In Sofia (Bulgaria), the first issue of the newspaper “Shqypeja e Shqypënis” (“Albanski orel”, 1909–1911) was published, a political, social, cultural, and literary newspaper in the Albanian language and partially in Bulgarian. It was published under the direction and editing of Josif Bagëri. Initially, it was published every two weeks, but later it was less frequent. A total of 66 issues were published. From issue number 41 (October 5, 1911) until the end, it was published under the title “Shqiponja e Shqipënis” (The Albanian Eagle). It was one of the leading progressive and democratic organs on the eve of Albania’s Independence. It addressed issues related to the Albanian written language and schooling in the mother tongue for the Albanian diaspora in Bulgaria. It criticized the actions of the governments of neighboring states regarding the partitioning of Albanian territories and dedicated itself to national political issues for the complete liberation of Albania. (In the photo: Issue number of the newspaper “Shqypeja e Shqypënis”.)
Text: Albanian encyclopedic dictionary – Vol. 3 , Academy of Sciences of Albania, “Kristalina-KH”, Tirana, 2009, page 2625.
Photo: © Hamit Boriçi
Graphic processing: AHCF
