Albanian Declaration of Independence
Encyclopedia
The Albanian Declaration of Independence is the declaration of independence
of the Albanian Vilayet
from the Ottoman Empire
. Albania was proclaimed independent in Vlorë
on November 28, 1912.
sent a strong signal to the neighboring countries that the Ottoman Empire
was weak. The Kingdom of Serbia
opposed the plan for an Albanian vilayet
, preferring a partition of the European territory of the Ottoman Empire
among the four Balkan allies
. Balkan allies planned the partition of the European territory of the Ottoman Empire
among them and in the meantime the territory conquered during First Balkan War
was agreed to have status of the Condominium
. That was the reason for Ismail Qemali
to organize All-Albanian Congress
in Vlora.
. Ismail Qemali
returned to Albania with Austro-Hungarian support and, at the head of a swiftly convened national assembly
, declared Albanian independence in the town of Vlora on 28 November 1912. The declaration was more theoretical than practical because Vlora was the only town in the whole country under the delegates’ control―yet it proved to be effective in the vacuum of power. Though Albanian independence was recognised de facto on 17 December 1912 at the London Conference of Ambassadors, it was not until 29 July 1913, after the second Balkan War and the solving of the delicate problem of Shkodra, that the international community agreed to recognise Albania as a neutral, sovereign and hereditary principality. The newspaper "Përlindja" of Vlora described it as follows:
in November 1912 declared Albania an independent country and set up a provisional government.
The complete text of the declaration was:
of Albania, from the balcony of the Assembly of Vlorë
, in the presence of hundreds of Albanians. This flag was sewn after Skanderbeg
's principality flag, which had been used more than 400 years earlier.
created the first Government of Independent Albania, led by Ismail Qemali. It established also a Council of Elders , which would help the Government to it duties. The Assembly of Vlora decided that it will agree to any decision of the Great Powers for the system of Government in Albania and that the Provisional Government
would cease to exist after the recognition of independence of the country and the nomination of the monarch
.
, Austria. There were 119 representatives in all, coming from the United States, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, and of course from the new state itself. Bishop Fan Noli of Boston
was one of the featured speakers.
The congress recognized the provisional government of Ismail Kemal, pledged its faithful support, discussed the ethnic boundaries of the new state and sent strong resolutions to the European capitals and to the London Conference of Ambassadors then in session, appealing for their recognition of Albanian independence and for the lifting of the Greek
blockade.
.
After months of wrangling and compromise under the constant threat of a general war, the conference announced its formal decisions on 17 May 1913. The question of Albanian independence that had prompted the Conference of Ambassadors at London came up for discussion at their first session. According to article II of the treaty, the six ambassadors decided that Albania would be recognized as an autonomous state under the sovereignty of the Ottoman sultan.
After the breakout of the Balkan Wars, on 29 July, the ambassadors decided to recognize the total independence and sovereignty of Albania. They provided that it be governed by a European prince to be elected by the powers. Albanian neutrality would be jointly guaranteed by the six great powers. They also appointed an International Commission of Control
for Albania, to be composed of one representative from each of the six powers and one Albanian. This commission would supervise the Albanian government's organization, finances and administration for a 10-year period. Dutch officers would organize the gendarmerie.
Soon after the Declaration of Independence Albania was occupied by the Balkan League
member states (Serbia
, Montenegro
, and Greece
). The Occupation of Albania (1912–1913) took place during the Balkan Wars
.
s of the Albanian 200 lekë
banknote of 1992-1996, and of the 500 lekë banknote issued since 1996.
Declaration of independence
A declaration of independence is an assertion of the independence of an aspiring state or states. Such places are usually declared from part or all of the territory of another nation or failed nation, or are breakaway territories from within the larger state...
of the Albanian Vilayet
Albanian Vilayet
The Albanian Vilayet was a projected vilayet of the Ottoman Empire in the western Balkan Peninsula, which was to include the four Ottoman vilayets with substantial ethnic Albanian populations: Kosovo Vilayet, Scutari Vilayet, Monastir Vilayet and Janina Vilayet...
from the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
. Albania was proclaimed independent in Vlorë
Vlorë
Vlorë is one of the biggest towns and the second largest port city of Albania, after Durrës, with a population of about 94,000 . It is the city where the Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on November 28, 1912...
on November 28, 1912.
