Çerçiz Topulli and the Battle of Mashkullorë: A Legacy of Albanian Courage

On March 18, 1908, the mountains of Mashkullorë bore witness to a heroic battle where the squad of Çerçiz Topulli bravely confronted a far larger Ottoman force. This clash, known as the Battle of Mashkullorë, marked yet another bold step in the Albanian National Movement’s struggle for liberation from Ottoman rule.

 Çerçiz Topulli below in the middle and the fighters of his unit

Just a month earlier, in February 1908, Çerçiz Topulli’s squad had executed Halil Musa Bey, the Ottoman commander of the gendarmerie in Gjirokastër. This act was seen as an open defiance of Ottoman authority, signaling the unwavering determination of Albanian fighters in their pursuit of freedom.

 Çerçiz Topulli

However, weapons were only one part of the fight for independence; historical memory was equally vital. Thus, on March 18, 1934, Gjirokastër honored its hero, Çerçiz Topulli, by unveiling his statue in the city square. The renowned sculptor Odhise Paskali created the monument, funded by contributions from local citizens and Gjirokastrian emigrants in America. The initiative for the statue was proposed by journalist Xhevat Kallajxhi, while a committee led by the Mayor, Sami Kokalari, oversaw its realization.

The unveiling ceremony became a grand event, with Gjirokastër’s residents gathering en masse to pay tribute to their hero. The most emotional moment came when a group of young people, dressed in traditional Albanian attire, sang and danced to a song dedicated to Çerçiz Topulli, ensuring his memory remained vivid for generations to come.

The Battle of Mashkullorë and the commemoration of Çerçiz Topulli demonstrate that Albanian history is written with blood and sacrifice. Those who fought for freedom, like Çerçiz Topulli and his comrades, remain immortal examples of courage and patriotism.