On December 18, 1877, the forum of the patriotic revolutionary organization for the Protection of the Rights of the Albanian Nationality, otherwise known as the Istanbul Committee, was approved. Abdyl Frashëri was elected Chairman of the Committee.

On December 18, 1888, Osman Haxhiu, activist of the patriotic movement, was born in Vlorë. In March 1920, he was elected “Chairman of the National Defense Committee”. He was the deputy of Vlora in the first Albanian parliament in 1921. He strongly supported the June Democratic Revolution. Osman Haxhiu died on March 12, 1937.

In Gjirokastër, on the initiative of Bajo Topulli, on December 18, 1908, the foundation of the club “Drita” was decided. The club elected lawyer Petro Poga as its president. The club played an important role in spreading and teaching the Albanian language and collecting Albanian folklore.

On December 18, 1920, the Society of Fine Arts was established in Korça, which developed a wide range of patriotic, artistic, musical and theatrical activities. Its main purpose was the fight against Greek propaganda against Albanian lands.

Fan Noli, in his capacity as Prime Minister, on December 18, 1924, asked the English, French, and Italian governments and the well as the League of Nations too, to intervene with the Yugoslav government to end the aggression of the Yugoslav forces on Albania’s borders. But none of the Great Powers responded to Tirana’s calls though.

In Cetina, Montenegro, on December 18, 1929, the Consulate of the Kingdom of Albania was established for the first time.

On December 18, 1981, Mehmet Shehu, one of the most interesting figures of Albanian politics during the communist regime, passed away in mysterious circumstances. He was Prime Minister of Albania for 27 consecutive years.

On December 18, 1991, as part of the reform of the justice system, the institution of advocacy, which was suppressed during the years of monist rule, was restored in Albania.

/a.p./