In Shkodër, in a family with roots in Dukagjini, Frederik Rreshpja was born, a lyrical poet, essayist, journalist, and publisher. His pen is among the most representative in Albanian verse. In his hometown, he completed his primary and secondary education at the “29 Nëntori” high school. He pursued university studies in Pedagogy in Tirana through correspondence. In 1967, his first literary work, a collection of poetry titled “Rapsodi shqiptare” (Albanian Rhapsody), was published. In 1975, his work was withdrawn from circulation by the order of a provincial office of the Ministry of Education and Culture signed by the deputy minister Mantho Bala. He was arrested and sentenced “as a person who poses a social danger and aims to minimize, weaken, and overthrow popular power.” Frederik Rreshpja was imprisoned and served 17 years in prison. After his release, he published the volumes “Erdhi ora të vdes përsëri” (The Time has Come to Die Again, 1994), “Lirika të zgjedhura” (Selected Lyrics, 1996), as well as the volume of poetry “Në vetmi” (In Solitude), which was published in 2004, earning him the title “Poet of the Year 2004.” Frederik Rreshpja was also the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Ora,” director of a printing press, and owner of the publishing house “Evropa.” He is included in Robert Elsie’s volume “Historia e letërsisë shqiptare” (History of Albanian Literature, 2003). He passed away in Shkodër in 2006 and was buried in the Catholic cemetery “Rrëmaj” in Shkodër. (In the photo: Frederik Rreshpja)
Text: National Museum “House with Leaves”, Tirana.
Photo: © Albanian Telegraphic Agency
Graphic processing: AHCF
