August 29, marks the 185th anniversary of the birth of Abdyl Frashëri, a key figure in Albanian history. Born in 1839 in the village of Frashër in southeast Albania, he became one of the leaders of the Albanian struggle for independence during the late 19th century when the country was under Ottoman rule and emerged as a prominent advocate for Albanian autonomy and national rights.

Major contributions:

• National Movement Leadership: In the 1870s, Frashëri was a central leader in the Albanian National Renaissance, a cultural and political movement aimed at achieving greater autonomy and eventually independence from the Ottoman Empire. He was a leading figure in the League of Prizren, an organization founded in 1878 to protect Albanian lands and interests and promote national unity.
• Leadership Roles: In 1877, Abdyl Frashëri was appointed Chairman of the Central Committee for the Protection of Albanian National Rights, which was formed in Istanbul. He also served as Chairman of the Albanian Committee of Janina. Following the defeat of the Ottoman army by the Russian forces in 1878 and the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano, Abdyl Frashëri proposed the idea of that the most just solution for the Albanians’ national interests under these new conditions was the creation of a united Albanian vilayet within the Ottoman Empire.
• Political Actions: Abdyl Frashëri was instrumental in drafting plans for Albanian independence and sought to create an autonomous Albanian state. He also played a significant role in organizing diplomatic efforts to gain international support for Albanian rights.
• Conflict and Imprisonment: His activism led to conflict with the Ottoman authorities. In 1881, he was arrested and sentenced to death, though this was later commuted to life imprisonment. He died in Istanbul on October 23, 1892.
• Legacy: Frashëri’s efforts are commemorated in Albania for his pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence. His remains were returned to Albania in 1978, marking the 100th anniversary of the League of Prizren, and he is remembered and revered as a hero.

Family involvement:

Abdyl Frashëri’s contributions were part of a larger family effort towards Albanian national and cultural revival. His brothers, Naim Frashëri and Sami Frashëri, were also influential in this movement. Naim Frashëri was a renowned poet and writer whose literary work played a key role in promoting the Albanian language and culture. Sami Frashëri, the third brother, was a prominent political leader and educator. He was actively involved in the Albanian National Renaissance, contributing to the movement through his political activism and efforts to reform and modernize Albanian society. Together, the Frashëri brothers made significant contributions to Albania’s fight for independence and cultural renaissance.