This is a list of historical and living Albanians (ethnic Albanians or people of full and partial Albanian ancestry) who are famous or ''notable'', sorted by occupation and alphabetically.

Religious

Priests

* Dhimitër Frangu (1443 – 1525), friar and scholar of a noble family, treasurer and councilor of Giorgio Castriota, in 1480 wrote the first biography, in Latin, on the life of Skanderbeg, from which all later writers drew. * Father

Marin Barleti Marin Barleti ( la, Marinus Barletius, it, Marino Barlezio; – ) was a historian and Catholic priest from Shkodër who was a humanist. He is considered the first Albanian historian because of his 1504 eyewitness account of the 1478 siege o ...

(1450 – 1513), Catholic ecclesiastic and writer, author of the life of Scanderbeg. *

Gjon Buzuku Gjon Buzuku (15 March 1499 – 9 October 1577) was an Albanian Catholic priest who wrote the first known printed book in Albanian. Gjon Buzuku according to the elders wrote the Missal in the village of Brisk Posht in the Shestan - Krajë region, ...

(1499 – 1577),

bishop A bishop is an ordained clergy member who is entrusted with a position of authority and oversight in a religious institution. In Christianity, bishops are normally responsible for the governance of dioceses. The role or office of bishop is c ...

Catholic, author of the oldest known document in Albanian: a translation of the Roman Missal, "

Meshari ''Meshari'' ( Albanian for "Missal") is the oldest published book in Albanian. The book was written by Gjon Buzuku, a Catholic cleric in 1555. The book contains 188 pages and is written in two columns. ''Meshari'' is the translation of the main ...

" (

1555 Year 1555 ( MDLV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. Events January–June * January 22 – The Kingdom of Ava in Upper Burma falls. * February 2 – The Di ...

). * Pjetër Budi (1565 – 1622), Catholic priest and writer, published three books in Albanian and I leave several poems in his native language. * Papa Luca Matranga (1567 – 1619), priest and scholar, author of the first literary expression ''arbëresh'' of the Albanians in diaspora. *

Frang Bardhi Frang Bardhi (Latin: ''Franciscus Blancus'', it, Francesco Bianchi, 1606–1643) was an Albanian Catholic bishop and writer. Bardhi is best known as an author of the early eras of Albanian literature. He served as Bishop of Sapë (1635–1644 ...

(1606 – 1644), Catholic bishop, lexicographer, folklorist and ethnographer, author of the first dictionary of the Albanian language known so far. *

Pjetër Bogdani Pjetër Bogdani (1627 – 6 December 1689), known in Italian as ''Pietro Bogdano'', was the most original writer of early literature in Albania. He was author of the Cuneus Prophetarum (''The Band of the Prophets''), 1685, the first prose work ...

(1630 – 1689), Catholic bishop and writer, author of the first Albanian work in prose. * Papa Nikollë Filja (1691 – 1769), priest and writer. * Mons. Giuseppe Crispi (1781 – 1859), one of the major figures of the Arbëresh community of Sicily of that era, wrote a number of works on the Albanian language. * Papa Francesco Antonio Santori (1819 – 1894), writer, poet and playwright. *

Nikoll Kaçorri Dom Nikoll Kaçorri (21 February 1862 – 29 May 1917), was a prominent figure of the National Renaissance of Albania. A signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence, Dom Kaçorri served as Deputy Prime Minister of the Provisional G ...

(1862 – 1917), Catholic religious, politician and patriot, deputy prime minister with Ismail Qemali, in the first Albanian government (1912–1913). *

Gjergj Fishta Gjergj Fishta (; 23 October 187130 December 1940) was an Albanian Franciscan friar, poet, educator, politician, rilindas, translator and writer. He is regarded as one of the most influential Albanian writers of the 20th century due to his epic ...

(1871 – 1940), Franciscan friar, poet, politician and translator. * Mons. Theofan Stilian Noli (1882 – 1965), bishop and intellectual, writer, scholar, diplomat, politician, historian, orator, founder of the Orthodox Church of Albania. * Papa Marco La Piana (1883 – 1958), priest and scholar, gave his contribute through his studies on Albanian language. * Anton Harapi (1888 – 1946), Franciscan friar, teacher, writer and politician. * Zef Valentini (1900 – 1979), Italian Jesuit, albanologist, byzantinist and historian, naturalized Albanian. * Cyril of Bulgaria (1901 – 1971), the first Patriarch of the Bulgarian Patriarchate, born of an Albanian family. * Father

Zef Pllumi Zef Pllumi (28 August 1924 – 25 September 2007) was an Albanian Franciscan priest and memoirist. After 26 years in communist prisons he wrote the non-fiction works Live to tell, a true story of religious persecution in Albania ( sq, Rrno vetë ...

