On November 22, Albanians in North Macedonia celebrate Albanian Alphabet Day, one of their most significant cultural holidays. The day marks the anniversary of the 1908 Congress of Manastir, where Albanian intellectuals agreed on the creation of a unified and standardized alphabet for the Albanian language.
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| Mural of Albanian national figures "swearing to the flag" in Skopje, North Macedonia |
Celebrations and Awards
To honor this important day, the Parliament of North Macedonia presents the prestigious “November 22” award. Additionally, various events are organized by institutions, political parties, and the government, highlighting the historical and cultural importance of this milestone.
Messages from Leaders
President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickovski, and leaders of political parties extended their congratulations to Albanians on this special occasion. Speaking at a government-organized event, Prime Minister Mickovski emphasized the importance of the Congress of Manastir, stating:
“The intellectuals in Manastir, united and wise, made the decision to pave the way for the Albanian language's future through the creation of a unified and standardized alphabet. This decision was not just linguistic but also a cultural landmark.”
Deputy Prime Minister Izet Mexhiti highlighted the broader significance of the Albanian language, noting:
“Language is the fundamental determinant of Albanian identity, transcending political and territorial borders. It unifies the Albanian nation as a cohesive whole today.”
Mexhiti further stressed the importance of preserving the language as a core element of national identity, essential for literature, art, and political thought.
Cultural and Academic Events
In another academic gathering organized by the Institute for the Cultural Heritage of Albanians, director Skender Asani underlined the need to align the future of the Albanian language with the shared Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Albanian people.
The Democratic Union for Integration hosted a discussion titled "In Defense of the Albanian Language", while in the city of Manastir, a cultural and artistic event commemorated the historical congress.
Concerns About Language Rights
The celebration of this day comes amidst growing concerns among some Albanians in North Macedonia about potential limitations on the use of the Albanian language. These concerns have been sparked by a recent initiative from the country’s Constitutional Court.
A Day of Unity and Reflection
Albanian Alphabet Day serves not only as a celebration of linguistic achievement but also as a reminder of the enduring importance of language in preserving identity and fostering unity among Albanians in North Macedonia and beyond.