Background
The success of the Albanian Revolt of 1912Albanian Revolt of 1912
The Albanian Revolt of 1912 was one of many Albanian revolts in the Ottoman Empire and lasted from January until August 1912. After a series of successes, Albanian revolutionaries managed to capture the city of Skopje, the administrative centre of Kosovo vilayet within the Ottoman rule...
sent a strong signal to the neighboring countries that the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
was weak. The Kingdom of Serbia
Kingdom of Serbia
The Kingdom of Serbia was created when Prince Milan Obrenović, ruler of the Principality of Serbia, was crowned King in 1882. The Principality of Serbia was ruled by the Karađorđevic dynasty from 1817 onwards . The Principality, suzerain to the Porte, had expelled all Ottoman troops by 1867, de...
opposed the plan for an Albanian vilayet
Albanian Vilayet
The Albanian Vilayet was a projected vilayet of the Ottoman Empire in the western Balkan Peninsula, which was to include the four Ottoman vilayets with substantial ethnic Albanian populations: Kosovo Vilayet, Scutari Vilayet, Monastir Vilayet and Janina Vilayet...
, preferring a partition of the European territory of the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
among the four Balkan allies
Balkan League
The Balkan League was an alliance formed by a series of bilateral treaties concluded in 1912 between the Balkan states of Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro and Serbia, and directed against the Ottoman Empire, which at the time still controlled much of the Balkan peninsula...
. Balkan allies planned the partition of the European territory of the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
among them and in the meantime the territory conquered during First Balkan War
First Balkan War
The First Balkan War, which lasted from October 1912 to May 1913, pitted the Balkan League against the Ottoman Empire. The combined armies of the Balkan states overcame the numerically inferior and strategically disadvantaged Ottoman armies and achieved rapid success...
was agreed to have status of the Condominium
Condominium (international law)
In international law, a condominium is a political territory in or over which two or more sovereign powers formally agree to share equally dominium and exercise their rights jointly, without dividing it up into 'national' zones.Although a condominium has always been...
. That was the reason for Ismail Qemali
Ismail Qemali
Ismail Qemal Bej Vlora or commonly Ismail Qemali and in Turkish İsmail Kemal Bey or İsmail Kemal Vlora , was a distinguished leader of the Albanian national movement, founder of the modern Albanian state and its first head of state and government.-Life:He was born in Avlonya to a noble family...
to organize All-Albanian Congress
All-Albanian Congress
The All-Albanian Congress or Albanian National Congress or Albanian Independence Congress was a held in Vlorë on November 28, 1912...
in Vlora.
Assembly of Vlorë
Under these circumstances, delegates from all over Albania were gathered in the Assembly of VlorëAssembly of Vlorë
Assembly of Vlorë was Albanian assembly constituted during the All-Albanian Congress in Vlorë, on November 28, 1912.- Background :The All-Albanian Congress or Albanian National Congress or Albanian Independence Congress was congress held in Vlorë on November 28, 1912...
. Ismail Qemali
Ismail Qemali
Ismail Qemal Bej Vlora or commonly Ismail Qemali and in Turkish İsmail Kemal Bey or İsmail Kemal Vlora , was a distinguished leader of the Albanian national movement, founder of the modern Albanian state and its first head of state and government.-Life:He was born in Avlonya to a noble family...
returned to Albania with Austro-Hungarian support and, at the head of a swiftly convened national assembly
National Assembly
National Assembly is either a legislature, or the lower house of a bicameral legislature in some countries. The best known National Assembly, and the first legislature to be known by this title, was that established during the French Revolution in 1789, known as the Assemblée nationale...
