bashkëqytetarë

Bashkëqytetarë is an Albanian term that translates to “fellow citizens” or “co-citizens.” It refers to individuals who share membership in a political community and are collectively regarded as part of the same civic body. The word is formed from bashkë- meaning “together” and qytetarë meaning “citizens,” and is used in plural form to address groups of people.

In public discourse, bashkëqytetarë is often employed to emphasize civic solidarity, shared rights, and mutual obligations. It functions as a rhetorical device to frame political or social issues as matters of collective responsibility rather than partisan competition, inviting inclusive participation in public life.

Geographically and culturally, the expression is common in Albanian-speaking communities, including Albania, Kosovo, and parts of North Macedonia, as well as among the Albanian diaspora. It appears in political speeches, media commentary, civic education materials, and grassroots organizing, where speakers seek to mobilize participation, dialogue, and unity across diverse backgrounds.

As a linguistic concept, bashkëqytetarë highlights an inclusive conception of citizenship that foregrounds belonging to a political community and active participation in public life. It is not a formal legal category, but a normative idea used to discuss rights, duties, and social cohesion within a society.