In March 2026, during the month of Ramadan, we at Italoptik wanted to do something from the heart: to honour Albania’s Muslim community, the largest religious community in our country.
We invited about ten women who are an important part of the Muslim community in Albania, and together we shared an iftar at “Te Arditi”, a restaurant in Mullet, just outside Tirana. Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. We sat at the same table, broke bread and talked for a long time.
We talked about the challenges we face as women and as mothers: work, children, the time that is never enough and the strength we need every day. We also talked about the place faith has in our lives and in Albanian society, and how it keeps us connected to our families and to each other.
I am a Christian. Even so, I believe it is very important to honour every community, and especially the Muslim community, which makes up the largest part of Albanians. Albania is known around the world for harmony between religions, and that harmony does not happen by itself. It is built at tables like this one, when we sit together, listen to each other and realise we have far more in common than we think.
Thank you to every woman who came and shared her story, her thoughts and that special evening with us. Ramadan reminds us of the value of patience, gratitude and sharing with others, values we all share.
With love,
Romina Lula and the Italoptik team
