Rare publications, which are usually not found in libraries, were brought to Pristina on Wednesday as part of the fifth edition of the Old and Used Book Fair.
One of them is also the dictionary of Sami Frashëri – the 1882 edition, said Berat Dakaj, the fair coordinator.
This year, the fair is being held at the ‘Hivzi Sulejmani’ library in Pristina.
This event brings together book collectors from all over Kosovo to display and sell old books.
“At this fair, we have also presented some very rare editions that are not available in either the National Library of Albania nor the National Library of Kosovo. These include Sami Frashëri’s French-Ottoman dictionary, the first edition from 1882, the third edition from 1901, and the fourth edition from 1905. Additionally, we have presented first editions of works by Albanian authors dating from 1918, 1920, and 1921, as well as books by foreign authors dating back to 1742,” he said.
All interested citizens can visit the ‘Hivzi Sulejmani’ library to see ancient books up close.
It is also possible to buy books there.
“These books can be seen, as published at the time, but of course, anyone who is interested can come and buy them… The number of titles we are presenting has grown significantly, as has the number of citizens… Wherever we have had more space, we have given the opportunity for collectors to participate and showcase their books, but this time we have less space and very few collectors… We hope that with the support of the Ministry of Culture, we will organize the next edition again at ‘Zahir Pajaziti’ Square,” said Dakaj.
Jehona Shyti from the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports said that they will increase their support to this fair.
“We are aware that the support we have provided continuously has not been enough, not even close, to realize and support what you have conceived from the very beginning. However, I am confident that in the upcoming years, we, as a ministry, will consider providing greater financial support for an event like this, because we always say that when a cultural event survives for more than three years, despite all the sacrifices, it has made its difficult path and has taken the road to success and consistency,” she said.
And a book lover who has been visiting this fair since the very first edition returned again this year to purchase books.
“I have been visiting this fair since the first edition, in fact in the second edition, we were co-organizers. It is a special event, one that is rarely organized in the Republic of Kosovo, where rare, old, and unique books are offered, which are hard to find at regular fairs held either in the Pristina or Tirana,” he said.
The fair will be open for three days.
