On April 6, 1911, amidst the Malësia e Madhe Uprising, fighters from Hoti achieved a pivotal moment in Albanian history. They seized the Bratila peak, and under the command of Dedë Gjon Luli, Nikë Gjelosh Luli raised the Albanian red and black flag near Deçiq peak. This act symbolized the culmination of the uprising and the clear pursuit of freedom, national identity, and an Albanian state.
The leaders of the seven regions of Malësia—Hoti, Grudë, Kastrat, Kelmend, Shkrel, Triesh, and Kojë—as well as other Albanian tribes, pledged themselves to this cause. The Malësi fighters, led by Dedë Gjon Luli, included figures like Nikë Gjelosh Luli, Gjekë Marash Gjeloshi, and many others from the Traboini region of Hoti. From Rapsha, notable leaders were Gjeto Marku, Lucë Muça, and Tomë Nikolla.
Grudë was led by Dedë Nika and Sokol Baci, with figures like Kolë Zefi and Tringë Smajlja also playing vital roles. Kastrati (Selca) was guided by Dodë Prëçi and Gjelosh Gjoka, while Kelmendi's efforts were directed by Palë Luca and Gjon Voci. Vukli was led by Gjon Uci, and Shkreli by Tomë Nika. Notable leaders from other areas included Mehmet Shpendi from Shala, and Prëtash Zeka from Koja.
The Uprising's Spark and Battles
The uprising began on March 24, 1911, when Hoti fighters, led by Dedë Gjon Luli, attacked the Rapsha border fortress. The movement quickly spread to Grudë, Kelmend, and Kastrat, causing panic among Ottoman authorities in Shkodër. The Ottomans attempted to incite religious conflict between Muslim and Catholic Albanians and spread propaganda claiming the rebels were tools of Montenegro.
However, these tactics largely failed. The uprising rapidly expanded, with rebel numbers reaching 3,000 within days. By March 28, they had taken Tuz, and on March 30, they attacked Koplik. A memorandum was drafted in Cetinje, demanding Albanian territorial integrity, official recognition of the Albanian language, and Albanian autonomy.
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| Northern Albanian rebels in trench positions in battle against the Ottomans, April, 1911 |
- April 6, 1911: Fierce clashes near Deçiq, resulting in significant Ottoman losses and the death of Nikë Gjelosh Luli.
- April 8, 1911: 200 Albanian fighters held off 1,200 Ottoman troops near Kastrat.
- Ottoman forces, under Ethem Pasha, were halted at Hani i Gropës by Selca residents.
- The uprising's early start prevented its immediate spread to other regions, including Kosovo and Mirdita.
Despite this, leaders like Isa Boletini urged southern Albanians to join the fight. The "Black Society for Salvation" emerged, and efforts were made to coordinate actions across Albania.
Ottoman Response and International Reactions
The Ottoman Empire responded with significant force, deploying thousands of soldiers under Shefqet Turgut Pasha. They attempted to suppress the uprising through military action and by offering amnesty. However, the rebels remained steadfast, demanding their national rights.
International reactions were mixed. Balkan states saw Albanian autonomy as a threat, and European powers like Russia and Austria-Hungary sought to limit the uprising. The Ottoman sultan's visit to Kosovo aimed to quell the rebellion, but it had limited impact.
The Uprising's Legacy
Although the 1911 uprising did not achieve full autonomy, it marked a crucial step in Albanian national consciousness. It forced the Ottomans to negotiate and highlighted the Albanian question on the international stage. The uprising is considered a prelude to the 1912 Albanian Declaration of Independence.
The bravery of the fighters, the demands within the memorandum of Gerçe, and the raising of the flag, stand as a testament to the Albanian resolve for freedom.