Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Tetova organized a commemorative meeting in honor of the life and work of Prof. Dr. Halim Purellku (November 05, 1952 – March 02, 2026). Prof. Dr. Halim Purellku was remembered for his valuable contribution to the study and illumination of Albanian history, as well as for his tireless dedication to the protection of national identity values.
The Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Prof. Dr. Kushtrim Ahmeti, in his speech, said that Prof. Dr. Halim Purellku was an example of intellectual integrity and dedication to the advancement of education and science across all Albanian-speaking regions, having worked continuously for five decades until his final breath.
His work as a lecturer in secondary schools and at the university will remain deeply embedded in the minds and hearts of many generations of students, pupils, and his collaborators. Through his tireless work at the University of Tetova and his serious scholarly studies, Prof. Dr. Halim Purellku left a profound mark on Albanian historiography. His valuable contribution to the study and illumination of our history, as well as his continuous dedication to the protection of identity values, constitute a precious legacy for our science and culture. His work and intellectual engagement remain a guiding example for all of us, showing how we should serve science, and in particular historiography, with responsibility and dedication. Glory to his life, work, and memory!” – said the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Prof. Dr. Kushtrim Ahmeti.
The keynote report on the life and work of the late professor, Prof. Dr. Halim Purellku, was presented by Prof. Dr. Zeqirja Rexhepi: “Historian Halim Purellku, for me, was not only a colleague with whom I shared an office at the university, but also an outstanding professional and a friendly person, with whom we often discussed everyday topics and concerns related to our national issues. He completed his master’s studies at the University of Prishtina, while in 1999 he earned his doctorate at the University of Tirana, with the topic: “Political and Military Circumstances in the Eastern Albanian Territories (1918–1921).” The trajectory of his studies in two major Albanian centers, Prishtina and Tirana, clearly reflects the profile of an intellectually nationally formed scholar, who tirelessly passed on this knowledge over the years to students at the University of Tetova. In the years 1992–1994, Professor Purellku served as President of the Association of Albanian Historians in Macedonia. In the scientific field, he published several scholarly works of historical content and over 50 research papers in national and international scientific journals. His scholarly work remains a valuable legacy for future generations”.
On behalf of the family, the daughter of the late professor, Albana Purellku, spoke. She said that her father was a supportive husband, a very loving grandfather to his grandchildren, and a strong pillar of the family. She further added that he was simple and modest, a man who did not measure wealth in money, but in deeds and kindness.“He taught us the most important values of life – honesty, work, dedication, and respect for others. Even in the most difficult moments, he placed ideals above everything. His loss has left a great void in our lives – an absence that, day by day, only deepens. Today, as we remember him, we feel not only pain, but also pride for who he was and for everything he left behind. His legacy lives on – in his works, in the students he educated, in the colleagues who knew him, and in the values, he left to us as a family. And above all, it lives on in the spirit of patriotism he instilled in all those who had the fortune to know him. For us, our father was not only the figure you saw – the professor, the scholar, the man of knowledge. He was the voice that guided us, the hand that held us, and the example that taught us how to live with honor and dignity. And today… in every step we take, in every decision we make, he is with us”,- said the daughter of the late Albana Purellku.
His rich legacy remains a valuable asset to our science and culture. Through his many years of work at the University of Tetova and his in-depth studies in the field of historiography, Prof. Dr. Halim Purellku left indelible traces, becoming a point of reference for future generations of researchers and students.
