Albanian nation in mourning! A life dedicated to knowledge: on World Book Day, the distinguished academic Rexhep Qosja is reported to have passed away!

On the very day the world marks International Book Day, sad news comes from the Albanian world of knowledge, as it is reported that the well-known academic Rexhep Qosja has passed away.

Rexhep Qosja, author of more than thirty books of literary studies and criticism, artistic prose, short stories, novels and dramas, journalism and polemical writings, died at the age of 89.

The news was announced by his family, who stated in a notice that he was laid to rest in the presence of only close family members. They also emphasized that, according to his wishes, no public memorial ceremony will be held.

“We announce that today, 23.4.2026, Rexhep Qosja has passed away and has been buried. The burial took place in the presence of close family members. At the wish of the deceased, no reception ceremony will be organized by the family. The family will not participate in institutional events. We ask that our privacy be respected and that we be allowed to mourn in peace,” the family statement reads.

Rexhep Qosja was born in 1936 in Vuthaj, Montenegro. He completed his early education there and later graduated in Albanian Language and Literature at the University of Prishtina in 1964. He went on to build an extensive academic career, becoming a researcher, professor, and director of the Albanological Institute, and later teaching at the Faculty of Philosophy in Prishtina.

He is the author of over thirty works spanning literary studies, prose, fiction, polemics, and essays, with many of his works translated into other languages. Over the course of his career, he received numerous awards and honors, including “Honor of the Nation” from the President of Albania in 2000.

His passing marks the end of a major figure in Albanian literature, criticism, and academic thought.

“KORÇA BOOM”