Italian literature apart tic principles, and in general, an Molier’s other works, then follow from Pushkin and Lermontov to from Dante’s, “Divine Comedy*, objective and realistic stand by the “Le Cyd» by Corneille and “Andro- Tolstoy, Turgeniev and Chekhov. Goldon’s comedies, “The Decame- 33 The brigade which closes the ampules in the sector of injectable solutions. Photo: S. Xhillari

ron- and other works have been is clear, loo, that those still to be vicz and Byron, novels by Cooper, Cronin, H. G. Wells, L. Feucht- translated. translated are not, few either; they stories by Verga, satires bv Swift wanger, etc., anti-fascist novels by Spanish classical literature is re-' include works by authors known and Twain, extracts form -Parall­ some Germany writers such as presented by Cervantes and Lope to our readers and others as yet el Lives- by Plutarch, passages from Kellerman and H. Fallada, E. M. De Vegas, Belgian literature by unknown to them. Publications in the works of Lucian from Greek Remarque and L. Renn, etc. A Ch. de Costeir, Indian literature by the coming years will fill the gaps and Latin lyrical poets, and so on. number of novels which depict the Calidas and Prem Chand, Japanese on the rich map of works of world No less interest is shown in our social contradictions in the coun­ literature by N. Soseki, Persian li­ classical literature. They will in­ country in the inclusion of pro­ tryside have also been translated. terature by Saadiu, Norwegian lite­ troduce the reader to a number of gressive literature of our century They include -The Pilar- by the rature by Ibsen (who has impressed outstanding writers such as the in our publications. A glance at Turkish writer, I. Qemal, -The our readers with the realism and American critical realists, Melville these translations shows that they Cottage- by B. Ibanez, -The Upris­ authentic naturalism of his style), and Irving, the British poet Shelley help us create an accurate idea of ing- by the Rumanian writer L. Hungarian literature by Petofi (an and the novelist George Eliot, with what is going on behind the facade Rebreanu, some other novels which author who enjoys great popula­ selected stanzas by Italian poets in the bourgeois world, through help our reader become acquainted rity), Polish literature by Mickie- such as Foscolo, Carducci, Pascoli the criticism by progressive writ­ with specific problems worrying vicz and Prus, Rumanian literature etc., other distinguished writers, ers of the ills of reality, criticism progressive writers in the West, by Eminescu and Caragiale, Bulga­ such as the Spanish novelist Galdos, which is sometimes profound and such as the problems of medicine ; rian literature by I. Vazov and the classical Finnish writer, Kivi, allsided, touching the very foun­ (the novels -Say No to Death- by H. Botev. the German dramatist and novelist dations of the bourgeois order, and D. Cussack, -Doctor Arrowsmith- From ancient Greek and Latin Kleist, with selected stanzas by at other times partial and limited, by S. Lewis, -Panel Doctor- by literature, apart from a series ot Greek poets, such as Palamas, etc;, dealing with separate aspects. We G. d’Agata), the problem of the tragedies by three great Greek tra­ etc. have also translated the novels of press and the socalled technical gedians, comedies by Aristophanes Our libraries will also be enrich­ outstanding American realist writ­ scientific-revolution (the novels and Plautus, poems by Greek lyrical ed with other works by authors ers, such as Dreiser, Sinclair Lewis, -The Invisible- by W. Ogilvi, -The poets and Juvenal, -On the Nature some of whose works have been Upton Sinclair, Wilson, Waller, and Man in Black- by P. Kessel, -Lite- of Things- by Lucretius, and prose translated earlier such as -Lucien Hemingway, which help us know ratron- by R. Escarpit), the problem works by ancient Greek writers, Lewen- by Stendhal, -Les Misera- life in the American cities, with of the functioning of the organs have also been translated. bles- by V. Hugo, Molliere’s come­ its profound internal contradictions, of justice and the army (the no­ As can be seen the works trans­ dies, -Horace- by Corneille, -Rob social novels by European writers vels -Death At Sea- by Ch. Snow, lated are by no means few, but it Roy- by Scott, poems by Mickie- such an Thomas Mann, Galsworthy, -The Yellow Dog- by G. Simenon,

