My Greatest Trial was Loneliness… I passed by quietly versifying and left a trail of divine light where there was shadow – Angela Kosta
Our interviewee is Angela Kosta, the renowned Albania-born Italian poet and writer, translator, journalist, literary critic, member of the Albanian Writers’ Union, author of nearly 30 books, recipient of numerous prestigious literary awards, a passionate promoter of literature, and a dedicated ambassador of peace.
Interviewed by Jakhongir NOMOZOV | Uzbekistan
— Welcome, Angela Kosta. Today, your name has become a symbol of hope, affection, and inspiration in the hearts of many creative souls. What inner strength or deep calling has allowed you to reach so many hearts around the world?
— Hello! Before beginning this interview, I would like to thank you and send my greetings to the readers of Azerbaijan.
Back to us, I would like to point out that my journey was not driven by fame or ambition, but by a need of the soul. After four long years away from the outside world (due to my illness), I wanted to communicate, to embrace the world with words. As a child in Albania, I learned that words are both refuge and resistance. When I left my country for Italy, I brought with me not only the nostalgia for my homeland, but also a silent mission: to be a voice for those who cannot speak, a light for those who live in the shadows. This strength comes from pain transformed into compassion, from the desire to build bridges—not walls (as Pope Francis said)—where others see barriers. Every poem, every translation, every cultural gesture comes from a genuine will to serve the collective good, not as a role but as a vocation. Reaching the hearts of so many authors around the world is a miracle that happens when you write with truth, humility, and dedication.
— Poetry is the interpreter of the soul, the echo of the heart. For you, is poetry simply a means of artistic expression or a divine gift?
— Poetry is not just an artistic medium for me, but a sacred heartbeat. It’s as if the words choose me, as if every verse is already written through time and I’m merely the channel to bring them forth. I believe poetry is a divine gift, an eternal language that connects us to both heaven and earth. But this gift must be cultivated with study, discipline, and love. Inspiration alone is not enough—you must also perceive it, translate that spark into words that have a life of their own. For me, every poem is an act of love, a spiritual offering, a candle lit in the darkness of the world. Through poetry, I can give voice to silence, heal invisible wounds, and unite what is divided.
— Poetry and translation—one carries the sacred essence of language, the other unveils it in a new form. What inner differences do you perceive between these two paths? How has translation opened the doors to new worlds for you?
— Writing poetry means listening to the voice of your own soul. Translating means listening to the voices of others. When I write, I dive into my emotions, memories, and the vision of the world I carry within. When I translate, I set myself aside to welcome another author’s voice, with humility and precision. Poetry is creation; translation is service. But both are acts of love. Translation has taught me to strip away the ego, to embrace the world from a broader perspective. It has introduced me to different civilizations, languages, and sensibilities. It has opened doors to new spiritual and cultural horizons, making me feel like a free citizen of the world.
— Bringing together people of different nations, cultures, and religions through literature—do you see this as an artistic mission or a deep necessity of the soul?
— Yes, absolutely. Uniting cultures through literature is, for me, a deep necessity—it’s a mission that I feel is part of my very identity. We live in a time where fragmentation divides us, where identities are often used as walls rather than bridges. Literature has the power to heal this wound that threatens our future. When I promote writers from distant countries, when I translate a Korean poem from English into Albanian or an Arab poem into Italian, I feel I’m mending and stitching a torn fabric, saying: “We are different, but we can understand each other, and we can care for one another.” This is the aim of my work: to unite our shared humanity.
— On March 6, 2025, you participated in the “DivinaMente Donna” event as a jury member and as a member of the VerbumlandiArtAps Association, approved by the President of Italy. Can you tell us more about this prestigious event held at the Italian Senate?
— Being part of the “DivinaMente Donna” event, held on March 6, 2025, in the Zucchari Hall at the Italian Senate, organized by Dr. Regina Resta, President of the VerbumlandiArtAps Association, was one of the most significant moments of my personal and cultural journey. Participating not only as a guest but as a jury member and a member of the VerbumlandiArtAps Association, recognized and approved by the Senate itself, added even greater value to this commitment.
This event, born to celebrate female excellence in every field of knowledge and art, is a powerful symbol of institutional respect and recognition of women’s contributions to society’s growth. The fact that it took place in one of the highest seats of Italian democracy made the message even stronger: culture is a driver of peace, progress, and equality.
As a jury member, I had the task and privilege of evaluating women who, through their often silent but impactful commitment, have brought light to the fields of literature, art, science, and civil engagement. It was also a moment of exchange and sharing, not only among women from diverse backgrounds united by common ideals—freedom, dignity, dialogue—but also with many writers, journalists, and poets fighting for the defense of women’s rights.
My official presence, for which I thank Dr. Regina Resta, confirmed the importance of my work as a poet, translator, and international cultural promoter, strengthening my daily commitment to building intercultural bridges and defending the word as an instrument of peace.
In an era marked by divisions, “DivinaMente Donna” was a powerful voice celebrating human value, feminine sensitivity, and the strength of thought.
— What has been the greatest challenge or difficulty in your creative journey? Did it stop you, break you, or inspire you with new strength and vision?
