Dashnor Kaloçi
Memorie.al publishes the unknown history of visits made by the King’s sisters, Zog, princesses, Myzejen, Maxhide and Ruhie, in Central and Southern Albania, such as: Kavaja, Peqin, Qafë-Thanë, Elbasan, Pogradec, Korçë, Progër, Hoçisht, Bilisht, Kolonjë, Leskovik, Përmet, Tepelena, Kurvelesh, Saranda, Delvinë, Dropull, Butrint, etc. The whole tour of the sisters of King Zog with their visits to the cities and villages of Albania in April 1938, which accompanied by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Musa Juka, were received with great honors and numerous manifestations everywhere they went, visits which were widely covered by the press of the time, such as the magazine ‘Diana’, which devoted entire pages to that event.
A few weeks ago, or more precisely on December 25 last year, 95 years have passed since the return of Ahmet Zogu to power, or as it is otherwise known as the “Triumph of Legality”, and on September 1 of this year, 93 years have passed. from the day of the establishment of the Kingdom of Albania, when the Parliament of that time, through a Constituent Assembly, proclaimed the President of the Albanian state, Ahmet Zogu, King of the Albanians. The change of the form of the regime in Albania of that time, from a Republic to a Parliamentary Monarchy, was seen by most politicians of that time as an act, which would further consolidate the new Albanian state and some stability in the governance of the country. , because until that time, with the form of the regime that it was, governments gave way to each other, often changing in a few months, even for days or hours, such as the government headed by Qazim Koculi, e which lasted only one day (December 6, 1921), and the next day, it changed with the government headed by Hasan Prishtina.
Regarding the proclamation of the Kingdom of Albania, which as we said, by the majority of the political class of that time and the supporters of the Legality Movement, was considered as a necessary act for the stabilization of the new Albanian state and government of the country, has existed and exists still today, another point of view, or so to speak; ‘The other side of the coin’. According to the propaganda and historiography of the communist regime before the 1990s, Ahmet Zogu proclaimed himself King of the Albanians in order to further consolidate his positions at the head of the Albanian state and to have absolute power. However, these two sides of the view of that event, that is, the creation of the Kingdom of Albania, almost all agree on one point; Ahmet Zogu and the political class of that time, with their positive and negative sides, laid the foundation stones in the new building of the newly formed Albanian state, recognizing it everywhere in the world.
In this context, the proclamation of the Kingdom of Albania, on September 1, 1928, is mostly seen as a historical event or event, in the context of efforts for the stability of the Albanian state. Based on this, after a few days, on the occasion of September 1, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Kingdom of Albania, official celebrations are expected to be held. In this context, as well as with other events or historical dates of the period of the Zog Monarchy, Memorie.al is publishing in this article the unknown story of the visit of the Zog sisters in Central and Southern Albania, in April 1938. This article was taken from the magazine “Diana” of that time, and was prepared by the well-known journalist, publisher and publicist Medin Kamberi, who accompanied the princesses themselves during their visit to some of the main cities and districts of Albania. Middle and Southern. We are publishing these writing passages, without making any changes, giving them in the written language of those years, to bring closer the atmosphere of that time, giving them with the titles and sub-titles of the magazine in question.
Diana Magazine; Historic visit of the Royal Princesses to the South
(Everywhere magnificent expectations forget the climax).
The newspapers reported: “Their Highnesses, the Royal Princesses, Myzejen, Ruhije, and Maxhide, accompanied by the Minister of Interior, His Highness Musa Juka and their Suite, set off for a tour of Southern Albania. NN. TT will cross the regions of Elbasan, Korça, Gjinokastra, Vlora and Berat.
In Kavaja and Peqin
Large and small people greet with flowers, cheers and applause NN. TT. Royal Princesses. Everywhere a sign of indescribable enthusiasm. The civil, military, clerical authorities of the country and the Municipalities, the members of the “Albanian Woman” society, the students and the extracurricular youth pay their due homage. In Peqin, in a beautiful speech, Ms. Ballkis Tela emphasized, among other things: “Today, the ‘Albanian Woman’ sends her sons and daughters to educate them and make them worthy soldiers for King of the Homeland, valuable mothers for the younger generation, on whom the happiness of the Homeland rests “. Amid the frantic applause of all the people, from the balcony of the Municipality, N. S. Princess Myzejen, responds with a sharp speech, where after exalting the virtues of honor and race, she warmly thanks the noble and generous people of Peqin. The last words of N. S. Princess Myzejen, are greeted with a barrage of applause where the unrequited joy for the Auguste Visit was expressed.