II «PROFARMA» - TRADE MARK OF ALBANIAN MEDICAMENTS

If we were to look back at the pharmaceutical production has been newspapers of March 1948, our to constantly meet the requirements attention would be attracted by a of human and veterinary therapy small news item which informes for high quality medicaments. So its readers that the first pharma­ far about 900 different pharmaceu­ ceutical laboratory in our country tical and cosmetic products have had been set up at the clinical ho­ been produced. This wide range of spital in Tirana. That day marks preparations meets all the require­ the birth of a new enterprise for ments of advanced modern therapy. the production of pharmaceutical Now there is no medicament which products which has since thgn be­ exists in the other countries of the come very familiar to the people world which is not available in under the well known name of our country. A good part of the «Profarma*. products are produced with local Imagine how many small phials raw materials. bearing the typewritten white lable More than 20 tinctures and ex­ ■"distilled water*- were turned out. tracts, about 8 species, and more In the sector where distilled water is produced. These were the first products which than 30 specialities have been pro­ in this field are scarcely even a duced at the "Profarma* industrial beginning, but which are so neces­ enterprise from medicinal herbs sary, and, up to that time, used to and animal organs, and these pro­ be purchased abroad with gold. We ducts keep increasing. Last year used to import even camomile. 4,255 chemical and physical-chemi­ cal analyses were made. The first Only a few years later this small steps have been taken in the puri­ laboratory had turned into a big fication of certain chemical sub­ and important enterprise. Twenty stances which are used in produc­ years ago it was housed in a spa­ tion. cious building with many annexes, Now that first small pharmaceu­ surrounded by perennial green. To­ tical laboratory, established 30 years day, the sectors of this enterprise ago is remote in our memory while are equipped with up-to-date ap­ the opening of the new modern anti­ paratus and machinery. Now the biotics factory in our country is number of cadres of higher train­ close at hand. As a result, "Pro­ ing is four times as great as the farma* will soon be producing anti­ total number of workers at the be­ biotic tablets from the products of ginning. Production has increased this factory. This is the course of a great deal and so has the num­ the rapid advance characteristic of ber of workers employed, 85 per our country. The numerous phar­ cent of whom are girls and women macies which extend to the most who attend the many qualification remote corners of our Homeland courses and the vocational secon­ are being supplied with an ever dary school of the enterprise. increasing quantity of the products The sole aim of the increase in turned out by this enterprise.

"Beyond this Place* by A. Cronin, The names of communist writers blems of our time and make their policy pursued by the bourgeois the "General’s Star* by E. Morgan whose works have been translated contribution to the enrichment of governments and the opportunism etc.). It would take a long time in our country occupy a major place, the artistic values of our literature. of the revisionist party (the novel to mention all the great number including Fourmanov, Seraphino- As comrade Enver Hoxha stressed "The Riff-rraf* by S. Strati and of works of modern literature vitch, Fadajev, Gorbatov, Ostrovsky, at the 6th Party Congress, "...the the autobiographical story "Chicco* which have been translated, in­ Gladkov, J. Fucik etc. most correct sfand towards publica­ by F. Piras). From Turkish litera­ cluding works from all continents, Their best novels such as "Cha- tions from foreign literature and art ture, works by I. Qemal, O. Qemal, from novels by Latin American pajev*, "How the Steel was tem­ gave powerful encouragement to and the well known humorist, A. authors, with their common con­ pered*, "The Young Guard* etc., the development of our own art Nessine will be translated. cerns about the fascist dictatorships serve the revolutionary education and literature.* From foreign drama, works by such an («Mr. President* by M. A. of our reader. There is a constant In the future too, our reader will Brecht, G. Hauptmann and S. O’Ca­ Asturias) and neocolonialism ("The demand, especially from young have many other new works avai­ sey, will be translated, from the Partner* by H. Prieto), to other readers for the works of Gorky, lable, some of them by authors revolutionary poets, works by Ma­ authors engaged with the crucial Mayakovsky and Brecht, and they who will be published for the first yakovsky, Volker, S. K. Neumann, problems of their own countries, are reprinted time and again. time in our country. Novels by the I. Turvin, Attila Joseph as well as such as novels by the African Many works of a revolutionary Swedish writers I. L. Johnson and present-day Greek and Italian writer, S. Ousmane, the Indian spirit have been translated from W. Moberg, novels by H. Mann, poets. writer K. Markandaja, etc. Included Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean E. M. Remarque and stories by The question of the selection of in our translations are some of the literature. Among the communist Thomas Mann, a novel by the Por­ works from world literature for best known poets of our time, such poets, apart from Mayakovsky and tugese writer F. de Castro, novels translation and publication is link­ as R. Tagore, G. Lorea, P. Eloard, Brecht, we also have Vapcarov, from Latin America, by M. A. Astu­ L. Hughes, and P. Neruda, as well ed with a study and the best pos­ as the playwrights, A. Miller, G. B. Smirnensky, and others, in Alba­ rias, R. Gallegos and A. Azevedo sible knowledge of this literature. Shaw, E. de Philippo, P. Weiss, nian. - distinguished writers of their This remains a continuous task for J. B; Priestly, etc. In the future too, the selection respective countries, a novel by us, and this is dictated by the need The literature of socialist realism, of works from present-day world H. Bazin, a novel by Victtorini, to make all those spiritual values headed by Gorky, Maiakovsky, Lu literature will continue to be made and stories by I. Calvino, will be of progressive mankind that enrich Sun, H. Barbusse and B. Brecht, according to the ideoartistic crite­ translated. From Italian literature, the spiritual life of every people, occupies an honoured place in our ria we mentioned above so that of special interest will be two the property of our national cul­ translated literature. they correctly represent the pro­ works denouncing the antipopular ture. •NEW ALBANIA* Nr. 1-1978 LETTERS TO THE EDITO R

