“The Albanians are a fine people, noble, brave, but have a suicidal tendency that makes people of their breed boil, if not compensated by the boredom of life.”

This striking observation was made by the famous French poet and writer Guillaume Apollinaire (1880–1918).

Romantic admiration mixed with stereotype

Apollinaire’s description reflects the classic Western romantic view of Albanians that was widespread in 19th- and early 20th-century Europe. He praises them as a noble and brave people, echoing earlier admirers such as Lord Byron. At the same time, he suggests that Albanians possess an intense and explosive temperament that can drive them toward self-destructive behavior.

Historical and cultural context

This characterization is rooted in observable realities of traditional Albanian society. The strict Kanun code and the institution of besa (word of honor) created a culture where personal and family honor was often valued more than life itself. Blood feuds could last for generations, and Albanian highlanders frequently rebelled against much stronger empires even when the odds were heavily against them.

To many European observers, this combination of extraordinary courage and uncompromising pride appeared both magnificent and self-destructive.

A double-edged view

While Apollinaire clearly admired the Albanians, his comment also carries a patronizing tone common in Western literature of the period. It portrays them as heroic yet ungovernable — fascinating but difficult to fit into modern European state structures.

Nevertheless, what Apollinaire called a “suicidal tendency” can also be seen more positively as a remarkable spirit of resistance and independence. This trait helped Albanians preserve their language, identity, and autonomy through centuries of foreign domination.

Even today, this complex character — fierce pride combined with deep hospitality — continues to define and fascinate those who study Albanian history and culture.

Source

Рассказы By Гийом Аполлинер. 2017