In the organization of the Academy of Sciences of Albania and the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the birth of the academician Ali Aliu, on April 2, 2024, a scientific panel was held in Pristina, with the topic: “Literary creativity of Ali to Ali”.
In this important event, well-known figures from the field of Albanian studies from the Republic of Kosovo and Albania were referenced, while from our country, specifically from the University of Tetovo, Prof. Dr. Fatmir Sulejmani participated, presenting the study: “Ali Aliu: The Man, the Scholar, and the Literary Critic”.
He emphasized that the name of Ali Aliu became well-known during the years of Ranković’s terror, when he worked as a journalist for “Flaka e Vëllazërimit” and was constantly under surveillance of State Security Administration agents. “His authority increased in 1967, after the series of articles titled ‘Tetova Seen Up Close’, with which he broke the taboo of chronic silence regarding the injustices of the Macedonian chauvinist party towards Albanians. Aliu needed just four feuilleton articles to ignite a fire within the people of Tetovo, awakening them from their slumber and making them acutely aware of the present moment. These articles shook the comfort of the authorities and were considered to be catalysts for the demonstrations that erupted in 1968 in Tetovo and elsewhere, becoming subjects of analysis in central committees and among layers of spies, who saw in his elimination from the social and cultural scene an opportunity for career advancement. In the 1980s, the Macedonian government, along with Albanian-speaking lackeys, removed from use the textbooks, anthologies, and other works of Professor Ali. It was during this time, under the directives of local and central politics, that books from Albanian school libraries were seized and locked away in the basements of state buildings, rendering them useless,” said Prof. Dr. Fatmir Sulejmani.
He further added that when the persecution became unbearable, the Professor, like several other intellectuals, came to Kosovo, where, from 1974 to 1981, life flourished a bit more freely than in North Macedonia, which at the time became a testing ground for the resilience and patience of Albanians, because in North Macedonia, in the 1980s, the teaching in Albanian high schools was interrupted.
“Academic Ali Aliu is one of the most prominent personalities of Albanian culture and literature, present, beloved, and honored throughout Albania. His creative opus is extensive and encompasses various works: monographic studies, critiques, literary essays, literary theory, anthologies of Albanian poetry, texts for elementary and high schools, articles on literary art and culture in general, journalistic writings, etc. At the core of the academician’s work is criticism and literary studies, while his narrow specialty is closely linked to the reflective poetry of contemporary literature, which, as he himself expresses: ‘It is full of concern for the fates of collective existence, for the political currents and morality of our time…, poetry that is not entirely open and requires a theoretical garment to make normal contact with it.’ Ali Aliu has long demonstrated professionalism in these fields and beyond. Not coincidentally, accurate writings and good public opinion about them have affirmed the accomplished works of many creators and have influenced the finding of deserved places in the hierarchy of values.”
Ali Ali has done a lot for Albanian culture. It has continuously followed genuine creators, highlighting the value of their works. As rarely anyone, he extended his hand to young talents, praising them for their achievements and at the same time warning them about the shortcomings that they should overcome. Because of this determination and sound principles that do not tolerate compromises, he has often faced the heart of mediocrities to whom he does not pay attention, aware that, in small countries, where everyone knows everyone, the literary critic pays heavy taxes to the profession his” – declared the professor of the Faculty of Philology of UT, Prof. Dr. Fatmir Sulejmani.
Referring to the critical insights, he underlined that acad. Ali Aliu focuses on the most important and special aspects of the works, on the details that shed light on the whole and highlight what is essential in the social, existential, human and especially on the artistic level. He achieves this through a serious approach to the works, from the leaves to the roots, deep immersion in the ninth layers, in the unsaid of the authors and filigree analysis. His profound, comprehensive, and meticulous knowledge of literature gives him the confidence to offer readers new reading possibilities, without compromising their right to different readings, because a work of art communicates with readers in endless versions. The scholar and critic Ali Aliu have never equated the work with the creator, regardless of the authority gained in warfare, politics, business, or other fields unrelated to literary art. He challenges political and ideological influences in literature. Thanks to these attitudes, the creator has never made mediocrity a model and did not help the acculturation of Albanians with a single judgment, through worthless things, which especially during the 1990s of the last centuries, spoiled the modest state among us. He has also shown special attention to Albanian aesthetics. Therefore, even linguistically, his analyses are among the most accurate,” highlighted Prof. Dr. Fatmir Sulejmani.
In conclusion of the presentation of the scientific work, he assesses that Ali Aliu is the most devoted chronicler of Albanian literary values, from its origin to the present day. He did not divide the trunk of Albanian literature into branches and twigs, as some others try to divide it, so he wrote and continues to write with the same dedication for the only Albanian literature, despite the artificial borders that divide our lands. He also wrote with respect about the works of excommunicated authors. He didn’t step on the fake board of the Albanian sake, considered for a long time heavier than the mace and, what is more important: he didn’t slip and didn’t leave behind writings for which he would feel ashamed today.
