Assembly "Arbëresh cultural heritage. The work of Jeronim De Rada and Anselmo Lorecchio" on Arbëresh Day

On the day dedicated to the people of Arbëresh, the series of activities started with the assembly "Cultural heritage of Arbëresh". The work of Jeronim De Rada and Anselmo Lorecchio", which was held at the Polytechnic University. This assembly on June 6, where several researchers of the field were present, took place under the moderation of prof. Diana Kastratit, from the Center for Studies and Publications for Arbëresh (QSPA). The assembly opened with the welcoming speech of the deputy. to the Minister of Culture, Mrs. Meri Kumbe, who emphasized the importance of this day for our country. According to the program of the Assembly "Arbëresh cultural heritage. The work of Jeronim De Rada and Anselmo Lorecchio" spoke first, prof. Matteo Mandalà, head of the Albanian Language department at the University of Palermo. prof. Mandala pointed out the projects carried out by the department where he emphasized the importance of the "Besa" project. Next, Prof. took the floor. Francesco Altimari, head of the Albanian Language department at the University of Calabria, who emphasized the importance of preserving the past for the sake of communities, but without freezing it but building the future, through the conservation of the past. In his statement prof. Shezai Rrokaj emphasized the role of history, genetics and tradition in the concept of Albanianness, which is reflected in the language and culture of different countries. He focused on the role of Arbëreshes as a symbol of Albanianness. Prof. Ymer Çiraku discussed the role of De Rada in Albanian literature and the treatment of this figure by the writer Ismail Kadare. Following the statements of Dr. Silvana Nini spoke about the Arber costume as a more worthy reflection of the Arber culture. dr. Jolanda Lila dealt with the meetings between Jeronim De Rada and Anselmo Lorekio. She pointed out that Lorekio considers De Rada the master of the Albanian national movement, where his most worthy disciple was Lorekio himself. Among other things, at the end of this assembly, prof. Kastrati emphasized the role and contribution of Arbëresh people in the independence of Albania, emphasized in a letter from Ismail Qemali. In conclusion, she expressed all the readiness of QSPA for cooperation with all active institutions and organizations with a focus on Arbëresh people, operating in Italy and Albania.