On October 14, 1929, the Renaissance figure, ethnologist, writer, archaeologist, and cleric Father Shtjefën Gjeçovi passed away.

After completing his studies at the Franciscan College in Troshan in 1888, he continued his education in Croatia. He graduated in 1896, was ordained as a priest, and served in Theth, Peja, Gomsiqe, and other regions.

Gjeçovi made remarkable contributions to collecting oral traditions and preparing several scientific monographs. In addition, he translated important works of world literature.

His greatest legacy lies in the field of ethnology. His monumental work, The Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini, remains a cornerstone of Albanian customary law. He gathered the rules of the Kanun directly from the people across northern Albania, where he served as a priest, and later published the collection in the magazine Hylli i Dritës.

He also worked as a teacher to promote the Albanian language. Because of his patriotic activity and devotion to the nation, on October 14, 1929, he was ambushed and killed by unidentified persons acting on behalf of the Yugoslav authorities.

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