Well-known Moldovan writer marks 70th birthday anniversary

Chisinau, 15 July /MOLDPRES/ - A poet, prose writer, publicist, laureate of the National Prize and of more international prizes, Nicolae Dabija, marks his 70th birthday anniversary today.  

Nicolae Dabija was born in the Codreni village, southern Cimislia district, on 15 July 1948. In 1972, he graduated from the Philology Faculty of the Moldovan State University. In 1975, Dabija debuted with a volume of poems titled, „Ochiul al treilea” (The Third Eye), followed by the books of poems „Apă neîncepută” (Intact Water), „Zugravul anonim” (Anonymous Painter), „Aripă sub cămașă” (Winter under Shirt), and many others.       

In the last decade, Nicolae Dabija has edited three books. His novel, „Tema pentru acasă” (The Homework) (2009), has reached its eight edition, with over 60,000 copies sold; it was translated in more languages, which represents a record for a book of Romanian prose. This book was also appreciated in France with a prestigious prize „Prix de l’ Autre Edition” and was published in the United States as well. Nicolae Dabija is author more than 80 volumes of poetry, prose and essays.   

Since 1986, Nicolae Dabija has acted as editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper „Literatura și Arta” (The Literature and Art) – a publication which exceeded 260,000 copies in its glory period. Dabija was lawmaker in the parliament of Moldova (1990-1994, 1998-2001), contributing to the promotion of historical laws, such as the Declaration of Independence, the laws on the Tricolour as National Flag, State Coat of Arms and National Anthem of Moldova.   

Dabija is head of the Association of the People of Science, Culture and Art, titular member of Moldova’s Academy of Sciences, honorary member of the Romanian Academy, member of the European Academy of Letters, Sciences and Arts(L’Académie Européenne des Sciences, des Arts et des Lettres - ALESAL), with headquarters in Paris, laureate of the National Prize.

Nicolae Dabija was awarded the Order of the Republic, Order Star of Romania in the Commander grade, Order Cultural Merit in grade of Grand Officer, the Grand Prize of the International Poetry Festival from Trieste, Prize „Giacommo Leopardi” of the World Centre of Poetry from Recanati, Umberti Mastroiani International Poetry Prize, offered at Fantana i Liri, Grand Prize Sweet Maria Loynaz of the International Poetry Festival from Havana, etc.   

Nicolae Dabija has been recently awarded the Medal and Prize „Pjetër Bogdani’’ - the most important literary prize provided by the Writers’ Union from Kosovo, for the volume „Psalme dachurie” (“Psalmi de dragoste” - Love Psalms), translated in the Albanian language by Baki Ymeri. The collection of poems appeared in the series „Bibliothéque Internationale Bruxelles” (Brussels International Library), under the patronage of the Council of Europe, with the subtitle, „Poezie românească din Basarabia. Poezie românească din Moldova” (Romanian Poetry from Bessarabia. Romanian Poetry from Moldova).     

(Reporter N. Roibu, editor L. Alcaza)