(1924 – 2007), Franciscan priest and writer, author of the memoirs of Christian religious persecution in Albania. * Mons. Ercole Lupinacci (1933 – 2016), Bishop of Italo-Albanian Catholic Eparchies of Piana degli Albanesi and Lungro. * Mons. Sotir Ferrara (1937 – 2017), the Bishop of the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi, a diocese of the Italo-Albanian Catholic Church in Sicily, Italy. * Papa Eleuterio Francesco Fortino (1938 – 2010), priest of the Italo-Albanian Catholic Church, Archimandrite in the

Eparchy of Lungro The Eparchy of Lungro (Italian: Eparchia di Lungro; Albanian: ''Eparhia e Ungrës'') is a eparchy (diocese) of the Italo-Albanian Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic ''sui iuris'' of Byzantine Rite in Calabria, Italy. History It was created in ...

in Calabria, served as the Under Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and albanolog. * Arch.

Rrok Kola Mirdita Rrok Kolë Mirdita (28 September 1939 – 7 December 2015) was an Albanian prelate of the Catholic Church who served as the archbishop of Tiranë-Durrës from 1993 to his death in 2015. Biography Mirdita was ordained a priest on 2 July 196 ...

(1939 – 2015), Catholic archbishop. * Mons. Angelo Massafra (born 1949), metropolitan archbishop of Scutari-Pult and president of the Albanian Episcopal Conference. * Mons.

Donato Oliverio Donato Oliverio ( Cosenza, 5 March 1956) is the Bishop of the Eparchy of Lungro, a diocese of the Italo-Albanian Catholic Church in Calabria, Italy. He replaced the most rev. Ercole Lupinacci. Episcopal genealogy * Archbishop Nilo Isvoroff * ...

(born 1956), Bishop of the Eparchy of Lungro. *

Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani Muhammad b. al-Haj Nuh b. Nijati b. Adam al-Ishqudri al-Albani al-Arnauti ( ar, مُحَمَّد نَاصِر ٱلدِّيْن ٱلْأَلْبَانِي الأرنؤوط), better known simply as Al-Albani (August 16, 1914 – October 2, 1999), ...

, Islamic scholar (specialising in the field of Hadith sciences) and Muslim revivalist in the 20th century. He is well known for his anti-extremist leanings all over the Muslim world.

Seminarians

* Viktor Gjergji

Martyrs

* Papa Kristo Negovani (1875 – 1905), religious leader and writer for the Albanian cause. * Father

Daniel Dajani The Martyrs of Albania were a collective group of 38 individuals killed during the Communist regime in Albania from 1945 until 1974 (all but five between 1945 and 1950). All were born at various times between 1874 and 1935; the group included Alb ...

(1906 – 1946), Jesuit religious and martyr, of the

Catholic Church The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...

, killed by the regime during the communist dictatorship in Albania.

Pope

* Pope Clement XI (1649 – 1721), Pope of the Catholic Church.

Saints and blessed

* Saint Papa Josif Papamihali (1912 – 1948), priest of Byzantine rite, formed in the Albanian communities of Italy, martyr of the

Albanian Greek-Catholic Church The Albanian Greek Catholic Church ( la, Ecclesiae Graecae Catholico Albanica; sq, Kisha Katolike Bizantine Shqiptare), also known as the Albanian Byzantine Catholic Church, is an autonomous ('' sui iuris'' in Latin) Byzantine Rite particular ...

, arrested, sentenced to forced labor, and killed during the communist dictatorship in Albania. * Saint

Mother Teresa Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, MC (; 26 August 1910 – 5 September 1997), better known as Mother Teresa ( sq, Nënë Tereza), was an Indian-Albanian Catholic nun who, in 1950, founded the Missionaries of Charity. Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu () was ...

(1910 – 1997), Roman Catholic religious and missionary. * Saint Astius (2nd c. AD), bishop of Dyrrhachium, martyr and saint venerated by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. * Saint

Pelinus Saint Pelinus or Pelinus of Brindisi ( it, San Pelino) (c. 620 – 5 December 662) was a Basilian monk, later bishop of Brindisi in Italy, martyred at Corfinio and made a saint in 668. His feast day is Dec. 5. Life Pelinus was a native of Dyr ...

(c. 620 – 5 December 662), native of Dyrrhachium and later Bishop of Brindisi in Italy. * Saint Angelina of Serbia (1440–1520), the Albanian Despotess consort of Serbian Despot

Stefan Branković Stefan Branković ( sr-Cyrl, Стефан Бранковић; c. 1417 – 9 October 1476), also known in historiography as Stefan the Blind (Стефан Слепи), was briefly the despot (ruler) of the Serbian Despotate between 1458 and 1459, m ...

