Made the bust of "Ramabeu", the sculptor talks about Politiko. It shows who financed it

The placement of a bust of Albania's national hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu in Sicily, has sparked debate due to the similarity of the bust with Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The similarity of Skanderbeg's bust with Edi Rama's portrait has been criticized by many public and civic figures who see it as a lack of respect for the historical figure of the national hero.

 For some, this similarity seems like an attempt to personalize the figure of Skanderbeg and connect it with the image of the current prime minister, which has raised doubts about the author's motives and the selection of the project.

For this, Politiko.al has contacted the author of this work, the Kosovar sculptor Gëzim Muriq.

Muriqi stated that this sculpture was financed by compatriots living in Switzerland.

The artist has defended his work, stressing that he had no intention of connecting the work with any political figure, but public criticism and perceptions have been strong and polarized.

The author of the work stated that after the bust arrived in Palermo, where Hora has offices, President Vjosa Osmani also helped with the transport and legal procedures, documentation.

Part of the interview

Politico: Who financed the bust of Skanderbeg in Sicily?

Muriqi: This was financed by our compatriots living in exile, respectively by the association Hora e Skenderbeu based in Switzerland.

And it has already been published a year ago on social networks.

Politico: What about the comments that this bust resembles the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama?

Muriqi: These comments may be biased.

Politico: The majority says that it resembles Rama, based on the fact that Spiropali inaugurated it.

Muriqi: Maybe this has to do with the selection of the mayor of Hora

Politiko.al has also contacted Rosario Petta, the mayor of “Piana degli Albanesi”, but has not yet received answers to the questions addressed.

Skenderbeu is a symbol of Albanian national identity and resistance, and his representation in art has a special importance for Albanians wherever they are.

 The selection of a bust that does not respect the well-known features of the figure of Skanderbeg has been seen as a misuse of history and a minimization of his value as a national hero. 

For many Albanians, every artistic representation of Skenderbeu must be faithful to the historical image and preserve his dignity.

The message of the bust in the context of the Albanian diaspora

The placement of the bust in Sicily was aimed at honoring the Albanian heritage and the historical ties of the Albanians of Italy. 

However, the controversy surrounding the similarity of the bust with Edi Rama may have dimmed the importance of this moment for the Arber community and for Albanians in general, turning attention from commemorating the national hero to a political debate.

Key bust reactions

Reactions to the bust of Skanderbeg in Sicily, which resembles Prime Minister Edi Rama, have been numerous and diverse, including comments from public figures, politicians, artists and ordinary citizens.

This debate has included criticism of the aesthetics and selection of the bust, but also concerns about the symbolism and respect for the figure of the national hero.

 Some politicians, including representatives of the opposition, have reacted strongly to the placement of the bust, describing it as an inappropriate and offensive act for Albanians. They have argued that the bust does not respect Skanderbeg's traditional features and the resemblance to Edi Rama is reckless and unacceptable.

 The public has widely shared comments, memes and criticism on social media.

 A significant part of the citizens expressed disappointment and demanded that the bust be changed, while some others took the situation with humor, using bust likeness to ironize current politics.

For the Albanians of Sicily and the Arber community, the bust was intended to be a symbol of the historical and cultural ties between Albania and Italy. 

However, even within these communities, there have been concerns that the bust does not sufficiently respect Skanderbeg's historical and cultural heritage.