Origins & Early Life

Ismail Qemali, or Ismail Kemal Bey Vlora (Albanian: [ismail cɛmali] ; 16 January 1844 – 26 January 1919), was an Albanian politician and statesman who is regarded as the founder of modern Albania. He served as the first prime minister of Albania from December 1912 until his resignation in January 1914. Born in Vlorë to an Albanian noble family, Qemali developed an early interest in languages and later studied law in Istanbul. He travelled across Europe and returned to Albania after the Young Turk Revolution.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He took part in the Congress of Ottoman Opposition and played a major role in the Albanian revolt of 1912. The principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Qemali was elected leader of the Provisional Government of Albania by the All-Albanian Congress in November 1912. He became prime minister and foreign minister of Albania. He died in exile in Italy in 1919. Ismail Qemali was born to an Albanian Muslim family on 16 January 1844 in the city of Vlorë, then part of the Ottoman Empire.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He completed his primary education in his hometown. Later he attended the Zosimaia School in Ioannina and graduated from Ottoman law school in Istanbul. Qemali married a Greek...

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