Person
Laura Hoxhaj & Naser Hoxhaj
Cultural Heritage
Besa
Description
Besa literally means “to keep a promise”. An Albanian who acts upon the principle of Besa is someone who abides by a promise; who one can trust one´s life and family with. Besa is passed down from generation to generation. It is a word that does not exist in most of the world´s languages. Albanian customary law has institutionalised the concept of the promise. Keeping one´s promise is a matter of honour. It was, and continues to be, particularly applicable to Albanian culture.
Location
