In January 1899, through the initiative of the abbot of Mirdita Preng Doçi, the association “Unity” (“Bashkimi”) was established in Shkodër. Prominent figures such as Gjergj Fishta, Ndoc Nikaj, Luigj Gurakuqi, Jak Serreqi, etc., collaborated in its establishment. The society designed its alphabet with Latin letters and published several dictionaries and school and religious books. The society published 32 works, among which some are of great importance and have not lost their value even today. This society shaped Albanian culture, influencing the development of the language, literature, and education in the Albanian language. (In the photo: Co-founders of the “Bashkimi” society, Shkodër, 1899.)
Text: Albanian encyclopedic dictionary – Vol. 3, Academy of Sciences of Albania, “Kristalina-KH,” Tirana, 2009, page 2507.
Photo: © National History Museum
Graphic processing: AHCF
