Abaz Kupi, born in Krujë in 1892, passed away on January 9, 1976, leaving a lasting mark on Albania’s military and political history.

In 1912, Kupi aligned with Esat Pashë Toptani, and in 1920, he joined Mustafa Kruja in opposing Ahmet Zogu. After Zogu came to power, Kupi was appointed commander of Kruja and later became a major in the Durres gendarmerie (1932-1939).

During the Italian invasion of Durres on April 7, 1939, Kupi led a 36-hour resistance with his unit, earning the moniker “Bazi i Canës.” Following the occupation of Albania, Kupi fled to Istanbul, while his family was interned in Himara.

Kupi returned to Albania during World War II and was a key figure in the Peza Assembly of September 16, 1942, where he was elected to the National Anti-Fascist Council (KANÇ). He also led the Mukje Conference of August 1-2, 1943.

Kupi’s opposition to Enver Hoxha’s rejection of the Mukje Agreement and the Labinot Conference led to his departure from the National Liberation Movement in November 1943. He then founded the Movement for Legality, advocating for the restoration of King Zog’s rule in Albania.

On October 24, 1944, Kupi left Albania, leaving his family behind in Shkodër. His son was arrested in 1945, while his wife and daughters were interned in Tepelena and later moved to Myzeqe camps.

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