, declared Albanian independence in the town of Vlora on 28 November 1912. The declaration was more theoretical than practical because Vlora was the only town in the whole country under the delegates’ control―yet it proved to be effective in the vacuum of power. Though Albanian independence was recognised de facto on 17 December 1912 at the London Conference of Ambassadors, it was not until 29 July 1913, after the second Balkan War and the solving of the delicate problem of Shkodra, that the international community agreed to recognise Albania as a neutral, sovereign and hereditary principality. The newspaper "Përlindja" of Vlora described it as follows:
The National Assembly, composed of delegates from all over Albania and convening here in Vlora, opened today at four in the afternoon at the house of Xhemil bey.
Ismail Kemal bey, as the prime initiator of the gathering, took the floor and explained to the delegates the purpose of the assembly, that is, that they all must strive to do what is necessary to save Albania from the great perils it is now facing.
The chairman, Ismail Kemal Bey, then took the floor and, in an ardent, fluid and reasonable speech, stated that although they had always been faithful to the Ottoman Empire, the Albanians had never forgotten their own language and nationality, the best proof of this being the endeavours and uprisings that had taken place from time to time, in particular over the last four years, to preserve their rights and customs. The Ottoman Government had never taken their interests into consideration and had never been willing to recompense the Albanians for the great services they had rendered. It had recently shown some interest in coming to an understanding with our people, but had not given proof of good faith and had not taken all the steps needed to appease and satisfy the Albanians. War had recently broken out with four countries in the Balkans that were seeking change and rights for their peoples, united by their ethnicity and religion.
Later, these countries put aside their initial objective and, as the war was going well for them, they agreed to divide the Empire up among themselves, including Albania. Realizing that the Turkish army had been defeated and that the Empire would not survive, the Albanians, who had played a greater role in the fighting than the soldiers, hastened to take requisite steps in their own interests as owners of the country. For this reason, Ismail Kemal bey departed for Istanbul and, having come to an understanding with the Albanians of Bucharest, too, set off for Vienna where he reached an agreement with the Great Powers that had vital interests in the Balkans. As there was no more hope of saving Albania by means of arms, the only road to salvation was to separate Albania from Turkey. Ismail Kemal bey promoted this idea and objective, that was well received by all the Great Powers, in particular by Austria and Italy. It was only Russia that remained somewhat hostile to the idea because of the Slavs, but it did not deny the existence of Albania and an Albanian people. To realise this objective, he invited all Albanians to gather in Vlora and was delighted today to see that his call had not been in vain, and that delegates had been sent from all parts of Albania to reflect together on ways to save the Fatherland. According to Ismail Kemal Bey, the most urgent measures that the Albanian nation must take today are these: that Albania be independent under a provisional government; that a council of elders be elected to assist and supervise the government; and that a commission be sent to Europe to defend Albanian interests among the Great Powers.
The delegates unanimously agreed with the words of Ismail Kemal bey and resolved that Albania, as of today, should be on her own, free and independent under a provisional government.
The meeting was adjourned until the following day and the delegates went out and greeted the flag that was raised at five thirty in the afternoon.
Declaration of Independence
The assembly of eighty-three leaders meeting in VlorëVlorë
Vlorë is one of the biggest towns and the second largest port city of Albania, after Durrës, with a population of about 94,000 . It is the city where the Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on November 28, 1912...
in November 1912 declared Albania an independent country and set up a provisional government.
The complete text of the declaration was:
In Vlora, on the 15th/28th of November.
Following the speech made by the President, Ismail Kemal Bey, in which he spoke of the great perils facing Albania today, the delegates have all decided unanimously that Albania, as of today, should be on her own, free and independent.
Delegates
The 83 Delegates (also called Founding fathers of the Albanian modern state included the following:- Berati: Sami Bey VrioniSami Bey VrioniSami Bey Vrioni was a politician, diplomat, and a minister of Albania.-Biography:Sami Bey Vrioni was a member of the great Bey family of Berat, Fier and Myzeqe, formerly cities and regions of the Ottoman Province of Ioannina, presently in Albania.He was one of the signatories of the Albanian...
