All-Albanian Congress
Encyclopedia
The All-Albanian Congress or Albanian National Congress or Albanian Independence Congress was a held in Vlorë
(then Ottoman Empire
, today Republic of Albania) on November 28, 1912. Congress participants constituted the Assembly of Vlorë
which established Albanian Provisional Government
and elected Ismail Qemali
as its President.
sent a strong signal to the neighboring countries that the Ottoman Empire
is 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 conquered territory was agreed to have status of the Condominium
.
The combined armies of the Balkan allies
overcame the numerically inferior and strategically disadvantaged Ottoman armies, and achieved rapid success. As a result of their success, almost all remaining European territories of the Ottoman Empire were captured by Balkan allies, which destroyed the plans for Albanian autonomy
and independence. About two weeks before the congress was held, Albanian leaders appealed to Francis Joseph II, the Emperor of Austria-Hungary
, explaining the difficult situation in their country divided into four vilayets occupied by Balkan allies
. Austria-Hungary
and Italy
strongly opposed the arrival of Serbian army on the Adriatic sea
because they perceived it as treat to their domination of the Adriatic and feared that Serbian Adriatic port could became a Russian
base.
When Ismail Qemali came to Albania in third week of November 1912, he discussed the future of the Albanian people with present participants of the congress. Although there was consensus for complete independence, they were also for friendly relation with the Ottoman Empire
. Therefore they sent telegrams to the Ottoman Western army, Vardar army and to Ioannina
fortress pledging continued support for the war against the Christian states.
On November 28, 1912 the sitting of the congress was held in the house of Xhemil bey in Vlorë
. Qemali invited Albanians from all four vilayets (Kosovo, Scutari, Monastir and Janina) within projected Albanian vilayet
to attend the congress. At the beginning of the session, Ismail Qemali
took the floor and, referring to the threatened Albanian rights which are result of the Albanian revolts during past four years, explained to the participants of the congress that they should do whatever is necessary to save the Albania.
they began by checking the documents of the participants of the congress whose names are:
and other Albanians from Kosovo vilayet and hastily made the Albanian declaration of independence
. The southern elite wanted to prevent Boletini's plans to assert himself as a key political figure and used him to suite their military needs.
Since Korça
, Shkodra, Përmet
, Ohrid
and Struga
were surrounded by the armies that prevented some Albanians from those provinces to come to Vlorë
, another Albanians from those towns were recognised as representatives of those towns. Their names are:
Rest of the missing participants of the congress that were late to attend its session and were not replaced by other Albanians are:
between the Balkan allies
is to separate it from Ottoman Empire
. Qemali's proposal was unanimously accepted and it was decided to constitute the Assembly of Vlorë
and to sign the declaration of independence
of Albania. By signing the declaration of Albanian independence
the present deputies of the Assembly of Vlorë
rejected the autonomy granted by the Ottoman Empire
to the Albanian vilayet
, projected a couple of months earlier. The consensus was made for the complete independence
.
The sitting was then suspended and members of newly-constituted National Assembly went to the house of Ismail Qemali and raised the flag of Skanderbeg
on the balcony
of his house, in front of the gathered people.
with Ismail Qemali as President who has the mandate to establish the Cabinet on the session of the Assembly of Vlorë
held on December 4, 1912.
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...
(then 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...
, today Republic of Albania) on November 28, 1912. Congress participants constituted 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...
which established Albanian 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...
and elected 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...
as its President.
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...
is 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 conquered territory 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...
.
The combined armies of the 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...
overcame the numerically inferior and strategically disadvantaged Ottoman armies, and achieved rapid success. As a result of their success, almost all remaining European territories of the Ottoman Empire were captured by Balkan allies, which destroyed the plans for Albanian autonomy
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...
and independence. About two weeks before the congress was held, Albanian leaders appealed to Francis Joseph II, the Emperor of Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary , more formally known as the Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen, was a constitutional monarchic union between the crowns of the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary in...
, explaining the difficult situation in their country divided into four vilayets occupied by 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...
. Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary , more formally known as the Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen, was a constitutional monarchic union between the crowns of the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary in...
and Italy
Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946)
The Kingdom of Italy was a state forged in 1861 by the unification of Italy under the influence of the Kingdom of Sardinia, which was its legal predecessor state...
strongly opposed the arrival of Serbian army on the Adriatic sea
Adriatic Sea
The Adriatic Sea is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan peninsula, and the system of the Apennine Mountains from that of the Dinaric Alps and adjacent ranges...
because they perceived it as treat to their domination of the Adriatic and feared that Serbian Adriatic port could became a Russian
Russian Empire
The Russian Empire was a state that existed from 1721 until the Russian Revolution of 1917. It was the successor to the Tsardom of Russia and the predecessor of the Soviet Union...
base.
The sitting of the congress
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...
. Therefore they sent telegrams to the Ottoman Western army, Vardar army and to Ioannina
Ioannina
Ioannina , often called Jannena within Greece, is the largest city of Epirus, north-western Greece, with a population of 70,203 . It lies at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level, on the western shore of lake Pamvotis . It is located within the Ioannina municipality, and is the...
fortress pledging continued support for the war against the Christian states.
On November 28, 1912 the sitting of the congress was held in the house of Xhemil bey 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...
