Nacional Publishing House Tirana releases the International Anthology ‘The World Muse in Albanian’, translated by Angela Kosta

By: Dr. MUJË BUÇPAPAJ

Tirana, Albania

The publishing house “Nacional”, based in Tirana, has announced the release of the poetry anthology The World Muse in Albanian, a representative work that brings into the Albanian language the poetic voices of 45 contemporary authors from across the globe. This anthology has been published in both print and electronic formats and represents a significant act of cultural and translational intercommunication within the Albanian literary space.

The selection, translation, and inclusion of biographical notes for each author have been carried out with exceptional professional dedication by the renowned translator and international literary promoter, Angela Kosta. On this occasion, I extend my deepest appreciation for her careful, high-quality, and generous work, which has enabled the realization of this publication to a high artistic and cultural standard.

The cover of the book was masterfully created by the internationally acclaimed Albanian-American painter, Nazmi Hoxha, to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks.

Due to space limitations in this first volume, a number of authors could not be included; however, they will be featured in a second anthology, currently in preparation and scheduled for publication later this year, as a natural continuation of this international literary project.

This anthology features poets from diverse countries and cultures, including:

• Italy: Regina Resta, Francesca Gallello, Maria Errico, Serenella M. Siriaco, Gabriella Picerno, Anna Maria Lombardi, Arianna Mosconi, Elisabetta Bonaparte, Antonietta Micali, Concetta La Placa, Marianna Iannarone, Sabrina Morelli, Anna Ferriero
• Turkey: Arslan Bayir
• South Korea: Kim Mi Hyung, Yang Geum-Hee, Yoon Jong-Nam
• China (Shanghai): Anna Keiko
• Brazil: Mario Belolli
• New Zealand: Christine Peiying Chen
• Israel: Iris Calif
• Azerbaijan: Tarana Turan Rahimli
• Morocco: Mohamed Ellaghafi, Hassane Yarti
• Denmark: Farzaneh Dorri
• Wales: Peter Thabit Jones
• Taiwan/China: Dr. Tzemin Ition Tsai
• India: Dr. Jernail Singh Anand, Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer
• Kenya: Parvinder Nagi
• England: Strider Marcus Jones
• Poland: Antonina M. Wiśniewska
• Venezuela: Mariela Cordero
• Congo: Charles Lipanda Matenga
• Pakistan: Nasir Aijaz
• Bangladesh: Hasan Nashid

…and others.

In the preface, translator Angela Kosta writes:

“As you will discover in this anthology, the selected poets convey important and universal messages about life. They address contemporary social issues with sensitivity, express hope for a better life and future, and reflect the dilemmas that accompany it. The poetic material in this book resembles an encounter with fate, the future, and the uncertainty and anxiety that accompany our lives and world—alongside the challenges and hopes for a better humanity. Therefore, this book deserves to be read.”

Aligned with its cultural vision and mission to disseminate universal values through literature, “Nacional” Publishing House places special emphasis on bringing into the Albanian language the most distinguished voices of world poetry and literature. The translation and publication of international poetry is not only a vital cultural act for enriching the national literary corpus, but also a powerful tool for the aesthetic, linguistic, and spiritual development of the Albanian reader.

These initiatives aim to foster sustained interaction with international literature, offering Albanian readers a vibrant window into contemporary poetic thought in its broadest dimensions.

In a world increasingly troubled by political, social, and ecological crises, the voices of poets and writers remain among the most sincere and necessary advocates for peace, promoters of humanism, and builders of bridges of understanding among peoples. Poetry, as the language of the soul and conscience, transcends national and linguistic boundaries and becomes a form of aesthetic resistance to violence, indifference, and oblivion.

In this context, anthologies such as The World Muse in Albanian serve as crucial instruments of intercultural dialogue and the safeguarding of fundamental human values through the art of the written word.

As the publisher of this work, I feel deeply honored to share this significant literary project with the Albanian public. Beyond its artistic value, it stands as a profound act of intercultural dialogue. For me—as a publisher, poet, and scholar of literature—it is essential to build bridges of communication with diverse poetic voices from around the world, in the service of peace, human love, and mutual understanding.

I hope this anthology will be received with attention and interest throughout the Albanian-speaking regions in the Balkans and beyond. May this work serve as an inspiring example of the power of the written word to unite cultures, enlighten the mind, and enrich the soul.