The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, stated that the Republic of Kosovo was built by many generations who sacrificed for freedom, as well as by those who, through their daily work, preserved the memory, identity, and values upon which our state is founded.
“A state is also built through memory—especially by people who document history, preserve the evidence of our civilization, and pass on our roots to future generations,” she said.
Acting President Haxhiu noted that today we have gathered to honour an individual whose work and dedication have left an indelible mark on our science, culture, and national heritage.
“For more than four decades, Mr. Kemajl Luci has served Kosovo with professionalism, integrity, and exceptional dedication. He has been among those scholars who have not only explored the depths of our land to uncover evidence of the past, but have also helped ensure that our history is documented, preserved, and presented to the world with dignity,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
According to her, his contribution to the study of Dardanian culture, as well as the prehistoric and ancient periods, and his research at dozens of archaeological sites across Kosovo, constitutes a priceless asset for our country.
“Particularly significant was his commitment to resuming archaeological excavations at Ulpiana after the war. At a time when the country was rebuilding on many fronts, he understood that rebuilding the state also required restoring our historical memory,” stated Acting President Haxhiu.
According to Acting President Haxhiu, his work in the scholarly documentation of Kosovo’s cultural heritage has been equally important.
“The works and publications to which he has contributed are now fundamental references for researchers, institutions, and professionals of the field. Mr. Luci’s work reminds us that cultural heritage does not preserve itself. It requires people who research it, protect it, study it, and pass it on to future generations with accuracy and dignity as an integral part of our identity,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
For this reason, today, on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo, Acting President Haxhiu awarded Mr. Kemajl Luci the Presidential Medal of Merit in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Kosovo’s cultural and archaeological heritage, as well as for his scientific work in documenting the country’s ancient history.
In conclusion, Acting President Haxhiu, on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo and its citizens, expressed her profound gratitude for a lifetime dedicated to the service of knowledge, culture, and the homeland.
“This decoration is a mark of respect for your life’s work and for the enduring legacy you have left in Kosovo’s scientific and cultural memory,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
