On February 9, 1899, Bilal Golemi was born in Gjirokastër. He later became the founder of Albanian microbiology.

First, at the age of seven, Golemi moved with his family to Istanbul. There, he completed his full education path. He studied at the Military Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

After graduation, he served for three years in the Turkish army. He held the rank of captain. Then, he followed a new goal. He began a specialization in microbiology at the Pasteur Institute in Paris.

At the Institute, Golemi built a distinguished career. Thanks to his teaching skills, in 1926 he led a specialization course. The course brought together 33 doctors, veterinarians, and biologists from around the world.

However, at the height of his academic career, Dr. Golemi chose to return to Albania. There, he pioneered the veterinary bacteriology laboratory. He equipped it with the best tools of the time.

At the same time, he helped establish the Animal Protection Society. Mit’hat Frashëri served as its chairman.

Meanwhile, Golemi also engaged in civic and political life. In 1932, he joined the Vlora Movement against Ahmet Zogu. As a result, authorities forced him to leave the country.

Bilal Golemi died at the age of 56. Later, in 1952, the French government honored his work. It awarded him the “Légion d’honneur – Mérite” for his contribution to veterinary microbiology.

Finally, Albania honored his legacy. The Institute of Veterinary Studies now bears the name “Dr. Bilal Golemi Institute.”

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