Reformation and Albanian Literature in XVIth Century
Reformation and Albanian Literature in XVIth Century

Summary/Abstract: If in the majority of western European countries, „heretics” Protestants gave a new form of literature and culture, in the history of Albania, Protestant reform is considered as one of the main events of the birth of literature. Although the goal ofMartin Luther was not to divide the Catholic Church, but to change it, the split was inevitable. A lot of believers fled from Catholicism. To stop this Protestant bleeding, the Catholic Church, after many unsuccessful efforts, was forced to make some changes and allow Bible translation in national languages. Missal, the first book written in Albanian is a mass-book and dates from 1555, under the signature of theCatholic priest Gjon Buzuku. The book is composed of translated fragments from theBible. Thus, Buzuku is the first Albanian translator and the Bible is the first book translated into Albanian. The Book of books could distribute its light over the dark life of the Albanians of XVIth century who lived under harsh Turkish rule. Gjon Buzuku sacrificed a lot to make it possible to introduce Albanians with theScriptures, wanting to help his nation. His book affirmed Albanian individuality and helped establish the identity of Albanians. Unfortunately, over two centuries, this book was left in limbo. Only in 1740, it was discovered and appreciated. After Gjon Buzuku, other Albanian authors, especially priests, continued to enrich the writtenAlbanian language with translations of Bible passages. The influence of the Bible has been so great in Albanian literature, that this period in literary history is also called‘Albanian biblical literature’.

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