In Elbasan
Gathered in large and small, in front of the Post Office of Bishqem, the people, men and women, citizens of the villages adorned with beautiful costumes of the country, students lined up with flags, near a large triumphal arch where it was decorated with flowers the face of the NMT King, awaits the Auguste Persons of the Royal Family. NN. TT. near the Three Bridges, get out of the cars and walk amidst the incessant cheers of the people, to the Grand-Hotel, where they await the homage of all classes of the people: the “Albanian Woman”, the deputies, the Presidents of Religious communities, Heads of Offices, School Principals, Members of the Board of Directors, the Mayor with members of the Assembly, the President of the Chamber of Commerce together with the members of the Chamber and the President of the country and the Council of the Extracurricular Association . Three girls and a boy from the “Saide” Society offer NN. TT., Beautiful boxes of cigarettes made apostafat and darovit in a sum of 160 fr. ari. How NN’s homage ends. TT. admire from the balcony the beautiful choreographic dances of the female school girls dressed in artistic costumes. In the speech delivered by NN. TT. among other things it is said: “Our Lord Augustus, though not in the midst of us at this moment, but His Heart is among you and sees your needs. NN. TT. longing for this magnificent expectation of spontaneous and full of noble feelings of worship of the city of Elbasan, after leaving 1000 gold francs for the poor of the city, they get in the cars and take the road to Pogradec, applauding and cheering the people along the way.
In Pogradec
Coming out in Qafë i Thanës, the people, without distinction, follow NN. TT. The princesses to the city, where they arrive amidst frantic applause and cheers for the King and Dynasty, and amidst immense enthusiasm. People gathered in front of NN’s apartment. TT. Royal, continues cheering frantically. At this time, NN. TT. go out on the balcony and with a short speech broadcast by the Minister of Interior, Shk. His Musa Juka, thank the people for the sympathy and worshipful feelings he showed for His N. M., the King and for the Royal family. The word of NN. TT. The Royal Princesses were even more enthusiastic about the people, who can no longer limit the enthusiastic cheers for the King and Dynasty. The whole city of Pogradec becomes a celebration where indescribable manifestations of joy appear.
In Korça
Their heights, greeted by the people of Pogradec, leave for Korça. In Zemblak they are before the beginning of an apotheosis of love and loyalty typical of the proud people of Korça. Here Princess Auguste received a special delegation consisting of the entire elite of the city, from the highest authorities to various merchants and craftsmen. It is no exaggeration to say that the population of Korça, which applauds the Auguste Visitors, reaches more than 20,000 people. The presence of the Princesses in the bosom of this city had an electrified touch in the soul of this mass which rose like a single soul from a block of bodies, in a shout so high, so deep, in a Rrofshi that shook all Korça. In the speech of the Mayor, Mr. Agathokli Xhitomi, among other things, states: “How can the Albanian people not rejoice when you visit His Highness? This people see in you, the idol of National unity, of National unity, of National power.” Be the sisters of the one who made the Nation Tribes. and the Nation, State. from His Highness Musa Juka, NN.
The youth, gathered on the Boulevard “Shëngjergji”, parades with greatness, and in the speeches that were held, SS Royal, Princess Myzejen, among other things I emphasized: “We value the people of Korça as the main factor of our National rebirth, as a leader We are convinced that you will always be pioneers of these ideals, the sound pillar of the indestructible fortress of our Kingdom, we take advantage of the most addressed race and two words to the proud youth of Korça, which must be very The arrogance that the King has in his Heart, for which Ay asks of her as the discipline, obedience and the same patriotism that have shown and still show today their great ethnicity, because Our Brother, NMT the King, for the homeland and the State, expects the best services great for the boy, both for the present and for the future. ”
The youth then with the music band at the top continue the manifestations in front of the palace of NN. TT. Royal Princesses, singing patriotic songs and holding banners with the inscription:
“The youth of Korça wants to see the King here too”, “Long live the King”. “Beloved princesses, we adore you as goddesses.” “Long live the Royal Family.”
