TIRANA, Albania

A traditional music group in Albania has composed a song for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to show appreciation for his contributions to the country.

Iso-polyphonic music group Gjergj Arianiti Mallakaster, headed by Guri Rrokaj, posted a YouTube video of “Song for President Erdogan.”

It highlights contributions and support from Turkey and Erdogan for Albania and mentions new housing units constructed in Lac and Kurbin after a devastating earthquake hit the Adriatic Sea nation in November 2019.

The houses were constructed by Turkey’s government-backed housing agency, TOKI.

The song also notes a hospital that will be built in the southwest city of Fier.

“O land, I have good news that spreads all over the world,” says the lyrics. “Erdogan said, Albania will be helped by the Turkish state, and Ankara showed its love to Albania” and likens the closeness between the two nations as a mother and child.

Gjergj Arianiti Mallakaster sends wishes of a long life to the Turkish president at the end of the piece.

Iso-polyphony is a traditional part of Albanian folk songs, especially prevalent in southern areas of the country.

*Contributions and writing by Sena Guler