In Vienna (Austria), the society “Dija” (“Knowledge”) was formed, a patriotic society of Albanian intellectuals. Its founders were the patriotic intellectuals Gjergj Pekmezi and Hilë Mosi. The aim of the society was the advancement of education among Albanians by cultivating the Albanian language and literature. In a short time, branches of the “Dija” society were established in Prizren, Shkodër, and Tirana, alongside those in several cities within Austria where well-known activists for the Albanian cause operated, such as in Graz, Klagenfurt, and Strebendorf. Under the care of the “Dija” society, texts in Albanian were published for Albanian territories, which were much needed. Among the first publications were “Abetarja” (“The prime”) by Ndue Paluca, the calendar “Shqiptari” (“The Albanian”), “Këngë për shkollat e para shqiptare” (“Songs for the first Albanian schools”), etc. The activity of the “Dija” society in Vienna is a precious stone in the foundations of the Albanian state and nation. The patriotic activists who constituted this society are today names that shine in the history of national culture. (In the photo: Members of the “Dija” society in Vienna.)
Text: https://gazetadielli.com/dija-e-vjenes-110-vjet-ne-altarin-e-progresit-kombetar/
Photo: © Central State Archives
Graphic processing: AHCF
