Naim Frashëri

1846 – 1900

Cultural Figure
National Poet

Naim Frashëri was an Albanian historian, journalist, poet and translator, and one of the most prominent figures of the Albanian National Awakening. Born into a wealthy Bektashi family in Frashër, he is regarded as a pioneer of modern Albanian literature.

Frashër

Born: 25 May 1846Frashër
Died: 20 October 1900Kadıköy, Constantinople
Role: Poet and writer
Affiliation: Bektashi
Movement: Albanian Renaissance
Notable work: Bagëti e Bujqësi1886
Education: Zosimaia School

Why He Matters

Pioneer of Albanian literature
He significantly contributed to the development of the modern Albanian literary language and is regarded as the prime representative of Romanticism in Albanian literature.
Voice of national unity
His works promoted national unity, tolerance and pride in Albanian culture, hoping for an Albanian unity that overcomes denominational and territorial differences.
Lasting cultural icon
He inspired writers such as Asdreni, Gjergj Fishta and Lasgush Poradeci. His portrait appears on the 200 lekë banknote, and an order of merit bears his name.

Key Moments

1846
Born in Frashër
Naim was born into a wealthy Bektashi family in the village of Frashër.
1865
Studies in Ioannina
The family moved to Ioannina, where Naim and Sami enrolled in the Zosimaia secondary school.
1872–1877
Ottoman clerk
He worked in the Ottoman bureaucracy as a clerk in Berat and later in Saranda.
1879
Society for Albanian Writings
With his brother Sami and 25 other Albanians, he founded the Society for the Publication of Albanian Writings in Istanbul.
1886
Bagëti e Bujqësi published
His poem celebrating Albania's natural beauty and simple life was published in Bucharest.
1900
Death in Istanbul
He died in Istanbul; in the 1950s his remains were reburied in Albania.