On the faces of all is described the admiration for His N. M. King Bird. I. and for the Royal Family. NN. TT. brought a dinner to the Youth of Korça.
In Bilisht, Kolonjë and Leskovik
People all over Devoll, wherever NN passed. TT Princesses, had come out waiting enthusiastically and drunk with joy. NN. TT. The princesses deserved to forgive the Municipality of Progri 300 fr. gold, Bilisht Sub-prefecture 800 fr. gold for poor students, Monastery of St. Ilis Hoçisht 200 fr. gold and to vobektit 500 fr. ari.
Erseka adorned with flag, laurel and flowers, waits amidst frantic cheers, NN. To them the Royal Princesses, who received the visits of the Heads of the offices, of the Representation of the Association “Albanian Woman”, and of the Clergy, of the Colonial Women, of the representation of the city and of the communes. NN. TT. The princesses donated 500 fr. gold for the poor of the district, Leskovik also, had prepared excellent manifestations.
In Përmet, Tepelena and Kurvelesh
Entry of NN. TT. The Royal Princesses in Përmet were truly triumphant, amidst the cheers of the people, the sound of bells and especially the harmonious and melodic choir of the extracurricular boys, which complemented the expressions of cordiality and gave the reception a particularly magnificent character. NN. TT. The princesses went down to the Town Hall where various commissions and women, dressed in national costumes were submitted to NN. TT homage, to which They responded expressing their satisfaction for this enthusiastic reception. Also, the population of Peshtan and Këlcyra became NN. TT. Magnificent reception.
In the town of Tepelena the reception was really characteristic. Labërishte dances and country songs amazed everyone. And the historically invincible darovia of the yatagans and the legacy of the veteran Zogist. Mr. Vehip Runa, made by the people of Kurvelesh. NN. TT. It was royal, pathetic.
TT. The princesses donated 500 fr. gold for the poor of Kurvelesh, 500 fr. gold for the poor of the Subash Bridge region. 400 for those of the villages Sinanaj, Krahës and Buz.
In Gjinokastra
The balconies of the buildings of “Çerçiz Topulli” Square, completely filled with families, from where frenetic applause was heard for the longevity of the King and the Royal Family; the people, lined up on both sides of the main road; such is the look of the lucky day when NN. TT. The Royal Princesses, amidst the incessant applause of the immense crowd, triumphantly entered the city. In the middle of a spontaneous demonstration that took place in front of the apartment of prominent visitors, from the balcony, N. S. Princess Myzejen, through Shk. His, Musa Juka, delivered a speech where he emphasized in particular the reforms that N. M. His, the King has appointed to develop for the Albanian Youth.
In Libohova and Dropull
Accompanied by all the people of Gjinokastra, NN. TT. The princesses, amidst frantic cheers and applause, left for Libohova, where they were enthusiastically received by the local authorities, the people, the students, the paramilitaries and groups of apostate women from the villages of the Libohova district. dressed in original costumes.
Speeches, demonstrations and honors paid by the people, NN. TT, were answered by Shk. His, Musa Juka, who emphasized the joy felt by NN. TT, for the reception and worship shown by the people of Libohova.
The same magnificent reception took place in Dropull, where NN. TT, enjoyed the costumes and had the opportunity to see and ascertain approximately the great longing and admiration that these populations feel for the Dynasty and for N. M. T. King. The Royal Princesses left for the poor of the district, 500 fr. ari.
In Delvinë-Saranda-Corfu-Butrint
A large crowd of people, also coming from the districts, men, women and children, dual in anticipation of NN. TT. Princeshavet. And all that crowd suddenly burst into enthusiastic cheers welcoming the Welcome. Echoes of the Royal Anthem were heard, occasional speeches were given on behalf of NN. TT. replied Shk. His, Minister Musa Juka, who emphasized in particular the satisfaction of NN. TT. for the generous reception of the people of Delvina and I add that the enthusiasm of the reception NN. TT. will broadcast to N.M.T. The King.
In Saranda, the reception was also really triumphant and the enthusiasm reached its peak. The visit of NN deserves special importance. TT. The princesses in Corfu and Butrint, where they were impressed and very pleased, both by the beauties of the places, as well as by the cordial receptions that were given to them. / Memorie.al