—The greatest challenge has been loneliness. The loneliness of an immigrant, of a woman who chooses culture in an increasingly materialistic world. But also the loneliness of those who carry cultural battles without financial support, without established networks, relying only on their faith. However, this loneliness did not break me; on the contrary, it strengthened me. It taught me the value of silence, resilience, and daily work. Every obstacle was transformed into poetry, every disappointment into an act of generosity. Challenges became vision; wounds became wings.
— The title of Peace Messenger is not only an honor but also a great responsibility. In your opinion, how can poetry and literature serve peace in such a turbulent world?
— In a world full of wars, environmental crises, and technological loneliness, poetry is that inner voice that says, “You exist, you are not alone.” Literature is the memory of humanity, but it is also prophecy. It can anticipate changes, inspire peaceful revolutions, and heal. My commitment as a Peace Messenger comes from the conviction that the right word at the right moment can save a life. I do not exaggerate when I say this. Poetry can break down stereotypes, build invisible and infinite bridges to restore the dignity lost beneath the ruins of useless and unjust wars.
By promoting multilingual literature and fostering dialogue between cultures, I am working, in my small way, for a more just and humane world.
— You have succeeded in uniting creators from different cultures and nations. Where do you find the patience, love, and dedication necessary for this work? What inspires you internally?
— My source of energy is the universal love for every living being on this earth, for everything that breathes and radiates light: people, animals, and all that nature gives us in its splendor. My love for literature and promotion is not to seek applause but finds joy in the light of others. When I see an unknown poet moved because their inner voice has been heard for the first time in Albania or Italy thanks to one of my translations, there I find meaning and richness.
Patience comes from the deep faith I have in what I do. Dedication arises from a sense of gratitude for life and for the pen and words I have been given. Every face, every language I encounter enriches me. And I give back what I receive, multiplied by enthusiasm and the conviction that culture can still change the world.
— She has supported many writers, helping them not only to bring their works to the international stage but also offering them spiritual encouragement. What motivated her to take this path of dedication?
— I have experienced firsthand how hard it is to emerge. I know what it means to have no voice, no contacts, not knowing where to start, and facing closed doors and windows. This has made me sensitive to the talent of others. I chose to dedicate time, energy, and resources to help both emerging and established writers and poets because I believe in a culture of solidarity, not competition. The motivation is simple: if a word has value and can save, every writer deserves to be heard. I am just a tool, a bridge to give voice to these voices. Whenever I can open a door for someone, my path gains even more meaning.
— Several international publications have named you a Messenger of Peace. In a world so full of conflicts, sowing peace through words is no easy task. What responsibilities do you feel as a poet promoting friendship and peace among nations through literature?
— Carrying the title of “Messenger of Peace” is for me a daily commitment, not just symbolic but deeply ethical. In a world where words are often used to divide, offend, or manipulate, I have chosen to use them to unite, heal, and build bridges. It is not easy, because those who promote peace through literature often face indifference, superficiality, and those who see poetry as an unnecessary luxury. But I firmly believe that every verse written with truth can touch a heart, change a conscience, and awaken a silent voice. My responsibility is twofold: on one side, to be faithful to authentic words—those that do not lie or bend to power—and on the other, to continue creating international spaces where cultures dialogue and differences become wealth, not division. Every translated book, every promoted author, every curated magazine is a small seed planted in the fragile soil of coexistence. And as long as I can, I will never stop sowing.
— If you had to describe your life in a single poetic verse, what would it be?
— If I had to condense my entire life into one poetic verse, I would say:
“I passed by quietly versifying and left a trail of divine light where there was shadow.”
This verse encapsulates my journey: childhood lived between dreams and sacrifices, the separation from my homeland, the challenge of immigration, rebirth through writing, and the absolute dedication to culture as a form of healing and resilience both toward my illness and in general. From the silence of injustices and invisible wounds, I moved toward creativity—not out of vanity, but to share, inspire, and remind that even from pain can emerge inner and outer beauty. Every word left on the page is a small light, a trace, a gesture of love that endures through time.
— Although you have not yet visited Azerbaijan, what images or spirit of that land live in your heart? What does your soul imagine when it dreams of Azerbaijan?
— Although I have not yet had the honor to visit Azerbaijan, that land lives in my heart through its history, poetry, and people. I imagine Azerbaijan as a bridge between East and West, a place where ancient traditions and modern spirit intertwine like a harmonious dance. I hear the voice of its mugham music in the silences of the soul, see its carpets as metaphors of cultural interweaving, and feel the spirituality of its landscape as an invitation to contemplation. When I dream of Azerbaijan, my soul travels among its mountains and minarets, among the words of poets like Nizami Ganjavi and the creative energy of today’s young writers. My wish is that literature unites us, that one day I can bring my voice there, and at the same time let the voice of Azerbaijan resonate in the hearts of readers worldwide, meeting in person some poets I have translated and promoted-like my dear friend Tarana Turan Rahimli, who also thanks each of you personally.
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Jakhongir NOMOZOV is a young poet and journalist from Uzbekistan. He is also a Member of the Union of Journalists of Azerbaijan and the World Young Turkic Writers Union.
