On October 2, 2017, the fighter, intellectual, lifelong researcher of the Albanian language and culture, the unparalleled spreader of her works, the presenter of the documented history of the Albanian people, the translator of Albanian literature into English and German, and the great friend of the Albanian world, the albanologist Robert Elsie.
This is how the figure of academician Robert Elsie was evaluated, at the memorial academy on Wednesday where his activity was commemorated and honored.
On this occasion, his extraordinary contribution to Albanian culture, which he has made known throughout the world with his translations, has been appreciated. The President of the Academy of Arts and Science, Hivzi Islami, has highly valued the figure of the Albanologist Robert Elsie, whom he said was a versatile researcher and friend present in many activities, giving his contribution to the Kosovo issue. Robert Elsie's numerous translations, especially the one of the work "Lahuta e Malcis", according to Islam, have made many foreigners familiar with the culture and history of Albanians.
"Dr. Elsie's activities and his interests in the Albanian language, literature, history and tradition are so broad that they sometimes transcended the disciplinary condition. His research in archives and early documents, he collected, systematized and published special linguistic, historiographical, ethnographic contributions to the newest developments of our art and literature. His interest in Kosovo, his comprehensive studies and translations of our authors into foreign languages are especially important to us. There are many publications prepared by Dr. Elsie that saw the light of day even among Kosovar publishers in Albanian or in English, German, French, dedicated to foreign readers or the international community in Kosovo. Doctor Elsie remains without a doubt the greatest spreader of Albanian culture in the world", he said.
Academician Rexhep Ismajli has said that the death of the albanologist Robert Elsie was unexpected and happened at the peak of his intellectual development, while his demise is a great loss for Albanian albanology. He added that the activity of Robert Elsie is of great importance not only for Albanianology but also for history.
On this occasion, Ismajli emphasized that Elsie, even in his last days, was dealing with the Albanians by sending evaluations for the Scientific Conference of the Academy of Arts and Sciences in Kosovo.
also
Robert Elsie – researcher and promoter of Albanian culture in the world
"Roberti did not hesitate to send an appreciative message about the preparations for the Conference, but at the same time he was in the hospital and did not know if he would be able to come himself. Only three days after that, the black word came to us, completely unexpected and in the wave of his activity, at the peak of intellectual maturity with a horizon of real expectation for many valuable works that he would bring us.
"One should not forget his direct assistance for the affirmation of the Kosovo issue. There is no doubt that his entire Albanian work is characterized by an extraordinary love for the Albanian culture and people. "His work will continue to radiate light, knowledge and information for the Albanian world", said Ismajli.
Robert Elsie was a member of the Association of Southeast Europe (Südosteuropa-Gesellschaft), a member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo, as well as an honorary member of the Writers' Association of Kosovo.