, Ilias Bey Vrioni, Taq TutulaniTaq TutulaniTaq Tutulani was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Babë Dud KarbunaraBabë Dud KarbunaraBabë Dud Karbunara was an Albanian teacher and politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
; - Çamëria: Veli GërraVeli GërraVeli Gërra was a leading member of the Albanian independence movement and one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence, representing the region of Cameria....
, Jakup VeseliJakup VeseliJakup Veseli was a leading figure in the Albanian independence movement one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence, representing the region of Çamëria....
, Rexhep DemiRexhep DemiRexhep Demi was a leading member of the Albanian independence movement and one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence, representing the region of Çamëria. He was a minister in the Provisional Government of Albania....
, Azis Tahir AjdonatiAzis Tahir AjdonatiAzis Tahir Ajdonati was a leading figure in the Albanian movement of Independence and one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence, representing the region of Çamëria....
; - Delvina: Avni bej DelvinaAvni bej DelvinaAvni bej Delvina was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
; - Dibra: Myfti Vehbi DibraMyfti Vehbi DibraVehbi Dibra was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Sherif LenguSherif LenguSherif Lengu was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
; - Durrësi: Abaz Efendi ÇelkupaAbaz Efendi ÇelkupaAbaz Çelkupa was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Mustafa Agë HanxhiuMustafa Agë HanxhiuMustafa Hanxhiu was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Jahja BallhysaJahja BallhysaJahja Ballhysa was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912 and the mayor of Durrës in 1926.-References:...
, Dom Nikollë Kaçorri; - Elbasani: Lef NosiLef NosiLef Nosi was an Albanian politician and collaborationist during the Second World War. He was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence. Nosi was the first Minister of Post and Telegraphs of Albania...
, Shefqet bej DaiuShefqet bej DaiuShefqet bej Daiu was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912. He was the second secretary of the Congress of Vlora, when the independenced was declared. He was aftermath named as prefect of Fieri, a post he hold until the First World War...
, Qemal bej KaraosmaniQemal bej KaraosmaniQemal bej Karaosmani was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Dervish bej BiçakuDervish bej BiçakuDervish Biçaku was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:*"History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science.ISBN 99927-1-623-1...
; - Gjirokastra: Elmaz BoçeElmaz BoçeElmaz Boçe was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:*"History of Albanian People," Albanian Academy of Science. ISBN 99927-1-623-1...
, Veli HarxhiVeli HarxhiVeli Harxhi was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Myfid bej LibohovaMyfid bej LibohovaMyfid bej Libohova was an Albanian economist, diplomat and politician and one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence...
, Petro PogaPetro PogaPetro Poga was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912 and one of the most important Albanian Rilindas.He was born in Erind, Gjirokastër, Albania . He went to the Zosimea Greek language School of Ioannina, Greece and then graduated in Jurisprudence from the Istanbul...
, Jani PapadhopulliJani PapadhopulliJani Papadhopulli was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence, who was later elected as deputy of the Albanian parliament in 1924.- Sources :* "History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science.ISBN 9992716231...
, Hysen Hoxha; - Gramsh-TomorricëGramshGramsh is a town in central Albania, the capital of the Gramsh District, which borders the district of Pogradec to the east. Its population is estimated at 11,556 ....
: Ismail Qemali GramshiIsmail Qemali GramshiIsmail Qemali Gramshi was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:"History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science.ISBN 99927-1-623-1...
(not to be confused with Ismail bej Qemal Vlora); - Janina: Kristo MeksiKristo MeksiKristo Meksi was an Albanian politician of the early 20th century. He was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence and also one of the first Albanian diplomats.-Early life:...
, Aristidh RuciAristidh RuciAristidh Ruci was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912. He campaigned for the spread of education in Southern Albania and was a founder of the nationalist Labëria Club....
