Call for support for the completion of the "Dede Gjon Luli" House-Museum in Tuz

In his native village, in Bardhaj i Hoti, there is the House-Museum of the hero Deda Gjon Lulit. It was built and rebuilt on the same foundations of that original tower, burned and destroyed several times by the enemies. Since its inauguration in 2006, many years have passed and it has not yet been completed to be considered a real museum object.

Although initially the idea was to complete it with necessary and necessary items to meet the standards of a museum house, unfortunately this did not happen and we can say that from then until today no other serious action has been taken to bring its completion to the end. Recently, there have been frequent conversations and contacts about the need to continue working where it left off 13 years ago. There were also articles and discussions on social networks, especially on Facebook, which were very well received by the public.

Consequently, in the meantime, a core of activists has been established in New York, which would manage the realization of this idea and prepare the ground for its best publication. Over time, this core has expanded and transformed into a broad council, with people who would direct all relevant activities until the work is completed. The council, which aims to carry out these works, has contacted five sculptors from Albania and Kosovo, to find the best and most affordable solution. The council, after many conversations and analyses, has been determined for the sculptor from Malësia e Madhe, Mr. Pjerin Kolnikaj. Sculptor Kolnikaj is a well-known name even in the region of Malësia centered on Tuzin, where about ten of his works are located.

It is a fact that museum houses are dedicated to well-known and important historical, social, scientific figures, etc. and that where they lived and worked, they, as a rule, have in their framework also various sculptural works, such as busts, statues, etc. However, it is also a fact that the "Dede Gjon Luli" Museum House lacks these, as well as many other things and items necessary for such a museum object. Knowing that this extended family has not only given the brave and hero Dede Gjon Luli, but also many other well-known figures who have made glorious history, we have taken care to bring an expanded project to honor all those figures illuminated, being made by a corresponding bronze monument. For the figure of Dede Gjon Luli, at the same time as the main figure of this tower, and as the greatest father of Albania's independence from Malësia e Madhe, it has been decided to make him a bronze statue, which would reflect the best artistic reality within this the object. As for other figures, such as the two sons of Deda (Kola and Gjergji), Nore Kola (daughter of Deda), Nikë Gjelosh Luli, Lucë Nishi and Gjelosh Luli, they will be commemorated with works of art called relief medallions , also from bronze.

Regarding the price of the bronze works, a statue of Deda and the 6 medallions for the other figures, we have determined a middle price from the five offers we received from the contacted sculptors. The total price of the monuments in question is €26,000, including their transport and installation. Sculptor Kolnikaj has started work and initially, for the sake of developing the campaign, he has sent us the miniature models of Deda's statue and a medallion of Deda's Kola (Illustrations attached). However, based on the fact that the object in question lacks many other necessary elements, such as: artistic lighting of exhibits, general internal reorganization, enrichment with cultural, historical, ethnographic inventory, etc. the project of its completion at this stage, which we have already considered as the second stage of the works, imposes the need for more financial means.

We also consider that various repairs are necessary, due to the depreciation of the building during the past period, as well as taking security measures, building maintenance, etc. We have also taken into account the inevitable expenses related to the inauguration of the statue and other objects. Therefore, the Council for the construction of the buildings in question estimates that a fund of at least $50,000 is needed to complete these works.

also Culture 26 August 2019 The statue of Dede Gjon Luli is inaugurated in the renovated Museum in Bardhaj of the Great Highlands

The solemn inauguration of the works in question will take place between August 17 and 25, 2019.

Being aware of the historical, cultural and ethnographic value of the "Dede Gjon Luli" Museum and the dimensions of the figures that this tower of heroes and heroines has given to all Albanians throughout the ethnic territories and in the diaspora, we have determined that the opportunity of the financial contribution to be offered to every Albanian wherever and wherever, depending on the desire and opportunity of each one, for the realization of this work that we consider major. Starting from the fact that the object in question is a reconstructed family house, turned into a museum, which gravitates to the Local Community of Hoti and that it is not a central museum of the territory, we considered that a local council, with members from treve, is sufficient to deal with this issue. Also, within the council, representatives of two cultural-artistic associations from the Local Community, relatives of Dede Gjon Luli's family and compatriots from the State of New York and the State of Michigan are included. The council will not work according to the door-to-door system, but only according to the free access that this notice offers, through local electronic portals, social networks and other forms of communication with friends, acquaintances and anyone who wants to contribute to the realization of this work. For now, we have thought that it is not necessary to activate the online way of giving contributions, as often happened in fundraising campaigns, but if necessary, this way will also be included.