The Library of Madrasas and Mufties, an Oracle that Shines a Light

Abstract

Mosques building in Albania has often been associated with building primary religious schools (mekteps) as well as religious high schools (madrasas). Reason being the education of muslim followers. Teachings were given in Albanian language.
Along side those madrasas there were libraries made famous over the years and attracting a lot of travelers, writers and foreign scholars. The best ones were enriched continuously. Rich people use to hand out their books and other relics. People wanted to know about dhe past and project their future, therefore they turned to the books for an answer. Great secrets were hidden between the lines. Libraries did preserve holy court decisions too (sharia laws), land deeds and other old important documents. Large muslim families established their libraries too, even though the books were no strangers to any muslim family.
Libraries like: “Bushatlli”, “Vlonjatet”, “Frasherlli”, “ Baholli” etc were tresures indeed. The most valuated one was the library of “Kllyçi” in town of Shkodra. It became a real oracle for locals and foreigners. Germans particularly became regular visitors discussing peace and war, business, possible uprisings etc.
This paper work reflect upon those historical aspects of libraries of Albanian madrasas and Mekteps.