University of Tetova participated in the Nationwide Book and Science Fair, which was held a few days ago at the Academy of Sciences of Albania, where in addition to several scientific titles, inaugurated the publication titled “The year of 1968 – Challenge of the national identity of Albanians in Macedonia”, a special issue of the international periodical journal of humanities and social sciences “Philosophica”.

The scientific journal “Philosophica” of the Faculty of Philosophy is a periodical journal founded in 2014, which enables scientific researchers to find the appropriate space to publish research papers in the fields of social sciences and humanities.

The inauguration of the above-mentioned journal at ASA was led by the President of the Senate of UT, Prof. Dr. Kushtrim Ahmeti, while the details on the importance of the journal and its indexation in international institutions were presented by Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti.

He, in his speech said that the study, research-scientific activity and its promotion reflect the institutional seriousness, whether as a university, faculty or scientific institute. The journal “Philosophica” aims to be the emblem of the scientific activity not only of the academic staff, but above all of the activity of all those who exercise active research activities. “Philosophica “promotes itself as a bridge between different institutions, as a bridge of experiences, science and cultural values, overcoming the narrow institutional frameworks”, said Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti.

Also was presented the history of the journal and the events that it deals within. On December 22, 2018, the University of Tetova, respectively the Faculty of Philosophy, organized a symposium titled “The year of 1968 – Challenge of the national identity of Albanians in Macedonia”, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the demonstrations of December 1968 in Tetovo, for the national flag and the rights of Albanians in Macedonia.

History tells us that our nation’s resistance to the efforts of invading, oppressive and genocidal enemies includes different dates and years. One of these dates is undoubtedly December 22, 1968, the date of demonstrations in our city – Tetovo.

The 1968 demonstrations remain a milestone in the political history of the Albanians of Macedonia. This event really marks the most dignified reaction to a system, which in essence was against the Albanian being, against the symbolism that identifies Albanians as a nation with an identity and a sensational history. Exactly this year, the people of Tetovo demonstrated their national will and the affirmation of their historical and cultural identity, thus marking their awakening, an awakening that will come through many resistant intellectual figures, but also the youth of that time, which without hesitation it was placed in defense of national dignity, in defense of the flag, unveiled by the activists of that time.

Fifty years after the demonstrations in Tetovo, we believe that has been created a historical distance for us to see this event from a broader context, using different notes with the media of the time and various archival documents.

According to scholars, the demonstrations erupted after many years of accumulation of revolt against the violent Yugoslav regime in relation to Albanians. The riots were not accidental. Tetovo has never lacked a national spirit and is known as a center of resistance to pan-Slavic ideas. Also, the collective memory had deposited bitter memories from a previous period, especially from the first years of the communist regime, when many Albanians were executed without trial, many others were sentenced to severe imprisonment or forced to leave and seek political asylum in different states.

It is worth mentioning that the works of the journal “Philosophica” are periodically published and translated into English. The same is extended to the international level, where since 2018 all issues published twice a year are indexed in 5 international databases such as:

  • Google Scholar
    • IndexCopenicus online Library
    • Central European Online Library
    • ERIH PLUS online library of humanities and social sciences
    • EBSCO Online Library

The journal has an international board, which includes eminent professors with scientific activities in the international arena.

Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti in conclusion, emphasized that “Philosophica” and the journals of the University of Tetova will be the inevitable pillar of the affirmation of the scientific work of the academic and scientific staff inside and outside the University of Tetova.