albania
The First Congress of Monastir: A Pivotal Chapter
The Congress of Monastir: A Decisive Turn for the Albanian Language in the 20th Century
(November 14-22, 1908)
By Elton Varfi
In November 2023, the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, announced that November 22nd, known as the Alphabet Day, will be declared a national holiday in Albania. This decision follows the existing practice for Albanians in North Macedonia. The declaration was made during Rama's speech at the Diaspora Summit in Tirana.[1]
Introduction and Historical Context
In November 1908, during a period marked by national movements and conflicts across the Balkan region, a crucial event was about to deeply impact Albania's cultural and linguistic identity: the Congress of Monastir. In this historic city, now known as Bitola in North Macedonia, a group of Albanian intellectuals, linguists, and leaders gathered with a revolutionary goal: to establish a unified alphabet for the Albanian language, a crucial step for preserving and evolving Albanian culture during a time of significant changes.
The former building of the Iliria Hotel, where the Congress of Monastir - the Congress of the Alphabet of the Albanian language, was held from November 14th to November 22nd, 1908. (Photo by Planeti, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.)
Memorial plaque at the house in Bitola where the 1908 Congress for the Albanian Alphabet was held. (Photo by Zdravko, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license).
At the beginning of the 20th century, Albania, still under Ottoman rule, was a melting pot of burgeoning nationalism. The struggle for independence was gaining momentum, and the need for a unified language became increasingly pressing, emerging as a vital symbol of national identity and unity. In this context, the Congress of Monastir emerged as a crucial arena to address one of the most significant challenges for the nation's future: the unification of the Albanian language, which until then had been fragmented into various dialects and writing systems.
Thus, this congress was not merely a linguistic event; it represented a turning point in cultural and political history, a meeting point between the past, characterized by a divided language and external influences, and a future aspiring to independence and self-determination. The decision to unify the language under a single alphabet would have far-reaching implications, influencing not only everyday communication but also the educational, literary, and identity pathways of the Albanian people throughout the century.
The Promoters of the Congress
Among the eminent personalities who took part in the Congress of Monastir were prominent figures such as Gjergj Fishta, Luigj Gurakuqi, and Mid'hat Frashëri. Each a visionary in their own right, these men had a deep understanding of the importance that a unified alphabet would have not only for the language but also as a symbol of national unity and cultural resistance in a period of intense political and social ferment.
Gjergj Fishta, a renowned poet and writer, was a central figure in Albanian literature. His most famous work, "Lahuta e Malcís" (The Lute of the Highlands), is an epic poem exploring themes of Albanian history and folklore. His presence at the Congress of Monastir was indicative of his commitment to promoting Albanian culture, and his influence was crucial in guiding discussions on the adoption of the Latin alphabet.
Luigj Gurakuqi, another key promoter, was an intellectual and politician of great impact. His progressive vision and commitment to Albanian education and culture made him a prominent figure in the linguistic debate. Gurakuqi was one of the main advocates for the use of the Latin alphabet, seeing it as a means to modernize the language and facilitate communication with the outside world.
The Commission of the Congress of Manastir in 1908. Photo by Kel Marubi. (Public domain).
1. Gjergj Fishta, 2. Mid'hat Frashëri, 3. Luigj Gurakuqi, 4. Gjergj Qiriazi, 5. Father Ndre Mjeda, 6. Grigor Cilka, 7. Dhimitër Buda, 8. Shahin Kolonja, 9. Sotir Peçi, 10. Bajo Topulli. 11. Nyxhet Vrioni
Mid'hat Frashëri, in turn, was a versatile personality: a diplomat, writer, and political leader. His international experience and deep understanding of European political dynamics provided a unique perspective at the Congress. Frashëri emphasized the importance of a unified alphabet not just for Albania's internal cohesion but also for its positioning on the international stage.
These men, along with other participants, represented a broad spectrum of skills and experiences, but were united by a common desire: to see the Albanian language flourish and become a vehicle for national expression. Their contribution to the Congress of Monastir was instrumental in shaping the decisions made and influencing the future direction of the Albanian language and culture.
In addition to Gjergj Fishta, Luigj Gurakuqi, and Mid'hat Frashëri, the Congress of Monastir was attended by other prominent members, each contributing significantly to the debate and final decision. Among them were figures like Parashqevi Qiriazi, a pioneer in women's education in Albania, Ndre Mjeda, another talented poet and linguist, and Shahin Kolonja, a key figure in the Albanian national movement.
