Emira Selimi (born July 1, 1999, in Skopje, North Macedonia) is an Albanian activist, political science student, and the founder of the first Albanian library in Bitola, North Macedonia, known as the Linkest Library.
Early Life and Education
editEmira Selimi attended Gjergj Kastrioti Elementary School in Arachinovo, a suburb of Skopje, where she excelled academically. She later enrolled in Zef Lush Marku High School in Skopje, where she continued her outstanding academic performance. Currently, she is finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a focus on International Relations at the South East European University in Skopje.
Activism and Patriotic Engagement
editFrom a young age, Selimi has been an outspoken advocate for the rights and identity of Albanians, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by Albanians in Bitola, a city historically significant for the Albanian language and culture. She has raised awareness about the assimilation pressures Albanians in Bitola experience, including the lack of education in the Albanian language.
Selimi has also collaborated with the well-known Albanian journalist Marin Mema in producing several documentaries that explore the cultural and historical plight of Albanians in the region. These works have garnered attention across the Albanian-speaking world, helping to bring the issue of Bitola's Albanian heritage into public discourse.
The Linkest Library Initiative
editIn 2023, at the age of 23, Emira Selimi founded the Linkest Library in Bitola, the first library of its kind to offer books in the Albanian language in the city. Initially, Selimi intended to open the library in the building of the Museum of the Congress of Manastir. However, for various reasons—possibly political and primarily individual—she was unable to do so. As a result, she created a "Plan B" and rented a space in the heart of Bitola, on Shirok Sokak. After 2 months and 20 days, she moved the library to a more modern location on the same street.
The library was initially inaugurated on November 21, 2023, a day before the 115th anniversary of the Congress of Manastir, because the Albanian President Bajram Begaj was scheduled to attend the opening. However, for unknown reasons, the president did not visit, despite it being part of his official agenda.
A significant number of students from North Macedonia attended the inauguration, along with many Albanian politicians from the opposition at that time, though notably, members of the ruling party were absent.
The new location was officially inaugurated on March 16, 2024, with visitors including local children from Bitola and the well-known Albanian journalist Marin Mema.
A major contribution to the library was made by the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, who directly donated 1,000 books through the Kosovo Embassy in Skopje.
Selimi’s initiative was driven by the alarming realization that the Albanian language and identity were at risk of disappearing from Bitola, a city where, as of recent years, only 5% of the population identifies as Albanian, many of whom face linguistic and cultural challenges due to systemic pressures.
Despite facing significant opposition and threats, Selimi’s perseverance, coupled with support from the broader Albanian community, led to the successful establishment of the library. The project received donations of thousands of books from Albania, Kosovo, and the Albanian diaspora, as well as from Albanians in North Macedonia (this section will be edited to add details and names of all institutions and organizations that helped). The library has since become a cultural hub for Albanians in the region.
The monthly expenses for maintaining the library are covered by Selimi herself, which is why she now asks for membership fees to help cover all the costs.
Challenges and Recognition
editThroughout her journey, Selimi encountered numerous obstacles, including lack of institutional support and personal threats aimed at derailing her mission. Despite these challenges, her efforts have been widely recognized within the Albanian community, and she has become a symbol of resilience and patriotism.
Legacy and Future Plans
editSelimi has made it her life's mission to safeguard the Albanian heritage in Bitola and beyond. The Linkest Library stands as a testament to her dedication to preserving the Albanian language and culture in areas where they are under threat. With plans to expand the library’s collection and continue her advocacy, Emira Selimi remains an important figure in the ongoing efforts to protect and promote Albanian identity in North Macedonia.
