At the premises of the Faculty of Philology of the University of Tetova, today was held the promotion of the book: “Epoka e konsujve dhe paradigma të tjera” – “The Age of Consuls and Other Paradigms” by the author, publicist, researcher, and former Prime Minister of Kosovo, Prof. Dr. Bajram Kosumi. This cultural and academic event brought together professors, researchers, students, and book enthusiasts. Prior to the event, Prof. Dr. Bajram Kosumi was received in a meeting by the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, in his office, where they discussed the importance of academic cooperation, developments in the field of higher education, as well as the contribution of scientific and literary works to enriching Albanian intellectual thought. Also present at the meeting were the Vice-Rector for International Relations at the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Salajdin Salihi, and Professor Emeritus Merxhan Avdyli.
In his opening address at the promotion, the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, greeted the attendees. He emphasized that this book is not only about the Age of Consuls in the legal or administrative-political aspect of ancient Rome, but in fact concerns the role of consuls in the Albanian state, and that all the priorities and challenges elaborated by the professor are masterfully reflected in the work. He further added that the work and dedication of Prof. Dr. Bajram Kosumi remain a model of commitment for the younger generations.
A speech was also delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Prof. Dr. Emine Shabani, who highlighted the importance of this work in addressing issues of Albanian identity and culture in the Balkan context, as well as the author’s contribution to the fields of literary and journalistic studies.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Arlind Farizi and Professor Emeritus Merxhan Avdyli, in their capacity as reviewers, presented their evaluations of the work, describing the book as a study with an original and reflective approach that brings new interpretations of Albanian and Balkan identity through what the author refers to as “consular literature” – texts by European consuls, journalists, and travel writers from the mid-19th century to the present day.
In his address, the author, Prof. Dr. Bajram Kosumi, presented the main ideas of the work, sharing with those present reflections on the historical, cultural, and identity-related processes that have influenced the shaping of perceptions about Albanians and the Balkans.
The book “The Age of Consuls and Other Paradigms” represents a distinctive literary and scholarly amalgam, addressing the complexity of Albanian and Balkan identity through analyses of documents, narratives, and various historical and cultural paradigms.
