The crucifix of Gjergj Kastriot-Skënderbeu made by the sculptor Gëzim Muriqi is located in the center of the city, Hora e Arbëreshë (Piana degli Albanesi) in Sicily, Italy. This statue, a gift of the Association “Hora e Skenderbeu” from Zurich, Switzerland, was inaugurated on 30.08. 2024, in the Square in front of Hora Town Hall.
Immediately this monument caused a lot of debate on the network and received many comments, most of which described it as similar to Edi Rama or even to Ismail Qemali…
Gëzim Muriqi, the sculptor who created the much-talked-about bust, said in the People show on Euronews Albania that he had to work for 1 year for this bronze sculpture.
“In cooperation with compatriots in Switzerland, this work has been achieved. It is a statue, not a bust with a height of 2 meters and 96 cm. The most authentic portrait that we refer to as far as Skanderbeg is concerned is that of Belin with Vendik’s beret, but there we are dealing with an old man with a white beard and all the works are mainly referred to that image”, he said.
He explained the presence of the wolf figure at Skanderbeg’s side, an element also widely discussed on the network.
“The province where I come from, Rugova, which is the Mbishkodra Mountains, we refer to the wolf as the sword of God. If the wolf has attacked the livestock, it is considered to be blessed. The wolf is a symbol of the Balshays, the northern dynasty. Skanderbeg referred to; I am a descendant of the Balshays, not genetically,” explained the sculptor.
