Poetët

Poetët is the Albanian term for poets, i.e., individuals who compose poetry. The definite plural form poetët denotes “the poets” as a group. Poetry is a literary form that uses language artistically to express emotion, experience, and ideas, often through imagery, metaphor, meter, and sometimes rhyme. Poets work in diverse traditions, from oral folk verse to formal, metrically structured lyric and to contemporary free verse.

Poets preserve language and culture, shape collective memory, and offer social commentary. They may celebrate beauty, record history, or critique political and social conditions. In many historical contexts, poets have been among the most visible public voices, shaping identity and values for communities.

Albanian poetry has played a central role in the national awakening of the 19th century, promoting the Albanian language and literature. Classic poets such as Naim Frashëri contributed to standardizing Albanian and articulating national aspirations; Gjergj Fishta and Andon Zako Çajupi are also celebrated for their poetic and cultural work. The 20th century saw modernist voices like Migjeni and Lasgush Poradeci, and later Dritëro Agolli, who expanded the reach and form of Albanian poetry.

Notable Albanian poets include Naim Frashëri (1846–1900), Gjergj Fishta (1871–1940), Andon Zako Çajupi (1866–1930), Migjeni (Mil Gjergj Nikolla, 1911–1938), Lasgush Poradeci (1899–1987), and Dritëro Agolli (1931–2020).