Thousands of book titles, dozens of publishers, and four days dedicated to Albanian-language literature. For the first time, Skopje will host the Albanian Book Fair 2026, an event aimed at bringing together publishers and book lovers from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania.
From June 4 to June 7, Skanderbeg Square will be transformed into a hub for the promotion of Albanian-language books, featuring exhibitions, book launches, author meet-and-greets, and various cultural activities.
“This fair brings together around 55 publishers from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania. They will present thousands of titles, including some of the best and newest books currently available. Together with our co-organizers, we have considered this a highly necessary event for Čair and for Skopje, especially given the current state of books, reading habits, and the challenges surrounding literature and reading in general,” said Muhamed Murtezi.
In addition to book sales and promotions, the event will feature discussions, conversations between authors and readers, and other activities dedicated to culture and reading.
The fair is being organized through a partnership between the Čair Municipality and the Institute of Books and Promotionfrom Tirana. According to the organizers, publisher interest has been exceptionally high, and their participation is expected to turn Skopje into an important meeting point for the Albanian literary world.
“This fair will be one of the most significant cultural events organized by the Institute of Books and Promotion. We highly value the initiative of Čair Municipality to host the fair in the heart of Skopje. The largest Albanian publishers from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia will take part, and their enthusiasm was evident when we informed them that we would gather here to celebrate and speak in our beautiful Albanian language,” emphasized Irena Toçi.
Publishers believe the fair creates a new opportunity to strengthen cultural ties among Albanians throughout the region while also encouraging younger generations to engage with books at a time when reading faces numerous challenges.
“It is an undeniable fact that Skopje is home to professional Albanian publishers who have always been cooperative in the events we have organized across other Albanian-speaking regions. Now it is the turn of other Albanian publishers to return the favor,” added Fatmir Toçi.
With publishers participating from three countries and thousands of titles on display, organizers hope the event will become more than just a four-day gathering. Their goal is to establish the Albanian Book Fair in Skopje as an annual tradition and a key destination for Albanian-language literature throughout the region.
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