“I’ve been doing this craft for 30 years and I love it.” The 68-year-old woman shares her passion for Kolonja carpets

At a time when traditional crafts are fading more and more each day, Sofika Bilbilushi from Kolonja continues to be a living example of dedication and love for tradition. The 68-year-old, despite her age, does not stop.

Every day she sits by the loom and patiently works to create handmade carpets with different motifs.

She says she produces various types of carpets, preserving the old weaving techniques she has learned over the years.

“I’ve been doing this for about 30 years. All the women in my neighborhood used to work, and when I was left without a job, I learned it. It’s a craft I like. Both foreigners and Albanians have bought them. Foreigners like them. I knit wool, socks, vests. Until they come looking for me here — my husband says, ‘the wife is late’ — they’ll find me here. I come at 6 in the morning and leave at 8. I take the wool, wash it, spin it, and dye it,” she says.

For Sofika, this is not just a job. She says that besides being a passion, craftsmanship also provides her with good income and makes her feel useful.

“Now I’m satisfied because I’m a pensioner. It’s worth it for me. If you work, you don’t become a millionaire, but it’s worth it. It’s a pleasure — it fills the day. Every craft gives you satisfaction for the work you produce with your hands. Recently it has started to be appreciated, especially by those who have income. In every house you visit in Kolonja, there are carpets laid out,” Sofika says.

However, she emphasizes that this is a difficult profession that requires patience and dedication. According to her, younger women are no longer following this craft, and the number of women who make handmade carpets is steadily decreasing.

“In this period, everyone has left it; they don’t really like it anymore. Before, it was called the women’s mine. You have to set the pattern the first row with the second it’s a difficult craft, but once you learn it, you’re lucky. I graduated as an economist, but this is my second profession,” she says.

In a fast-moving world, Sofika Bilbilushi remains a symbol of love for tradition. With her hands, she not only works wool threads but also preserves a valuable cultural heritage that risks being lost over the years.

“KORÇA BOOM”