IN THIS ISSUE: M. MMF, DONZE AND JEAN - France peoples that the strength of a people does At the begining of the New Year, 1978 we not lie in the size of the population but in Page send the editorial board of your magazine, its will to defend its independence, freedom «New Albania*-, our most sincere good wi­ and dignity to the end. The correct revo­ ■ COMRADE ENVER HOXHA AMIDST shes, and, through you, we wish all the lutionary Marxist-Leninist line, which the PIONEERS. 1 Albanian people, from the Highlander in Party of Labour headed by comrade ■ A COLLECTIVE OF CREATORS. 2 his village to Comrade Enver Hoxha in Enver Hoxha has always followed is exem­ ■ 30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MA­ the capital: good health, joy in work and plary. Your people have a rich history of GAZINE, "NEW ALBANIA*. 3 daily life, successes in the fulfillment of struggle and battles. They have never bent ■ FIERZA, 1978. 4 the targets of the five year plan, and in the knee to any foreign invader. They have ■ THE PASSION OF THE ARCHITECT. 6 Albania, among all the peoples of the world. prefered honourable death, fighting arms B THE ALBANIAN LEAGUE FOUNDED «New Albania* magazine, which we read in hand, to surrender and subjugation to IN PRIZREN. 8 with great pleasure, keeps us in regular enemies. ■ A BROAD PROGRAM OF WORK. 9 contact with the Albanian reality and gives us the opportunity to follow the continous A.T. POULSON — England. We listen ■ INDOORS AGRICULTURE. 10 marvellous development of your country in regularly to the programs of Radio Tirana, ■ AN ACCOMPANIMENT OF INTEN­ all fields. The magazine shows what a cou­ through which we have learnt about the SIVE AGRICULTURE. 12 rageous and persistent strong, educated and successes which your country has achieved. m FRAGMENTS FROM THE LIFE OF indomitable people can do when they take We admire your people and regard Alba­ A CITY. 14 their fate into their own hands. nia a great fortress of Marxism-Leninism. B THE FOUNDING OF THE JAPAN- We were very attracted by the cover pho­ ALBANIA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIA­ The establishment of the dictatorship of TION. 17 tograph of your 1977 editions, the young the proletariat in your country, the liquida­ B THE SOCIALIST COUNTRYSIDE IN violinist, a worker at the new Valias mine, tion of the backwardness and religious obs­ THE WORKS OF OUR PAINTERS May Day in Tirana, a young woman worker curantism, the ensuring of true freedom for AND SCULPTORS. 18 of the glassware factory in Tirana. the people, as well as the other socialist ■ AFFORESTATION OF HILLS AND Thank you for dealing with several of successes are great victories for your Party MOUNTAINS. 20 the themes we have proposed in our letters. with Comrade Enver Hoxha at the head. ■ SCANDERBEG IN EUROPEAN LITE­ Together with our thanks, please accept, RATURE DURING THE FIRST HALF We would like to read publications about dear friends, this expression of our most Sin­ OF THE 17th CENTURY. 22 your country especially the speeches of Com­ cere and friendly feelings. ■ THE TITLE "PEOPLE’S TEACHER* 23 rade Enver. Please tell us how we can get B THE PENSIONERS OF BURIZANA. 24 them. SUSAN CARREY - England. The maga-, ■ PRESERVATION AND RESTORA­ zine, «New Albania*, has given me a broad Revolutionary greetings. TION OF THE MONUMENTS OF picture of life in your very beautiful socia­ CULTURE. 25 list Homeland. It has provided us with valua­ H. JESTRABEK — Federal German Re­ B THE FIRST MOTOR PRODUCED BY ble information on the achievements of the public. As a reader of your magazine I THE "TRAKTORI* PLANT. 26 Albanian people, which we have no other ' wish first of all,- to congratulate you on a ■ ALBANIA IN FIGURES. 27 way of learning in England because there very interesting publication. ■ CINEMA. THE PIONEERS IN THE is very little news about Albania. I am a friend and admirer of socialist WAR FOR FREEDOM. 28 I am a student and have been interes­ Albania. In 1974 I had the honour to visit a LEGENDS. 29 ted in Albania since I was 14 years old. I hope your beautiful country. This visit filled me ■ HOW THE "BALLAD OF THE BA­ to visit your country in the future. with enthusiasm. I have a special interest in LLI KOMBETAR* WAS CREATED. 30 ■ THE CHILDREN’S FRIEND. 31 I would be. very grateful if you could socialist literature and arts. Could you please help me to become ■ MEETING AT THE AIRPORT send me an Albanian-English dictionary and (STORY). 32 any other information on the Albanian lan­ acquainted with your writers and the litera­ ■ WORLD LITERATURE IN THE AL­ guage, as I would like to learn to speak ture of socialist realism in Albania. BANIAN LANGUAGE. 32 a little Albanian. \ ■ "PROFARMA* - TRADE MARK OF ANTONIO E MARIA ANTUNES - Por­ ALBANIAN MEDICINES. 34 A. ROZMIAREK — Poland. I have been tugal. We are writing to congratulate you interested in Albania for a long time. I know on the thirty-third anniversary of the libe­ NEW ALBANIA very little about your very beautiful country. ration of Albania. I am interested to learn about your country Your struggle for liberation is a rich An illustrated political and social maga­ zine. Published once in two months in and especially about the life of the youth in experience for the peoples of the world. Albanian, French, English, Russian, Arabic, Albania. The heroic manner with which you fought Italian, Spanish and German. Some time ago, I happened to see a copy the Nazifascist occupiers clearly demonstra­ The address of the Editorial Board of your magazine. After I had read all the tes the will of your people. Our greetings are addressed especially to "New Albania* Rr. Labinoti 7, Tirana, article my interest in your country became Albania. even greater. Therefore I would like to the Albanian youth, because it, too has been know more about Albania. a fundamental factor in your struggle. The Front Cover example of the Albanian youth should be ■ Pupils doing experimental work in the laboratory of the general secondary school VALTER DI DONATO - Belgium. followed by all the young people who fight in Puka a town in the mountains of north­ Through your magazine, I have come to for liberation and socialism. ern Albania. greatly admire the progress of the Albanian We would be very grateful if you could Back Cover people. sand us a copy of the newspaper, "Zeri i The valley of the Valbona River in the Albania also shows the freedom loving Popullit* of the 29th of November, 1977. Northern Alps.

