In the village of Strigar (Italian: San Cosmo Albanese), in the region of Cosenza (Calabria), Zef Serembe (Giuseppe), an Arbëresh lyrical poet, passed away. He was born in Strigar of Cosenza (Italy) in 1843. He pursued his studies at the College of St. Adrian (Calabria), where he was taught by Jeronim de Rada. In 1883, he published a volume of poems in Italian titled “Poesie italiane e canti originali tradotti dell albanese” (“Italian poems and original songs translated from Albanian”). Many of Serembe’s manuscripts have been lost (among them a long poem and perhaps some dramas). The essence of Serembe’s work lies in his revolt as a simple man of the people against any form of national or social oppression. This also defined his character. After his death, his nephew, Cosmo Serembe, published a portion of his poetic works in the collection “Vjersha” (“Poems”) (1926). Serembe extensively explored lyricism with diverse themes, creating patriotic, philosophical, social, and love lyrics. In his patriotic verses, he rallied openly against the Ottoman invader. Serembe’s poetry is a composition of vivid colors and strong lights. His most beloved figures are antitheses, metaphors, and symbols. Zef Serembe continued the tradition of influence from folk poetry. (In the photo: Zef Serembe)
Text: Albanian encyclopedic dictionary – Vol. 3 , Academy of Sciences of Albania, “Kristalina-KH”, Tirana, 2009, pages 2317-2318.
Photo: © http://www.albanianliterature.net/authors/authors_early/serembe/index.html
Graphic processing: AHCF