; - KorçaKorčaKorča is a village in the municipality of Hadžići, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
: Pandeli CalePandeli CalePandeli Cale was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence, who subsequently served as Minister of Agriculture in the Provisional Government of Albania...
, Thanas FloqiThanas FloqiThanas Floqi was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.- Sources :*"History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science.ISBN 9992716231...
, Spiro IloSpiro IloSpiridon Ilo was one of the founding father of Albania as a signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.Ilo was born in Korçë in 1876 and worked as a teacher in the Girls' school. He emigrated in Bucharest where he was part of the Albanian colony. In December 1909 in the drama “Besa”...
, - Kosovo, Đakovica, Plav-Gusinje: Rexhep MitrovicaRexhep MitrovicaRexhep Mitrovica was an Albanian politician and land owner. He served as Prime Minister of Albania in 1943-1944 and was the longest serving Prime minister for the Balli Kombetar.-Early life:...
, Bedri bej IpekuBedri bej IpekuBedri bej Ipeku was an Albanian politician of the 19th and 20th century.Pejani was born in the city of Pejë October 10, 1885 and, only 27, took part and was a signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence...
, Salih GjukaSalih GjukaSalih Gjuka was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Mit'hat Bey Frashëri, Mehmet Pashë DerrallaMehmet Pashë DerrallaMehmet Pashë Derralla was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence. Mehmet Pashë Derralla was the Minister of War in the Provisional Government of Albania....
, Isa BoletiniIsa BoletiniIsa Boletini was an Albanian nationalist figure and guerilla fighter, born in the village of Boletin near Mitroviça, Ottoman Empire...
, Riza bej GjakovaRiza bej GjakovaRiza bej Gjakova was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Hajdin bej DragaHajdin bej DragaHajdin bej Draga was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Dervish bej Ipeku, Zenel bej Begolli, Qerim BegolliQerim BegolliQerim Begolli was a notable activist of both National Renaissance of Albania and the resistance of Albania during the Second World War. Begolli was vice-president of the League of Prizren in 1880, and one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence...
; - Kruja: Mustafa Merlika-KrujaMustafa Merlika-KrujaMustafa Merlika-Kruja was Prime Minister of Albania during the Italian occupation from December 4, 1941 – January 19, 1943, and one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence.After participating as a volunteer in Ottoman army during the Italo-Turkish War in 1912...
; - Lushnja: Qemal bej MullaiQemal bej MullaiQemal Mullai was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Ferit bej VokopolaFerit bej VokopolaFerit Vokopola was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Nebi Efendi SefaNebi Efendi SefaNebi Sefa was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
; - MatiMatiMati is a village in Greece. This holiday resort is on the east coast of the Attica region, east of Athens.-Overview:...
: Ahmet bej ZogolliZog of AlbaniaZog I, Skanderbeg III of the Albanians , born Ahmet Muhtar Bey Zogolli, was King of the Albanians from 1928 to 1939. He was previously Prime Minister of Albania and President of Albania .-Background and early political career:...
(later King Zog), Riza bej ZogolliRiza bej ZogolliRiza Zogolli was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was the brother of Xhemal Pasha Zogolli, father of King Zog I of Albania and one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Kurt Agë KadiuKurt Agë KadiuKurt Agë Kadiu was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
; - OhriOhridOhrid is a city on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid in the Republic of Macedonia. It has about 42,000 inhabitants, making it the seventh largest city in the country. The city is the seat of Ohrid Municipality. Ohrid is notable for having once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year and has...
and StrugaStrugaStruga is a town and popular tourist destination situated in the south-western region of the Republic of Macedonia, lying on the shore of Lake Ohrid. The town of Struga is the seat of Struga Municipality.-Etymology:...
