Ramiz Tafilaj (born 6 May 1949 in

Deçan Deçan (, ; , ) is a town and municipality in the district of Gjakova, Kosovo. The municipality has an area of and it includes the town and 37 smaller settlements. According to the last census of 2024, the municipality has a population of 27,7 ...

SFR Yugoslavia The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (commonly abbreviated as SFRY or SFR Yugoslavia), known from 1945 to 1963 as the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia, commonly referred to as Socialist Yugoslavia or simply Yugoslavia, was a country ...

, now

Kosovo Kosovo, officially the Republic of Kosovo, is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe with International recognition of Kosovo, partial diplomatic recognition. It is bordered by Albania to the southwest, Montenegro to the west, Serbia to the ...

) is an Albanian-American businessman, philanthropist, activist, and publisher known for his significant contributions to the Albanian community in the United States and beyond. Tafilaj is particularly known for his tireless efforts to advance the Albanian cause, advocating for greater recognition of Albanian history, culture, and human rights.

Personal life

Tafilaj was born to a workers family from Deçan. In 1974, he emigrated to the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

, where he married his wife Diana, with whom he has been married for about 47 years. They have three adult children. One of them is an entrepreneur, the other one is a VP in the banking industry, and one is a nonprofit executive.

Philanthropy and activism

In addition to his business ventures, Tafilaj is a dedicated philanthropist and activist. He has supported Albanian mutual aid societies and fraternal organizations in the

Albania Albania ( ; or ), officially the Republic of Albania (), is a country in Southeast Europe. It is located in the Balkans, on the Adriatic Sea, Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea, and shares land borders with Montenegro to ...

North Macedonia North Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia, is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe. It shares land borders with Greece to the south, Albania to the west, Bulgaria to the east, Kosovo to the northwest and Serbia to the n ...

Serbia , image_flag = Flag of Serbia.svg , national_motto = , image_coat = Coat of arms of Serbia.svg , national_anthem = () , image_map = , map_caption = Location of Serbia (gree ...

, and

Montenegro , image_flag = Flag of Montenegro.svg , image_coat = Coat of arms of Montenegro.svg , coa_size = 80 , national_motto = , national_anthem = () , image_map = Europe-Mont ...

. As an activist, Tafilaj has been a prominent voice in the Albanian community for decades. He has used his resources and influence to lobby for the Albanian cause in the United States and beyond. Tafilaj has founded and supported numerous publishing ventures, including the Jalifat Publishing Company, which has published works by major Albanian writers, such as Jusuf Buxhovi, Hajredin Kuçi, Faton Bislimi,

Avni Spahiu Avni Spahiu (born 12 March 1956) is a Kosovar diplomat and former television director. During the period between 2008 and 2012 he served as ambassador to the United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United State ...

, and Nuhi Vinca.

Honors and recognition

Tafilaj's dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, he was honored with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest distinction given to civilians who model the American spirit. He has also received recognition from his peers in his hometown of

and from the Mayor of

Vushtrri Vushtrri ( sq-definite, Vushtrria; sr-Cyrl, Вучитрн, ''Vučitrn'') is a List of cities in Kosovo, city and Municipalities of Kosovo, municipality located in the District of Mitrovica, Mitrovica District in Kosovo. According to the 2024 c ...

for his contributions to the affirmation of the National Albanian Issue, the work done by students and supporters with scholarships, and the affirmation of Albanian culture and history. In 2022, the Municipality of Pukë gave him the title of ''Citizen of Honor'' for his contribution to the democratization of Albania and the liberation and independence of Kosovo. Tafilaj received the ''Mirenjohje'' award from the Albanian American Cultural Center for his unreserved work and contribution in support of the Albanian national cause. The award recognized his voluntary engagement in the Albanian-American community and his cooperation with the highest state institutions of the US in Washington, DC. The award also acknowledged Tafilaj's philanthropy and his publication of numerous works that reflect and elevate the image of the Albanian nation in the United States and in the world. Tafilaj has also been recognized for his humanitarian work and contributions to education. He has sponsored over 100 Albanian students for university education in the US and has helped them integrate into American society. In recognition of his contributions to education and humanitarian work, Tafilaj was awarded the title ''Akademik Mark Krasniqi'' and ''Krenaria e Alpeve Shqiptare''. Tafilaj has also been recognized for his efforts to strengthen historical Albanian-American ties and raise the image of the Albanian people and their national values in the United States of America. In 2008, he was awarded the title ''Kalorës i Urdhrit të Skënderbeut'' by the Albanian President. Tafilaj has received numerous other awards for his contributions to the Albanian cause, including the '' Idriz Seferi'' award from the municipality of Gjilan and recognition for his patriotic and cultural activities from the ''Lidhja e Krijuesve Shqiptarë në Mërgatë'' and the ''Association of Independent Intellectuals''.

Legacy

Tafilaj's commitment to promoting the interests of the Albanian people and strengthening Albanian culture and heritage has made him a beloved figure in the Albanian-American community. Through his work and his philanthropic efforts, Tafilaj has become an important symbol of the enduring ties between Albania and the United States.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tafilaj, Ramiz 1949 births Living people University of Zagreb alumni University of Houston alumni Yugoslav emigrants to the United States 20th-century Albanian businesspeople 21st-century Albanian businesspeople 20th-century American businesspeople 21st-century American businesspeople American people of Albanian descent People from Deçan