Public Debate on the introduction of Turkish as a second foreign language in Albanian schools

 The possibility of introducing Turkish as a second foreign language sparked debates between Turkish pedagogue Antinela Delija and historian Gjet Ndoj.

In  a show on Euronews Albania, the pedagogue said that recently there has been an increased interest in the Turkish language in Albania.

Edi Rama and Erdogan in Albania, January, 2022

She underlined that the introduction of this language in the teaching curricula as a second foreign language would be a good choice.

Whereas, the historian Gjet Ndoj opposed this opinion, as he underlined that this endangers the Albanian national identity.

"This is part of an Ottoman reform, declared openly by them, legally. They also start from the fact that there is a population here that has been influenced by Turkey even before", he said.

"This is an opposite sense to the spirit and interest of Albanians. We can not go to Turkey when everyone is to the West. We are in a reality that is still compelling," said the historian.

The introduction of Turkish as a second foreign language after English came after the recent visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Albania..