The National Historical Museum commemorated today the 109th anniversary of the passing of the patriot and warrior Çerçiz Topulli.

He was a prominent patriot and activist of the National Renaissance, a leader in the armed struggle of the bands for national liberation, and a People’s Hero.

Çerçiz Topulli was born in Gjirokastër in 1880. His older brother, Bajo Topulli, played a significant role in his development.

He participated in the activities of the “For the Freedom of Albania” Committee in Gjirokastër. In his call “From the Mountains of Albania,” addressed to his compatriots and published in January 1907 in the newspaper “Hope of Albania,” Çerçiz Topulli urged Albania to break away from the Ottoman Empire and become independent.

In April 1907, he commanded the armed band operating in Southern Albania, particularly in the regions of Gjirokastër and Korçë.

Following the decision of the Gjirokastër Committee, members of his band assassinated the Turkish commander of the gendarmerie in Gjirokastër in early March 1908.

Çerçiz Topulli led the Battle of Mashkullorë on March 18, 1908, and worked for the establishment of Albanian clubs and the opening of Albanian schools in various parts of the country.

After the declaration of Albania’s independence on November 28, 1912, he served Ismail Qemali’s government and fought for the protection of the homeland’s territorial integrity, repelling Greek forces from the occupied southern lands (following the London Conference), and against the rebellion of Haxhi Qamili in Central Albania.

In September 1914, Çerçiz Topulli, along with Muço Qulli, was in Shkodër, where it is believed they intended to join the defenders of Albanian territories against the Serbian-Montenegrin occupation. He was killed on July 15, 1915, in the Field of Shtoi, in Shkodër, by Montenegrin occupying forces.

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