Çerçiz Topulli, Who is, His Life and Works

Çerçiz Topulli (20 September 1880 – 17 July 1915) was a notable Albanian revolutionary and guerrilla fighter who played a significant role in the Albanian national movement. He was actively involved in resisting Ottoman rule before Albania declared its independence in 1912 and later fought against Greek and Slavic forces during the Balkan Wars.

Early Life and Background

Çerçiz Topulli was born into a distinguished Tosk Albanian family in Gjirokastër. His family practiced the Bektashi faith. His parents were Ago Topulli and Hasije, the daughter of Laze Mullai from Kardhiq. Çerçiz was the younger brother of Bajo Topulli, another prominent figure in the Albanian nationalist movement.

Formation of the Guerrilla Band

In early 1906, Çerçiz and his brother Bajo formed the first Albanian armed guerrilla band. This group was dedicated to fighting for Albanian national interests and was active for three years, with a brief hiatus during the winter of 1906-1907, which they spent in Sofia and Bucharest. The Topulli brothers, originally leading professional lives, committed themselves to the struggle against the Ottoman regime of Abdul Hamid II and other regional adversaries, including Greek and Slavic forces.

Goals and Activities

The primary objective of Çerçiz Topulli and his guerrilla band was to promote Albanian national consciousness and demand administrative autonomy for Albanians within the Ottoman Empire. They distributed Albanian-language books to educate the populace and spread their message. Çerçiz also contributed to nationalist literature, writing articles that condemned Ottoman oppression and called for armed resistance and full independence for Albania.

Key Actions and Alliances

On 25 February 1908, Çerçiz and his followers assassinated the Ottoman Lieutenant Colonel of Gjirokastër, who had been a harsh oppressor of Albanian nationalists. Following this assassination, they fled to Mashkullorë, a village near Gjirokastër, where they were later surrounded by Ottoman forces.

Role in the Young Turk Revolution

During the Young Turk Revolution in 1908, Çerçiz Topulli was approached by Adjutant Major Ahmed Niyazi Bey, who sought to ally with Albanian leaders. Çerçiz and other Albanian representatives met with Niyazi and pledged their support for the Young Turks (CUP), viewing it as an opportunity to advance Albanian national interests. This alliance was significant, as it demonstrated the crucial role of Albanians in the broader constitutional movement within the Ottoman Empire.

Later Life and Legacy

After Albania declared its independence on 28 November 1912, Çerçiz continued to fight for Albanian national interests. He participated in efforts against Montenegrin forces in the north but was ultimately killed in the Fusha e Shtoit (Shkodër) by Montenegrin troops. In 1937, his remains were brought back to Gjirokastër, where he is remembered as a hero of the Albanian national movement.