Journal "Shêjzat": The Path to Free Albanian Intellectual Thought in the Years of Isolation

Abstract

In the summer of 1957, in Rome, the capital of Italy, came out the first issue of the periodical magazine “Shêjzat”1, with a meaningful name, as noted by the compilers: “Hyllësi vërtytesh arbnore”2 for 18 years (57-75). Under the direction of Prof. Ernest Koliqi and under the special care of the writer and eminent scholar Martin Camaj, the journal was presented as a true encyclopedia of the ancient world and the modern Albanian world. The intellectual and cultural level of the closest collaborators of the journal "Shejzat" was European, the activity of which is covered by a strong Albanian feeling. The journal published literary creativity, folklore, studies and articles, cultural chronicles and columns in Albanian, Italian, German, English and French. The journal was founded at a time of profound isolation of Albania, where the absurdity of isolated communication with the world had forced intellectuals into exile, and thus forcing them to develop their intellectual activity and creativity in Europe, America and beyond.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n4p71