36 « ALBANIA TODAY»

A political and inform ational periodical. It appears once in two months in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian,

* ALBANIA TODAY » helps you to acquaint yourself with the Albanian reality and the stand of Albania towards the most im portant international problems.

R e a d «ALBANIA TODAY»

Subscribe to «ALBANIA TODAY»

Subscriptions are made at the «Nderm arrja e Librit* Tirana, Albania.

Published by the Academy of linguistics, literature, folklore. The Sciences of the People's Socialist most wellknown Albanian authors «STUDIA Republic of Albania. It appears in collaborate for its publication. It French, and is an organ of Albanolo- ALBANICA*, also carries studies of foreign Alba- gical studies. It deals with problems of old and modern history, sociology, six-monthly magazine nologists. «Studia Albanica» reflects ethnology, arcaeology, economy, the scientific life in Albania.

Subscriptions to cNEW ALBANIAi tNEW ALBANIA» appears in Albanian. English. French. German. Russian. Spanish. Arabic and Italian.

Subscription rates for one year are: CORRECTION

3.60 U.S. dollars 1) On page 30 in the introduction to the article: How the ■«Ballad of the Balli Kombetar* was created, 8.25 German marks the second last line of the first column should read: But the thing that gave the young poet the possibi­ lity to freely express his feelings of love for the 15.56 French francs people and hatred for the enemy was the creation of the Communist Party of Albania and the National 2.52 Roubles or their equivalent value Liberation War of the Albanian people Send your subscriptions to: , TIRj — — ——-— - — ------>------—— ---- - 2] ° n Page 36, in Letters to the Editor, at the end of the first paragraph, after the tenth line read: raising the prestige of Marxist-Leninist Albania among all the peoples of the wgrld.