: Zyhdi bej OhriZyhdi bej OhriZyhdi Ohri was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Dr. H. Myrtezai, Nuri SojlliuNuri SojlliuNuri Sojlliu was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Hamdi bej OhriHamdi bej OhriHamdi Ohri was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Mustafa BarutiMustafa BarutiMustafa Baruti was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Dervish bej HimaDervish bej HimaDervish Hima , born Ibrahim Naxhi, was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence....
; - PeqinPeqinPeqin is the capital of the Peqin District in central Albania. The town has a population of 10,000.The ancient name of Peqin was Claudiana. The city's modern name derives from the Ottoman form Bekleyin, which means a place of hospitality. During Ottoman rule Peqin belonged to the Sanjak of Elbasan...
: Mahmud Efendi KaziuMahmud Efendi KaziuMahmud Efendi Kaziu was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
; - PërmetPërmetPërmet is a town in Albania, capital of Përmet District. The population is 7,717. It is flanked by the Vjosë river, which runs along the Trebeshinë-Dhëmbel-Nemërçkë mountain chain, between Trebeshinë and Dhëmbel mountains, and through the Këlcyra gorge....
: Veli bej KëlcyraVeli bej KëlcyraVeli Këlcyra was an Albanian politician and one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Syrja bej VloraSyrja bej VloraSyrja bej Vlora was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
; - Pogradeci: Hajdar BlloshmiHajdar BlloshmiHajdar Blloshmi was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence and a deputy of Pogradec in the Albanian parliament. His son, Salahydin was a member of the constitutional court of Albania and a deputy of the Albanian parliament in 1925-8.-References:...
; - ShijakShijak-Overview:Shijak is a Town in the country of Albania. Shijak is located within the administration of Durrës, 11 km away from the city of Durrës, and 38 km from the city of Tirana. The communes of Xhafzotaj, Gjepalaj, and Maminas border Shijak. The municipality has a surface area of 3.4...
: Xhelal DeliallisiXhelal DeliallisiXhelal Deliallisi was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Ymer bej DeliallisiYmer bej DeliallisiYmer Deliallisi was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Ibrahim EfendiuIbrahim EfendiuIbrahim Efendiu was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
; - Shkodra: Luigj GurakuqiLuigj GurakuqiLuigj Gurakuqi was an Albanian writer and politician. He was an important figure of the Albanian National Awakening and was honoured with the People's Hero of Albania medal.- Life :...
; - Skrapar: Xhelal bej KoprenckaXhelal bej KoprenckaXhelal Koprencka was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
; Hajredin bej CakraniHajredin bej CakraniHajredin Cakrani was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
; - Tepelene: Feim bej MezhgoraniFeim bej MezhgoraniFeim bej Mezhgorani was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.Along with Kristaq Tutulani he worked under Petro Poga to draft the Statute that separated the Albanian Justice system from the jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire....
; - TiranaTiranaTirana is the capital and the largest city of Albania. Modern Tirana was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, a local ruler from Mullet, although the area has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. Tirana became Albania's capital city in 1920 and has a population of over...
: Abdi bej ToptaniAbdi bej ToptaniAbdi Toptani was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Murat bej ToptaniMurat bej ToptaniMurat Toptani was an Albanian poet, artist and activist of the Albanian National Awakening. In 1912, he became one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence. As a sculptor, Toptani created the first bust of George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, a national hero of Albania....
; - Vlora: Ismail Qemali, Zihni Abaz KaninaZihni Abaz KaninaZihni Abaz Kanina was a prominent Albanian diplomat and politician. He was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence. He was born in a notable Albanian family in Kanina, near Vlora, and was active during the National Renaissance of Albania...
, Zyhdi Efendi VloraZyhdi Efendi VloraZyhdi Efendi Vlora was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Qazim KokoshiQazim KokoshiQazim Kokoshi was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Jani MingaJani MingaJani Minga was a patriot Albanian teacher and a notable follower of the National Renaissance of Albania. He was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence. Minga took part in every Congress on the Albanian language that took place before the declaration of independence, most...
, Eqerem bej VloraEqerem bej VloraEqrem Vlora was an Albanian lord, politician, writer, and one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence. He was born in Vlora, the son of one of the wealthiest landowning families of the south...