Parashqevi Qiriazi was a women's rights activist and educator, whose work focused on the education and emancipation of Albanian women. Her presence at the Congress represented an important step forward for women's participation in national and cultural affairs. Qiriazi strongly supported the standardization of the language as a means for universal education and empowerment of women in Albania.
Ndre Mjeda, recognized for his contributions to Albanian poetry and linguistics, was another key protagonist. His knowledge of Albanian dialects and passion for preserving Albanian folk culture greatly enriched the debates. Mjeda advocated for an alphabet that reflected the phonetic peculiarities of the Albanian language, thus helping to bridge the gap between oral tradition and written literature.
Shahin Kolonja, known for his role in the Albanian national movement, brought to the Congress a political and pragmatic vision. He underscored how a unified alphabet could be a fundamental tool for strengthening national cohesion and resisting external influences, especially in a period of increasing political and cultural pressure from neighboring powers.
These members, together with other Congress participants, formed an eclectic and dynamic group. Their diverse perspectives and expertise ensured that the Congress of Monastir was not just a linguistic event, but a crossroads of cultural, political, and social ideas. It was this rich diversity of thought and experience that gave the Congress its unifying strength and lasting impact on the history and culture of Albania.
The Objective of the Congress
The main goal of the Congress of Monastir was to address and resolve one of the most pressing and complex issues of Albania at that time: the literacy and standardization of the Albanian language. Prior to the Congress, the linguistic situation in Albania was marked by significant fragmentation. Various writing systems coexisted and competed with each other, including variants based on Latin, Cyrillic, and Arabic alphabets. This diversity was not only a reflection of the various historical and cultural influences that had shaped Albania, but also represented a tangible obstacle to effective communication and education.
The country, caught between traditions and external influences, faced the risk of losing its linguistic and cultural identity. The presence of different writing systems not only made communication difficult among various regions of the country but also hindered the development of a unified and accessible national literature. For example, finding reading materials that were universally understandable was challenging, severely limiting access to education and culture.
Delegates of the Congress of Manastir. Photo by Kel Marubi. (Public domain).
Moreover, this fragmentation had political and social implications. Without a standard alphabet, promoting a sense of national unity was challenging, which was essential at a time when Albania was struggling for its independence. A unified alphabet was not just about facilitating communication; it was a symbol of unity and sovereignty, a means to consolidate Albanian identity in an era of changes.
Thus, the objective of the Congress of Monastir was to find a solution to this linguistic fragmentation by creating a single alphabet that could be adopted throughout the country. The organizers and participants were aware that the choice of a unified alphabet would have a profound and lasting impact on Albania's culture, education, and national identity. The final decision, therefore, had to be made with great consideration, taking into account not only the linguistic needs but also the political, cultural, and social implications that would ensue.
The Alphabet Debate
The debate on the alphabet at the Congress of Monastir was one of the most significant and intense moments in the cultural and linguistic history of Albania. This discussion was not just a comparison between different writing systems but also reflected the deep tensions and diverse cultural and political influences that were crossing Albania at that time.
Before the Congress, Albania had a variety of writing systems for its language, the result of centuries of external and internal influences.
Letter of the decision made by the commission at the Congress of Monastir. (Public domain).
There were systems based on the Latin alphabet, mainly introduced by Franciscans and other Catholic missionaries in the North, while the Greek alphabet was primarily used in Orthodox liturgy in the South. Additionally, the Arabic alphabet was used for transcribing the Albanian language among Muslim communities, especially in religious literature.
The debate at the Congress of Monastir was heated and complex, with different factions advocating the superiority of one alphabet over another. Proponents of the Latin alphabet preferred it for its simplicity and greater affinity with modern European languages, a factor considered essential for Albania's cultural and political integration into Europe. Those favoring the Greek or Arabic alphabets, on the other hand, often did so based on religious or traditional reasons.
This debate was not merely a linguistic issue; it was intrinsically linked to questions of national identity, independence, and modernization. The choice of an alphabet was not just a practical decision to standardize the language; it was also a symbol of the path Albania would take in its political and cultural future.
In the end, after intense discussions and considerations, the choice fell on the Latin alphabet. This decision was influenced by various factors, including the need for an Albanian language that was easily accessible and teachable, the desire to align more closely with European nations, and the aspiration for an alphabet that could effectively and fully express the sounds of the Albanian language.