(r. 1458–1459), and a daughter of Albanian nobleman

Gjergj Arianiti Gjergj Arianiti (1383–1462) was an Albanian feudal lord who led several successful campaigns against the Ottoman Empire. He was the father of Donika, Skanderbeg's wife, as well as the grand-uncle of Moisi Arianit Golemi. Gjergj Arianiti was ...

. She was proclaimed a saint and venerated as such by the Serbian Orthodox Church. * Saint John Koukouzelis (1300–c.1350) recognized as a saint by the

Eastern Orthodox Church The Eastern Orthodox Church, also called the Orthodox Church, is the second-largest Christian church, with approximately 220 million baptized members. It operates as a communion of autocephalous churches, each governed by its bishops vi ...

. * Saints Eleutherius and Antia venerated as Christian saints and martyrs in Greece and Albania by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Literature

Writers

A–G

H–L

M–S

T–Z

Poets

Screenwriters

Journalists

Folklorists

Arbëreshë Arbën/Arbër, from which derived Arbënesh/Arbëresh originally meant all Albanians, until the 18th century. Today it is used for different groups of Albanian origin, including: * Arbër (given name), an Albanian masculine given name * Arbëresh ...

Byzantine rite priest, and writer of the 18th century; known for his translations of biblical fragments into

for children; Arbëreshë folklorist * Shtjefën Gjeçovi (1874–1929)

Catholic The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...

priest, ethnologist and folklorist; known for being the father of Albanian folklore studies * Karl Gurakuqi (1895–1971) Albanian linguist and folklorist * Qemal Haxhihasani (1916–1991) * Petro Janura (1911–1983) a main personality of the

Albanian language Albanian ( endonym: or ) is an Indo-European language and an independent branch of that family of languages. It is spoken by the Albanians in the Balkans and by the Albanian diaspora, which is generally concentrated in the Americas, Europ ...

literature Literature is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly for writings specifically considered to be an art form, especially prose fiction, drama, and poetry. In recent centuries, the definition has expanded to include ...

, and

folklore Folklore is shared by a particular group of people; it encompasses the traditions common to that culture, subculture or group. This includes oral traditions such as tales, legends, proverbs and jokes. They include material culture, ranging ...

Yugoslavia Yugoslavia (; sh-Latn-Cyrl, separator=" / ", Jugoslavija, Југославија ; sl, Jugoslavija ; mk, Југославија ;; rup, Iugoslavia; hu, Jugoszlávia; rue, label=Pannonian Rusyn, Югославия, translit=Juhoslavija ...

in the 50s through mid-80s * Zef Jubani *

Sotir Kolea Sotir Kolea (1872-1945) was an Albanian folklorist, diplomat and activist of the Albanian National Awakening. Along with Thoma Kacori he has been labeled as the ''Last of the Rilindas''. Life Sotir Kolea was born in the Goricë district of Ber ...

(1872–1945) Albanian folklorist, diplomat and activist of the Albanian National Awakening * Donat Kurti (1903–1983) *

Thimi Mitko Thimi (Euthimio) Mitko (1820 – March 22, 1890) was an activist of the Albanian National Awakening and folklorist. Mitko was born in Korçë, Albania (then Ottoman Empire), where he attended the local Greek school. His uncle, Peti Mitko, ...

(1820–1890) activist of the Albanian National Awakening and folklorist * Bernardin Palaj (1894–1947) *

Gjergj Pekmezi Gjergj Pekmezi (23 April 1872 – 24 February 1938) was an Albanian linguist, philosopher, folklorist and diplomat. In 1916, he became a member of the Literary Commission of Shkodër, which established the first standard form of the Albanian ...

(1872–1938) also known as Georg Pekmezi; Albanian linguist and folklorist; in 1916 became a member of the Literary Commission of Shkodër, which established the first standard form of the

Girolamo de Rada Girolamo de Rada ( Arbërisht: ''Jeronim de Rada''; 29 November 181428 February 1903) was an Arbëreshë folklorist, journalist, lawyer, playwright, poet, rilindas and writer. He is regarded as one of the most influential Albanian writers of t ...

(1814–1903) Albanian writer of Italo-

Albanian literature Albanian literature stretches back to the Middle Ages and comprises those literary texts and works written in Albanian. It may also refer to literature written by Albanians in Albania, Kosovo and the Albanian diaspora particularly in Italy. Alb ...