; - Albanian colony of BucharestBucharestBucharest is the capital municipality, cultural, industrial, and financial centre of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, at , and lies on the banks of the Dâmbovița River....
: Dhimitër ZografiDhimitër ZografiDhimitër Zografi was one of the signatories of Albanian Declaration of Independence.Zografi was born in Korçë in 1878. At the end of the 19th century he emigrated to Romania. In 1906 he participated in founding the patriotic association of the Albanians from Bucharest “Bashkimi-Unirea”. He was one...
, Dhimitër MborjaDhimitër MborjaDhimitër Mborja was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Dhimitër BeratiDhimitër BeratiDhimitër Berati was an Albanian politician and journalist. One of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence Berati served as secretary of the Albanian delegation at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919.-References:...
, Dhimitër IloDhimitër IloDhimitër Ilo was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
National symbols
The same day, Ismail Qemali waved the national flagFlag of Albania
The national flag of Albania is a red flag with a silhouetted black double-headed eagle in the centre. It is the only red and black flag of a recognised sovereign state....
of Albania, from the balcony of the Assembly of Vlorë
Assembly of Vlorë
Assembly of Vlorë was Albanian assembly constituted during the All-Albanian Congress in Vlorë, on November 28, 1912.- Background :The All-Albanian Congress or Albanian National Congress or Albanian Independence Congress was congress held in Vlorë on November 28, 1912...
, in the presence of hundreds of Albanians. This flag was sewn after Skanderbeg
Skanderbeg
George Kastrioti Skanderbeg or Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu , widely known as Skanderbeg , was a 15th-century Albanian lord. He was appointed as the governor of the Sanjak of Dibra by the Ottomans in 1440...
's principality flag, which had been used more than 400 years earlier.
Government
On 4 December 1912, the Assembly of VlorëAssembly of Vlorë
Assembly of Vlorë was Albanian assembly constituted during the All-Albanian Congress in Vlorë, on November 28, 1912.- Background :The All-Albanian Congress or Albanian National Congress or Albanian Independence Congress was congress held in Vlorë on November 28, 1912...
created the first Government of Independent Albania, led by Ismail Qemali. It established also a Council of Elders , which would help the Government to it duties. The Assembly of Vlora decided that it will agree to any decision of the Great Powers for the system of Government in Albania and that the Provisional Government
Provisional Government of Albania
The Provisional Government of Albania is the first Government created by Assembly of Vlorë in 4 December 1912. It was a paternal government, led by Ismail Qemali, until his resignation in 22 January 1914 and by Fejzi Bej Alizoti, until the coronation of William, Prince of Albania.- Government...
would cease to exist after the recognition of independence of the country and the nomination of the monarch
Monarch
A monarch is the person who heads a monarchy. This is a form of government in which a state or polity is ruled or controlled by an individual who typically inherits the throne by birth and occasionally rules for life or until abdication...
.
Diplomatic efforts
Just as the overseas communities of Albanians had stimulated the patriotic fervor which gradually led to the independence of their homeland, so at this critical juncture they once again demonstrated their solidarity. On 1 March 1913, they convened an Albanian Congress of TriesteAlbanian Congress of Trieste
The Albanian Congress of Trieste was a congress of Albanians held in Trieste, Austria-Hungary in period February 27 — March 6, 1913, and organized by Faik Konica and Sotir Kolea....
, Austria. There were 119 representatives in all, coming from the United States, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, and of course from the new state itself. Bishop Fan Noli of Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
was one of the featured speakers.
The congress recognized the provisional government of Ismail Kemal, pledged its faithful support, discussed the ethnic boundaries of the new state and sent strong resolutions to the European capitals and to the London Conference of Ambassadors then in session, appealing for their recognition of Albanian independence and for the lifting of the Greek
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
blockade.
