Today marks 80 years since the first publication of Rilindja, the first Albanian-language newspaper in Kosovo. On February 12, 1945, in Prizren, the first issue was printed—just four pages long and sold for 1 lek. By its 61st issue, Rilindja moved to Prishtina, remaining a weekly paper until June 27, 1948, when it began publishing twice a week. By November 1958, it was printed daily, except on Fridays, and by 1964, it had grown to a 20-page daily newspaper.
Over the decades, Rilindja became an invaluable asset to Kosovo’s journalism, literature, and linguistic development. Alongside the Rilindja Publishing House, it played a crucial role in promoting Albanian and international literature and fostering the written Albanian language.
However, on August 8, 1990, Serbian authorities forcibly shut down Rilindja, attempting to silence its voice. Yet, through the resilience of its journalists and readers, the newspaper survived under different names throughout the 1990s, keeping the spirit of independent journalism alive in Kosovo.
Thanks to digitalization efforts, every Rilindja issue from its first publication in 1945 until March 15, 1983, is now accessible at the National Library of Kosovo. To honor its rich journalistic and cultural legacy, the Government of Kosovo is dedicating special editions to Rilindja this year, ensuring its historical importance is preserved for future generations.
A tribute to the heritage of journalism, literature, and the Albanian public sphere in Kosovo!
