Anton Logoreci, a prominent Albanian writer and journalist, was born into a family with patriotic traditions in Shkodër. He began his education in the elementary classes taught by Franciscan fathers and continued at the Jesuit college in Shkodër. In 1922, with the establishment of the American Technical College by the American Red Cross in Tirana, Anton was sent there by his family, which greatly influenced his formation. The environment, the English language, the curriculum, numerous activities, as well as the teachers or specialists of the school, were elements in the comprehensive educational and disciplinary preparation of each student, which served him later to create the foundations of a strong career. Antoni, with his literary talent, became one of the selected students of director Fultz, who led the editorial board of the school magazine “Laboremus,” created by himself. Antoni was one of the editors of the magazine, but also very active with his writings in this organ. After graduating in 1927, Anton was given the opportunity to accompany and translate for British General Jocelyn Percy, whom Zogu tasked with organizing and training the Albanian gendarmerie. For his high achievements in studies, he received a scholarship from the state, and in 1937 he began his studies, graduating in economics and political science from the London School of Economics and Political Science, one of the most prestigious universities in the world, where figures of world politics, Nobel laureates, successful entrepreneurs, famous journalists, and distinguished professors emerged. In 1940, the British government, assessing the international situation, decided to open a program in the Albanian language on the renowned BBC network. This information window would serve Albanians, not only to understand the war situation but also to raise awareness. Anton Logoreci took over the direction of this program. As a result of the comments and criticisms Logoreci conveyed through Radio London, his family in Shkodër endured the hardships, imprisonments, and discrimination from the communist regime. In 1977, Anton Logoreci published his book “The Albanians – Europe’s Forgotten Survivors” in London, a professionally written book that became a reference point for all scholars of Albanian and Balkan issues. The book was a deep analysis of the causes of Albania’s long-standing alienation from communism, isolation, international conflicts, relations with neighbors, as well as the suffering and perspective of Kosovo’s freedom.
(In the photo: Anton Logoreci)
Text: http://qbd.gov.al/anton-logoreci/
Photo: © Center of Publications for the Diaspora, Tirana
Graphic processing: AHCF
