by Rita Kalaj Shkurta. Translation Petrit Latifi

In the repertoire of the Lahutar Gjokë Prela, a special place is occupied by old songs inherited with fanaticism from his ancestors. Songs that carry strong messages of life, endurance and bravery, with which the highlanders distinguished themselves generation after generation as a province. In the book Malësia e Madhe në Shekuj, the author Sokol P. Lulgjuraj, in addition to his photo, also adapts one of his most prominent rhapsodies, which I am publishing in the original article.

“GALA SMAJLI”

“Kur kan dal’ kan’ dal’ kaçakt hyrjetit, S’kan gjet’ vet’ përktej detit, Der’ çi kan’ dal’ en bajrak t’Trieshit. Ën bajrak t’Trieshit kur kan’ hi, Çilen derên dygin’ shpi; Gala Smajlin e kan’ psy. Jan bashku-o parija tu Gali, Ded Gjon Luli e Zenel Shabani. Prej Kosovet k’tu ja perrini, Me komit Isa Buletini. K’tu kan’ ardh’ prej Shals vêtit Krejt komita e Mehmet Shpënit, Bashk’ kan’ ardh’ me kren t’Këlmenit Jaj Voc Gjoni i pari i vêtit. Dert po ban njajo pari, Gala Smajlin na e kan’ psy. T’na bajsh nim t’na lypsh fuqi Do të përzam’ jekyt turki Ën drit’ do t’qesim jekyt Shqipni. (Kangë popullore).”

Translation

“When they came out, they came out, they didn’t find themselves across the sea, Where did they come out in the Tries flag? In the Tries flag when they got there, Who opened the second door to the house; Gala Smajlin has come. Together are the Gali party, Ded Gjon Luli and Zenel Shabani. From Kosovo, bring them here, With the Isa Buletini committee. Here have come from the Shals of the country The whole committee of Mehmet Shpëni, Together have come with the head of Këlmen, Jaj Voc Gjoni, the first of the country. The same is being done by the first, Gala Smajlin has come to us. To give us power, we will gather the Turkish people In the light, we will sing the Albanian people. (Popular song).”