Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has expressed his condolences following the passing of Academician Emin Riza, describing him as one of the most distinguished scholars of Albanian traditional architecture and cultural heritage.
In a public statement, Kurti said he received the news of Riza’s death with deep sorrow, noting that the renowned academic, born in Korçë in 1937, was the son of the prominent Albanologist Selman Riza.
Kurti praised Riza for dedicating his entire life to the research, documentation, restoration, and protection of cultural monuments across Albania and other Albanian-inhabited regions, with much of his career spent at Albania’s Institute of Monuments.
He highlighted Riza’s remarkable academic legacy, noting that he authored 18 monographs and more than 100 scientific papers, which continue to serve as key references for researchers in the field of cultural heritage.
Kurti also emphasized Riza’s role in drafting cultural heritage legislation in both Albania and Kosovo, as well as his contribution to preparing the successful UNESCO World Heritage nominations for the historic cities of Gjirokastër and Berat.
“For generations of students, researchers, and professionals, Emin Riza was a professor, mentor, guide, and an inexhaustible source of knowledge, professional integrity, and dedication to cultural heritage,” Kurti said.
The acting prime minister extended his condolences to the Riza family, as well as to the academic’s colleagues, friends, and loved ones.
