Iliaz Arif Bobaj was born on 27-07-1950. He was born in the village of Lazarat in Gjirokastra. His family had patriotic and cultural traditions. He started elementary school in Lazarati, but finished it in the city of Delvina, where he moved with his family. In Delvina, he also finished high school with high results. He completed his higher studies at the Higher Pedagogical Institute in Shkodra as a regular student in the mathematics-physics branch. Later, he studied at the “E. Çabej” University in Gjirokastra in the same branch, through correspondence. He worked as a teacher in Delvina, Pukë, head of the school and of the pioneer’s house in Delvina. In the years 1992-1997 he was the secretary of the Delvina District Council, a task which he performed with dignity. In 1997, he was replaced for political motives and he remained unemployed. He was left without a job. He took the path of emigration to Greece with his family. Today he lives and works in Patra, Greece. He is married and has two children. He works like all other immigrants. Yet, he has never abandoned literature. He stands for the Albanian word as an ambassador. He goes beyond the borders of the homeland. He is so dedicated to this task. He has a busy literary activity. He is a well-known writer and author of many literary books. His creations have also been included in various literary anthologies. He writes in several literary organs, at home and abroad. He is among the most active and powerful publicists of the Albanian press in emigration. He has won several literary awards. He is a member of the League of Writers and Artists of Albania. He also belongs to the Club of Albanian Immigrant Writers in Greece “Drita”. He knows Greek and Russian well. His poetic volumes have won various awards. In the genre of humor, he won first prize. This was in the 2004 competition with the story “The Prime Minister’s Beard.” Among other things, the book “I wait for life as it comes to me” is worth mentioning. His poetic talent is strongly shown there. It is intertwined with feelings of patriotism, which are characteristic of his family. He has authored many books. Titles include “Aesop”, “The Apple of Quarrels”, “501 Proverbs”, “Hand and Power”, and “The Fox and the Judge.” These works have been well received by readers and critics. His active participation in journalistic life is worth noting. This is especially true in the Albanian press in Greece. He is also the editor of the newspaper “Lazërati”. He is outside his homeland with his writings and debates. Yet, he shows that he lives inside with his details. His joys, pride, and worries show this.1
Books by Iliaz Bobaj
Iliaz Bobaj is a prolific Albanian author and cultural figure, known for his contributions to poetry, fables, children’s literature, and anthologies. Below is a curated list of his authored works:
Fables & Satire
- Dora dhe faqja – A satirical fable exploring human contradictions.
- Dhelpra dhe gjyqtari – A witty fable about justice and cunning.
- Molla e sherrit – A humorous take on conflict and greed.
- Kali i pushtetit – Satirical verses on power and corruption.
- Shkolla e diplomacisë (100 fables) – Lessons in diplomacy through allegory.
- Eshte pikërisht kështu – Short satirical stories reflecting social realities.
Poetry
- Jetën e pres si të vijë – Reflective poems on life and destiny.
- Ditën e artë e shkoj me ty (2014) – Romantic and philosophical poetry.
- Testamenti i bukurisë – A poetic testament to beauty and art.
- Libri për Kosovën – Patriotic verses dedicated to Kosovo.
- Unë vij ta mbush botën me lule (2025) – Children’s poetry celebrating nature.
Children’s Literature & Legends
- Legjenda e Syrit të Kaltër – A legend about Albania’s Blue Eye spring.
- Legjenda e Butrintit – Mythical tales of the ancient city of Butrint.
- Legjenda e zogut Gjon – A folk-inspired story of courage.
- Legjenda e Tomorit dhe e Shpiragut (2024) – Epic legend of Albania’s sacred mountains.
- Legjenda e Qenit të Sharrit – A tale of loyalty and bravery.
- Kështjella që u bë legjendë (2024) – Historical legend turned into cultural heritage.
- Zogjtë e ballkonit tim – Poems for children about birds and nature.
- Bota është e madhe shumë… – Children’s reflections on the vastness of life.
- Bota është sa nëna ime – Tender verses for young readers.
Proverbs & Aphorisms
- 501 fjalë të urta – A collection of Albanian proverbs.
- 777 fjalë të urta – Expanded wisdom sayings and aphorisms.
- Tregu i fjalës – Epigrams and witty reflections.
Anthologies & Cultural Works
- Antologji e tregimit satirik botëror – Global satirical tales compiled and translated.
- Poezitë e fqinjëve të jugut – Anthology of southern poets.
- Ylli i fshehur – Selected poetic works.
- Shkronjat e florinjta – Children’s poetic anthology.
- Elias Lazarati – A monograph on Lazarat’s cultural heritage.