On November 9, 1917, Themistokli Gërmenji, an Albanian patriot, freedom fighter and intellectual, was executed at the age of 46. He devoted his life to the Albanian national cause and the country’s independence.
According to the General Directorate of Archives, Gërmenji began his patriotic activities abroad, after moving to Romania with his brother, Telemak. There, he joined the patriotic societies “Drita” and “Dituria” and became actively involved in their work.
Following the Young Turk Revolution in July 1908, the “Liria” Hotel in Manastir became an important centre of the Albanian National Movement.
In 1911, Themistokli Gërmenji established contacts with the Arbëresh communities in Italy. Later, he joined Albanian patriots in Corfu, continuing his efforts for the national cause.
When Albania declared its independence in 1912, Gërmenji was leading a group of fighters operating in the Korçë region.
He also supported the government of Ismail Qemali, taking on important responsibilities in the state administration.
In September 1914, he returned to Romania. Early the following year, he moved to Bulgaria, where he published the magazine “Biblioteka Zëri i Shqipërisë” (The Voice of Albania Library).
Between 1916 and 1917, Gërmenji returned to Albania and played a key role in the signing of the Albanian-French Protocol on December 10, 1916. The agreement led to the proclamation of the Autonomous Province of Korçë.
However, his patriotic journey ended tragically. French authorities arrested him and put him on trial before a military court. He was sentenced to death and executed by firing squad on November 9, 1917.
Today, Themistokli Gërmenji remains an important figure in Albania’s national history, remembered for his contribution to the struggle for independence and his role in the establishment of the Autonomous Province of Korçë.
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