Koto Hoxhi, whose birth name was Kostandin Hoxhi (1824-1895), is a prominent figure of the Albanian Renaissance and one of the founders of Albanian theater, commemorated today at the National Historical Museum.

Koto Hoxhi, was a distinguished advocate of the National Renaissance, Albanian education, and culture. He was revered as the ‘Teacher of the People.’ Born in Qestorat of Lunxheria (Gjirokastër), he later worked as a high school teacher in Greek, all while secretly teaching Albanian.

In 1879, he actively participated in the special committee of the Istanbul Committee, established to address the issue of the alphabet. During this committee, he staunchly advocated for the variant proposed by Sami Frashëri and was also involved in the publication of the ‘Alfabetare’ in Istanbul.

Koto Hoxhi is also known as one of the founders of the Albanian theater. In 1874, he organized the inaugural theatrical performance based on the theme of the Lunxherisa wedding, collaborating with a troupe of students from the ‘Ta Zografia’ normal school in Qestorati.

For his patriotic activities, he imprisoned and persecuted at the hands of both the Ottoman government and the Phanariot church.

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