Treaty of London and recognition of independence
On December 1912 the Great Powers met in London to deal with territorial adjustments arising out of the conclusion of the First Balkan WarBalkan Wars
The Balkan Wars were two conflicts that took place in the Balkans in south-eastern Europe in 1912 and 1913.By the early 20th century, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia, the countries of the Balkan League, had achieved their independence from the Ottoman Empire, but large parts of their ethnic...
.
After months of wrangling and compromise under the constant threat of a general war, the conference announced its formal decisions on 17 May 1913. The question of Albanian independence that had prompted the Conference of Ambassadors at London came up for discussion at their first session. According to article II of the treaty, the six ambassadors decided that Albania would be recognized as an autonomous state under the sovereignty of the Ottoman sultan.
After the breakout of the Balkan Wars, on 29 July, the ambassadors decided to recognize the total independence and sovereignty of Albania. They provided that it be governed by a European prince to be elected by the powers. Albanian neutrality would be jointly guaranteed by the six great powers. They also appointed an International Commission of Control
International Commission of Control
The International Commission of Control was the commission established on October 15, 1913, on the basis of the decision by the six Great Powers made on July 29, 1913, according to the London Treaty signed on May 30, 1913...
for Albania, to be composed of one representative from each of the six powers and one Albanian. This commission would supervise the Albanian government's organization, finances and administration for a 10-year period. Dutch officers would organize the gendarmerie.
Soon after the Declaration of Independence Albania was occupied by the Balkan League
Balkan League
The Balkan League was an alliance formed by a series of bilateral treaties concluded in 1912 between the Balkan states of Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro and Serbia, and directed against the Ottoman Empire, which at the time still controlled much of the Balkan peninsula...
member states (Serbia
Serbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
, Montenegro
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
, and Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
). The Occupation of Albania (1912–1913) took place during the Balkan Wars
Balkan Wars
The Balkan Wars were two conflicts that took place in the Balkans in south-eastern Europe in 1912 and 1913.By the early 20th century, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia, the countries of the Balkan League, had achieved their independence from the Ottoman Empire, but large parts of their ethnic...
.
Commemoration in Albanian banknotes
The façade of the building where the independence was proclaimed is depicted on the reverseObverse and reverse
Obverse and its opposite, reverse, refer to the two flat faces of coins and some other two-sided objects, including paper money, flags , seals, medals, drawings, old master prints and other works of art, and printed fabrics. In this usage, obverse means the front face of the object and reverse...
s of the Albanian 200 lekë
Albanian lek
The lek is the official currency of Albania. It is subdivided into 100 qindarka , although qindarka are no longer issued.-Names:...
banknote of 1992-1996, and of the 500 lekë banknote issued since 1996.
See also
- League of PrizrenLeague of PrizrenThe League for the Defense of the Rights of the Albanian Nation commonly known as the League of Prizren was an Albanian political organization founded on 10 June 1878 in Prizren, in the Kosovo province of the Ottoman Empire....
- Provisional Government of AlbaniaProvisional Government of AlbaniaThe Provisional Government of Albania is the first Government created by Assembly of Vlorë in 4 December 1912. It was a paternal government, led by Ismail Qemali, until his resignation in 22 January 1914 and by Fejzi Bej Alizoti, until the coronation of William, Prince of Albania.- Government...
External links
Sources
- Albanian Academy of Science. History of Albanian People. Tirana: Botimet Toena, 2007. ISBN 9994312693, ISBN 9789994312696.
- Robert ElsieRobert ElsieRobert Elsie is a scholar who specializes in Albanian literature and folklore.- Life :Born on June 29, 1950 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Elsie studied at the University of British Columbia, graduating in 1972 with a diploma in Classical Studies and Linguistics...
. The Declaration of Albanian Independence - Lef Nosi. Dokumenta historike për t'i shërbye historiës tone kombëtare. Tirana: Instituti i Historisë, 2007. ISBN 9995610043, ISBN 9789995610043. (in Albanian)
- Edith Pierpont Stickney, Southern Albania 1912-1923