Memorie.al / In the early 1970s, a simple citizen – who signed the letter as “A Driver” – addressed dictator Enver Hoxha with an anonymous letter, raising concerns about the way Albanian historians were treating the country’s history. The letter, written in the language of a common man but with the deep concern of someone who believes national identity is being jeopardized, constitutes an interesting testimony to the spirit of the time and the debate about the orientation of Albanian historiography.
The anonymous author openly expresses concern that the History of Albania is not being written correctly, asking the dictator to intervene so that institutions and historians “follow the right path.” The letter cites several passages from the 1959 edition of the History of Albania, which, according to the author, present significant distortions.
One of the most heated points is the treatment of Epirus. The history book states that the Greek movement did not support Ali Pasha because he wished to include regions of Greece in his future state, such as Thessaly, Epirus, Acarnania, and Aetolia.
But the letter opposes this interpretation, emphasizing that ancient historians placed the boundary of historical Greece at Ambrakia and further south, and that Epirus is never mentioned as Greek, except by “today’s Greek chauvinists” and some authors of the time.
The letter also mentions other instances where the author believes history is being given unnecessary Greek overtones:
- The treatment of Zeus as “Hellenic Zeus,” while the Greeks themselves said that Zeus belonged to the Pelasgians.
- The description of cities such as Apollonia, Amantia, and Foinike during the Roman rule, as centers that preserved the Greek language and traditions.
- The presentation of ancient Apollonia with an “excessive passion,” as if it were a university of Albanian tradition.
The author sees a danger in this: the idealization of foreign elements to the detriment of the autochthonous Albanian identity.
A particularly interesting part of the letter relates to the symbolism of Apollonia. For the author, this ancient city represents a foreign invasion, a moment when the local culture was subjugated. He expresses concern that in modern times, the name “Apollonia” is being forcefully revived – in hotels, football teams, beaches, and even the fear that the city of Fier might one day take this name.
According to him, this is contradictory at a time when religious symbols are being ideologically fought against, while ancient pagan symbols are being widely promoted.
Anonymous Letter Addressed to Enver Hoxha in 1972
Most beloved and respected
Comrade Enver!
I have written to you once before that the History of Albania is not being written correctly. I am writing to you again because only you can set these people on the path they should follow. I am a simple citizen, but the issue I want to write to you about seems to me to be of particular importance, or this is how I understand it, and it greatly worries me.
- In the book History of Albania, Volume I, 1959 edition, page 471, it is stated that in the final conflict Ali Pasha had with the Sultan, the Greek movement did not support him, because he wanted to include some regions of Greece such as Thessaly, Epirus, Acarnania, and Aetolia in his Pashalik and in the creation of the Albanian state…!
It is a pity, because all the historians and geographers of antiquity say that the borders of Hellas begin from Ambrakia onwards. Therefore, no one has said that Epirus belongs to Greece, with the exception of today’s Greek chauvinists and Stefanaq Pollo, who is writing the History of Albania.
Page 111 states Hellenic Zeus, while the Greeks themselves said that Zeus belonged to the Pelasgians.
Page 126 states that cities such as Apollonia, Amantia, and Foinike during the Roman occupation preserved the Greek organization, language, and traditions.
Page 128 speaks about the school of Apollonia, as if we were talking about our university, with an excessive passion!
I think that Apollonia, in history and in our memory, symbolizes a foreign occupation, a violence done to us, however old it may be; we should pass over it fleetingly. Whereas Apollonia is being resurrected today under our government at a time when we are trying to eliminate every Christian or Islamic deity.
There is a danger that the city of Fier will be called Apollonia, as everything here is being baptized with Apollon: “Apollonia” Hotel, “Apollonia” team, and many other things, like “Apollonia” Beach in Durrës.
I conclude by maintaining the greatest honor and respect I have for you, hoping that you will make these people put their finger on their heads. / Memorie.al
A Driver
02.08.1972