; of

descent; foremost figure of the Albanian National Awakening in 19th-century Italy * Giuseppe Schirò (1865–1927)

neo-classical poet, linguist, publicist and folklorist * Shefqet Pllana (1918–1994) *

Dhimitër Shuteriqi Dhimitër Shuteriqi (26 July 1915 ‒ 22 July 2003) was an Albanian scholar, literary historian, and writer. He participated in the anti-fascist National Liberation Movement. After the war he was a member of the People's Assembly and one of th ...

(1915–2003) *

Ramadan Sokoli Ramadan Sokoli (14 June 1920 – 12 March 2008) was an Albanian ethnomusicologist, musician, composer and writer. He is regarded as one of the most distinguished scholars of the Albanian and Balkan music. Ramadan Sokoli was born on June 14, 1920 ...

(1920–2008)

Translators

Kostandin Kristoforidhi (foto origjinale)

Academic sciences

Scientists

{{columns-list, colwidth=30em, * Teki Biçoku (1926–2009) {{spaced ndash geologist; former member and president of the

Academy of Sciences of Albania The Academy of Sciences of Albania ( sq, Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë), founded in 1972, is the most important scientific institution in Albania. In the 1980s, several research institutes began at the University of Tirana were transferred ...

Gjon Gazulli Gjon Gazulli ( la, Johannes Gasulus) Gjadër, Republic of Venice, 1400 – Dubrovnik, 19 February 1465) was an Albanian Dominican friar, humanist scholar, and diplomat.

(1400–1465){{spaced ndash astronomer * Pandi Geço{{spaced ndash geographer * Shtjefën Gjeçovi (1874–1929) {{spaced ndash ethnographer * Sotir Kuneshka{{spaced ndash physicist *

Rexhep Meidani Rexhep Qemal Meidani (; born on 17 August 1944) is an Albanian physics professor, diplomat and politician. Meidani was the 4th President of Albania from 1997 to 2002, and the second to be elected after the first multi-party elections in 1991 ...

{{spaced ndash physicist *

Laura Mersini-Houghton Laura Mersini-Houghton (''née'' Mersini) is an Albanian-American cosmologist and theoretical physicist, and professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a proponent of the multiverse hypothesis and the author of a theor ...

{{spaced ndash Albanian-American

cosmologist Cosmology () is a branch of physics and metaphysics dealing with the nature of the universe. The term ''cosmology'' was first used in English in 1656 in Thomas Blount's ''Glossographia'', and in 1731 taken up in Latin by German philosopher ...

and

theoretical physicist Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena. This is in contrast to experimental physics, which uses experime ...

; associate professor at the

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill A university () is an institution of higher (or tertiary) education and research which awards academic degrees in several academic disciplines. Universities typically offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. In the United States ...

; proponent of the multiverse hypothesis which holds that our universe is one of many{{cite web, url=http://cosmosmagazine.com/news/something-big-found-beyond-edge-universe/ , title=Weird data suggests something big beyond the edge of the universe , work=

Cosmos The cosmos (, ) is another name for the Universe. Using the word ''cosmos'' implies viewing the universe as a complex and orderly system or entity. The cosmos, and understandings of the reasons for its existence and significance, are studied in ...

, date=24 November 2009 , access-date=27 July 2014 , author=Catchpole, Heather , url-status=dead , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714220221/http://cosmosmagazine.com/news/something-big-found-beyond-edge-universe/ , archive-date=14 July 2014 * Betim Muço{{spaced ndash seismologist *

Ferid Murad Ferid Murad (born September 14, 1936) is an American physician and pharmacologist, and a co-winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Early life Murad was born in Whiting, Indiana. His parents were Henrietta Josephine Bowm ...

(born 1936) {{spaced ndash physician and

pharmacologist Pharmacology is a branch of medicine, biology and pharmaceutical sciences concerned with drug or medication action, where a drug may be defined as any artificial, natural, or endogenous (from within the body) molecule which exerts a biochemic ...

; co-winner of the 1998

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is awarded yearly by the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute for outstanding discoveries in physiology or medicine. The Nobel Prize is not a single prize, but five separate prizes that, accord ...

* Shefqet Pllana (1918–1994){{spaced ndash ethnographer * Niko Qafzezi (1914–1998) {{spaced ndash

agronomist An agriculturist, agriculturalist, agrologist, or agronomist (abbreviated as agr.), is a professional in the science, practice, and management of agriculture and agribusiness. It is a regulated profession in Canada, India, the Philippines, the ...

and

pedagogue Pedagogy (), most commonly understood as the approach to teaching, is the theory and practice of learning, and how this process influences, and is influenced by, the social, political and psychological development of learners. Pedagogy, taken a ...

* