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Neo-Albanianism and the national ideal: When the nation becomes its own savior

Nga akti historik te ndërgjegjja kolektive

2024-11-28 19:57:00, Opinione Arta Feta

November 28, 1912, not only the marked date of the declaration of independence, but also a moment of reflection and thought on the journey of the Albanian nation. A date that serves as a reminder of a time when sacrifice and common aspirations triumphed over war. A date that, beyond the historical act, invites us to return to other challenging and inspiring periods, such as the 30s, when thinkers such as Branko Merxhani, Vangjel Koça and Mit'hat Frashëri built the foundations of a new national ideal.

These years mark a period of formation for the new Albania. After the declaration of independence, the challenges were many: the lack of a state tradition, regional, religious and cultural divisions, and deep poverty. In this context, Albanian thinkers raised a bold project: the creation of a new national consciousness, based not only on territorial borders, but on a spiritual and cultural unity.

This project, called Neo-Albanianism, represented a current of thought that crystallized in this period conceived the nation as a divine ideal, rooted in the spirit and creative energy of the people. According to Branko Merxhani, inspired by Bergson's philosophy, the nation was not only a political entity, but a common force arising from the collective consciousness. The nation, according to him, was a "vital jerk" (élan vital), an internal, dynamic and creative energy that pushes life forward, beyond external obstacles and limitations.

This inner urge springs from the very nature of life and strives to overcome every limitation. According to this idea, life has an aspect that is more than physical or material; she is creative, spiritual and unstoppable. When this powerful idea is applied to the context of the nation, it takes on an even deeper meaning: the nation is seen as an organism that lives, develops and transforms thanks to its collective energy and creative spirit.

So, in moments of great crises, the nation becomes its own savior. When individuals cannot protect common interests, the collective will emerges, creating a spiritual unity that transcends all divisions.

In the 30s, Albanian thinkers did not limit themselves to theories. They engaged in the creation of intellectual platforms, such as the magazines "Albanian Effort" and "Illyria", where they debated politics, education and culture. The goal was clear: to shape an authentic national identity that would unite the people across divisions. They were convinced that emancipation and openness to the world can be achieved through increasing the intellectual level and social education. So a social openness that essentially preserves cultural authenticity. According to them, without a common national feeling, modernization risked leading to the loss of identity.

At a time when globalization challenges national identities, the message of neo-Albanianism remains relevant. For the thinkers of the 1930s, being Albanian is not only a matter of language or territory, but a spiritual and moral effort to preserve and develop common values.

On Independence Day, we remember not only our past but also our potential to overcome challenges. Neo-Albanianism reminds us that the nation becomes its own savior when individuals unite around a common ideal, putting aside divisions to build a brighter future.

This date invites us to reflect, to ask: Are we still able to create a common will to move Albania forward? In a world of rapid change, the answer to this question will determine not only our future as a nation, but also the legacy we leave to future generations.