ZYRA AHMETAJ – ALBANIA
Born on April 25, 1956, in the serene village of Kepenek, Bytyç, Tropojë, Zyra Ahmetaj
has blossomed into one of Albania’s most illustrious poets and cultural ambassadors. Her
journey from the agricultural terrains of Tropojë, where she graduated high school in 1975, to the
bustling metallurgical industry of Elbasan during her national service, has been nothing short of
inspiring. In her youth, a car accident resulted in a severe spinal cord injury. However, this
adversity failed to dampen her spirit. Instead, it marked the beginning of an unyielding journey
into the world of literature and private study, establishing her as a formidable voice in Albanian poetry. Over the years, Zyra has graced the literary world with an array of poignant poetry
collections, including acclaimed titles such as Angels Fly (Fluturojnë ëngjëjt, 2004) and the
recent Through the Paths of Sorrow (Shtigjeve të dhimbjes, 2023). Her prowess transcends
linguistic barriers, with her works being translated into Italian, Greek, Romanian, and French. Notably, 2020 saw the Italian translation of a select anthology, Castle in the Meadow (Castello nel prato), and her poetry has resonated in bilingual editions in both Albanian and French. Her literary contributions extend beyond her own penned words. In 2022, she was
honoured with Sounds of Hearts (Tinguj zemrash), a poetry book by fellow poets dedicated to her. Her contributions to various poetic anthologies, newspapers, and magazines showcase her versatility and wide-reaching influence. Beyond her written achievements, Zyra has won numerous poetry awards and is currently working on an array of projects, including prose works and an in-depth study into the cultural ethnicity of the Tropojë region.
But Zyra is not only a poet; she’s a beacon of resilience and community spirit. During the
harrowing exodus of Kosovars fleeing the brutality of the Serbian conflict, she sheltered an
entire Kosovar family, embodying the essence of human kindness.
Her activism is manifold. As the elected leader of the Paraplegic and Tetraplegic
Association of Albania for the Kukës region and her involvement in various disabled associations, she champions the rights and voices of the differently-abled. Her humanitarian
work has been recognized by numerous accolades, including being named the “Pride of the City of Bajram Curri” in 2005 and an “Honorary Citizen of the Municipality of Tropojë” in 2007. The cultural pulse of Albania beats strongly in Zyra’s many endeavours. Under her
guidance, a folk art group secured second place in a 2007 Folklore Festival organized by the
Albanian Orthodox Church. Furthermore, her creation of new national costumes for the Tropojë region and contributions to the studies of the Epic of the Heroes are testament to her dedication to preserving and celebrating Albanian heritage.
“Zyra Ahmetaj’s life is a mosaic of artistry, resilience, and community engagement. Her
legacy is profound, from supporting young talents and promoting cultural heritage to
volunteering in initiatives, such as English language acquisition projects from 2004 to 2011. As a mediator, activist, artist, and poet, Zyra’s indomitable spirit continues to inspire and illuminate both the Albanian landscape and the broader global community.
(BY FRAN UKCAMA FOR ZYRA AHMETAJ)
THE POET PRINCESS ON THE ALPINE THRONE
You soar above the peaks, with eagles flying,
Dreaming of valleys, brooks, and meadow’s glow.
The poet princess, on her mountain throne, undying,
Brave in her stride, unstoppable in flow.
To Time you said:
“Dear friend, I’m swiftly moving.”
You challenged life, no hesitation shown.
To Day you said:
“Excuse me, I’m pursuing.”
To Night: “In darkness, follow where I’ve flown.”
A poet, heroine above fate’s decree,
Even in suffering’s grasp, you never fall.
You soar above both word and verse so free,
Like a great queen, regal on her castle wall.
Above the tallest peaks and mightiest sights,
You shine with spirit, virtues bright as day.
A salute, like a sea breeze, to you alights,
From lands afar, your poet-brother sends your way!
(Translated: Ukë Buçpapaj)
Prepared Angela Kosta Executive Director of MIRIADE Magazine, Academic, journalist, writer, poet, essayist, literary critic, editor, translator, promoter.
