TIRANA, May 29 – Albania on Thursday commemorated the anniversary of the death of Dom Nikollë Kaçorri, the patriot, cleric and signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence, who died on May 29, 1917.
Kaçorri was born in Krej-Lura in 1862 and received his education in European institutions. He graduated from the Urban College in Rome and later completed studies in theology, philosophy and political science at the University of Zurich.
After returning to Albania in 1893, he engaged in religious and patriotic activity. He also played a major role in organising the national movement at the beginning of the 20th century. Between 1905 and 1907, he contributed to the leadership of the armed uprising in Kurbin and strengthened patriotic activity in northern Albania.
Meanwhile, Kaçorri took part in the Congress of Monastir in 1908 and the Congress of Elbasan in 1909. Following Albania’s declaration of independence in 1912, he served as the first deputy prime minister in the government of Ismail Qemali. As a result, he became one of the key figures of the new Albanian state.
In addition, Kaçorri contributed to the collection and documentation of Albanian folklore. His work helped preserve Albania’s oral and spiritual heritage. One of the best-known examples of this contribution remains the publication “Canti Albanesi Popolari” (Albanian Folk Songs).
Kaçorri also served as secretary of the Archdiocese of Durrës, which at that time operated from Delmnisht in Kurbin. He administered the churches and parishes of Kthella, Selita and Lura for two decades.
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