The decision to adopt the Latin alphabet was not just a step towards linguistic modernization; it also represented an orientation towards Europe and a declaration of cultural and political independence. With this choice, Albania was affirming its aspiration to become an integral part of modern Europe, distancing itself from the Ottoman and Balkan influences that had dominated for centuries.
In conclusion, the debate on the alphabet at the Congress of Monastir was a turning point for the Albanian language and identity. The decision to adopt the Latin alphabet was not just a pragmatic choice to unify the language; it was a fundamental step towards the formation of a modern and independent Albanian national identity.
The Importance of the Congress of Monastir
The decision at the Congress of Monastir in 1908 to adopt a unified Latin alphabet for the Albanian language marked a historic turning point, with implications extending far beyond mere linguistic standardization. This event heralded a new era for Albania, profoundly influencing its literature, education, culture, and even its national identity.
Before the Congress, linguistic fragmentation in Albania was a major obstacle to the dissemination of culture and education. The diversity of alphabets limited the production and distribution of educational and literary materials, making it difficult for Albanians to access educational and cultural resources. With the adoption of the Latin alphabet, a path was paved for the creation of a more cohesive national education system and for the dissemination of literature that reflected and united the diverse voices and traditions of the country.
The unified Latin alphabet greatly facilitated the publication of books, newspapers, and other written materials in Albanian. This had a significant impact on literacy and education in Albania, allowing an increasing number of people to access education and culture. Literacy, in turn, was a key factor in promoting national awareness and Albanian identity, at a time when the country was struggling for its independence.
Moreover, the adoption of a unified Latin alphabet opened the doors to greater cultural and academic exchange with other European nations. Albania, through this linguistic choice, oriented itself towards the West and demonstrated its desire to be an integral part of Europe. This openness not only favored the country's cultural and educational modernization but also helped establish stronger ties with other European nations, both in terms of cultural collaborations and diplomatic relations.
The official decision on the final Albanian alphabet, chosen by the Congress of Monastir in 1908. (Public domain).
The decision made in Monastir also had a significant impact on the development of Albanian literature. Writers now had a standardized alphabet to express their ideas, thereby enabling the birth of a national Albanian literature. Literary works that reflected the experiences, history, and aspirations of the Albanian people began to emerge, contributing to defining and strengthening the country's cultural identity.
In conclusion, the Congress of Monastir was not just a linguistic event; it was a catalyst for the cultural and national awakening of Albania. The choice of the Latin alphabet not only unified the language but also helped forge a cohesive Albanian nationality and facilitated its integration into modern Europe. The legacy of this decision continues to be felt in Albania, influencing its culture, education, and position in the European context.
Conclusion
The Congress of Monastir, held in November 1908, transcends its role as a mere linguistic event to assume a prominent position in the history of Albania. This congress was not just a moment of linguistic decision-making but became a beacon of hope and a symbol of unity for a nation in search of its identity and independence. The choice to adopt a unified alphabet was a crucial step in building a strong and cohesive national identity, a key element for a country emerging from centuries of external domination and seeking to assert its sovereignty and culture.
The decision to adopt the Latin alphabet unified the country under a single written language, simplifying communication across different regions of Albania and among Albanians around the world. The standardization of the language facilitated the spread of education, enabling a greater number of Albanians to access reading and writing. This development had a significant impact on literacy and education throughout the country, contributing to raising the level of public awareness and civic participation.
Moreover, the choice of the Latin alphabet paved the way for Albania to engage in broader cultural exchange with the rest of Europe. This Western orientation helped to form and strengthen cultural and political ties with other nations, significantly contributing to the country's modernization and democratization process. The decision made in Monastir was a clear signal that Albania aspired to become an integral part of modern Europe, marking its detachment from Ottoman and Balkan influences.
Today, more than a century after that historic congress, the importance and impact of those decisions are still profoundly felt. The unified alphabet not only allowed for the creation of a national Albanian literature and the dissemination of a common culture but also played a crucial role in forging a sense of Albanian national identity. The Albanian language, thanks to that choice, has become a powerful tool of cultural and political expression, a bond that unites Albanians despite their diverse historical and geographical experiences.
In conclusion, the Congress of Monastir was much more than a meeting of linguists and intellectuals; it was a decisive moment in Albanian history, a turning point that has shaped the country's direction for decades to come. The decisions made in those days have left a lasting legacy, influencing not only the Albanian language and culture but also the Albanian people's self-perception and their place in the world.
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[1] “November 22 declared a national holiday in Albania”, available Euronews Albania [https://euronews.al/en/november-22-declared-a-national-holiday-in-albania/]
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