In the early 1970s, a simple citizen – who signs the letter simply “A Driver” – addresses Comrade Enver with an anonymous letter, raising concerns about the way Albanian historians are treating the country’s history. The letter, written in the language of a simple man, but with the deep concern of someone who believes that national identity is being endangered, constitutes an interesting testimony to the spirit of the times and the debate about the direction of Albanian historiography.
The anonymous author openly expresses concern that the History of Albania is not being written correctly, asking Comrade Enver to intervene so that institutions and historians “walk the right path.” The letter quotes several passages from the 1959 edition of the History of Albania, which, according to the author, present significant distortions.
One of the most controversial points is the treatment of Epirus. The historical book states that the Greek movement did not support Ali Pasha, as he wanted to include parts of Greece in his future state. But the letter disputes this interpretation, pointing out that ancient historians set the border of historical Greece from Ambracia onwards, and that Epirus is never mentioned as Greek, except by “modern Greek chauvinists” and some contemporary authors.
The letter also mentions other cases where the author believes that history is being given unnecessary Greek overtones: The treatment of Zeus as "Hellen Zeus", while other sources mention him as a Pelasgian god.
The description of cities such as Apollonia, Amantia and Phoenicia during Roman rule as centers that preserved the Greek language and traditions. The presentation of ancient Apollonia with an “excessive passion”, as if it were a university of Albanian tradition.
The author sees a danger in this: the idealization of foreign elements to the detriment of the indigenous Albanian identity.
A particularly interesting part of the letter relates to the symbolism of Apollonia. For the author, this ancient city represents a foreign invasion, a moment when the local culture was subjugated. He expresses concern that in modern times the name “Apollonia” is being forcefully revived – in hotels, football teams, beaches, even to the point of fearing that the city of Fier will one day take on this name.
According to him, this is contradictory at a time when religious symbols are being ideologically fought, while ancient pagan symbols are being widely promoted.
Anonymous letter
Very beloved and respected Comrade Enver!
I have written to you once again that the History of Albania is not written correctly. I am writing to you again because only you are the ones who can put these people on the path they should walk. I am a simple citizen, but the issue I want to write to you seems to me to have a special importance, or so I understand it, and this worries me a lot.
1) In the book History of Albania, volume I, published in 1959, page 471, it is said that in the last conflict between Ali Pasha and the Sultan, the Greek movement did not support him, since in his Pashalik and in the creation of the Albanian state he wanted to include several provinces of Greece such as Thessaly, Epirus, Acarnania and Aetolia...
It is unfortunate that all historians and geographers of antiquity say that the borders of Greece begin from Ambracia onwards. So no one has ever said that Epirus belongs to Greece, with the exception of today's Greek chauvinists and Stefanaq Pollon who writes the History of Albania.
Page 111 states that Zeus was Hellenic, while the Greeks themselves said that Zeus was of the Pelasgians.
Page 126 tells how the cities of Apollonia, Amantia and Phoenicia preserved Greek organization, language and traditions during the Roman occupation.
Page 128 talks about the school of Apollonia as if we were talking about our university, with excessive passion.
I think that Apollonia, in history and in our memory, symbolizes a foreign invasion, a violence that was done to us, no matter how old it is, we must go in passing. Whereas Apollonia today in our power is being revived at the same time that we are trying to eradicate every Christian or Islamic god. There is a risk that the city of Fier will be called Apollonia, keep everything here named after Apollo, Hotel Apollonia, the Apollonia team and many other things in Durrës, Apollonia Beach.
I conclude by maintaining the greatest honor and respect I have for you, hoping that you will make these people put their finger on their head.
A driver
02/08/1972