. Qemali invited Albanians from all four vilayets (Kosovo, Scutari, Monastir and Janina) within projected 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...
to attend the congress. At the beginning of the session, 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...
took the floor and, referring to the threatened Albanian rights which are result of the Albanian revolts during past four years, explained to the participants of the congress that they should do whatever is necessary to save the Albania.
Present participants of the congress
After Qemali's speechSpeech
Speech is the human faculty of speaking.It may also refer to:* Public speaking, the process of speaking to a group of people* Manner of articulation, how the body parts involved in making speech are manipulated...
they began by checking the documents of the participants of the congress whose names are:
- Berati:Ilias Bey Vrioni, Hajredin bey Cakrani, Xhelal bey Skrapari, Dut KarbunaraBabë Dud KarbunaraBabë Dud Karbunara was an Albanian teacher and politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, Taq TutulaniTaq TutulaniTaq Tutulani was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
, 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...
(still awaited); - 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 (by telegram): 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:...
, Azis EfendiAzis Efendi GjirokastraAzis Efendi Gjirokastra was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:... - PejaIpek-Places:* Birinci İpək, also called Ipec-1, in Azerbaijan* İkinci İpək, also called Ipec-2, in Azerbaijan* Ipek, the Turkish name of Peć, a city in Kosovo...
(Đakovica, PlavPlavPlav Plav Plav (Montenegrin, (Albanian: Plav) is a town in north-eastern Montenegro. It has a population of 3,615 (2003 census).Plav is the centre of the municipality (population of 13,805),-Geography:...
and GusinjeGusinjeGusinje is a small town in Montenegro. According to the 2003 census, the town has a population of 1,704.-History:The history and origins of Gusinje are unknown prior to the Ottoman conquests. Before the Ottoman Turks took control of the region, Plav-Gusinje was under the control of various...
): 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...
and Salih GjukaSalih GjukaSalih Gjuka was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:... - Kruja: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:...
, Mustafa Asim EfendiMustafa 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:...
; - OhridOhridOhrid 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 and Nuri SojlliuNuri SojlliuNuri Sojlliu was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-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:...
; - 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 QemaliIsmail QemaliIsmail 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...
, 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...
, 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....
, 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:...
and Dhimitër IloDhimitër IloDhimitër Ilo was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
Missing participants of the congress
Albanians from several provinces had not yet reached Vlora when it was decided to start the first session of the congress. Ismail Qemali refused to wait for Isa BoletiniIsa Boletini
Isa Boletini was an Albanian nationalist figure and guerilla fighter, born in the village of Boletin near Mitroviça, Ottoman Empire...
and other Albanians from Kosovo vilayet and hastily made the Albanian declaration of independence
Albanian Declaration of Independence
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.-Background:...
. The southern elite wanted to prevent Boletini's plans to assert himself as a key political figure and used him to suite their military needs.
Since Korça
Korča
Korča is a village in the municipality of Hadžići, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
, Shkodra, Përmet
Përmet
Përmet 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....
, Ohrid
Ohrid
Ohrid 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 Struga
Struga
Struga 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:...
were surrounded by the armies that prevented some Albanians from those provinces to come to 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...
, another Albanians from those towns were recognised as representatives of those towns. Their names are:
- 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”...
, - 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 :...
- 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:...
, Mid’hat bey Frashëri; - OhridOhridOhrid 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:...
: 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:...
and Mustafa BarutiMustafa BarutiMustafa Baruti was a 19th century Albanian politician. He was one of the signatories of the Albanian Declaration of Independence.-References:...
Rest of the missing participants of the congress that were late to attend its session and were not replaced by other Albanians are:
- 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:...
; - 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....
; - Kosovo, Đakovica, Plav-Gusinje: 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...
; - 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:...
; - 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:...
; - 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....
;
Constitution of the Assembly of Vlorë
After the documents were checked, Ismail Qemali again took the floor and held a speech stating that he believes that the only way to prevent division of the territory of Albanian vilayetAlbanian 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...
between the 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...
is to separate it from 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...
. Qemali's proposal was unanimously accepted and it was decided to constitute 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...
and to sign the declaration of independence
Albanian Declaration of Independence
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.-Background:...
of Albania. By signing the declaration of Albanian independence
Albanian Declaration of Independence
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.-Background:...
the present deputies 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...
rejected the autonomy granted by 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...
to 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...
, projected a couple of months earlier. The consensus was made for the complete independence
Independence
Independence is a condition of a nation, country, or state in which its residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory....
.
The sitting was then suspended and members of newly-constituted National Assembly went to the house of Ismail Qemali and raised the flag of 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...
on the balcony
Balcony
Balcony , a platform projecting from the wall of a building, supported by columns or console brackets, and enclosed with a balustrade.-Types:The traditional Maltese balcony is a wooden closed balcony projecting from a...
of his house, in front of the gathered people.
Aftermath
The members of the newly constituted National Assembly returned from the balkony of Qemali's house and started the sitting of Assembly. They established the Provisional Government of AlbaniaProvisional 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...
with Ismail Qemali as President who has the mandate to establish the Cabinet on the session 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...
held on December 4, 1912.
See also
- Albanian Revolt of 1912Albanian Revolt of 1912The 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...
- Albanian VilayetAlbanian VilayetThe 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...
- First Balkan WarFirst Balkan WarThe 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...
- Assembly of VlorëAssembly of VlorëAssembly 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...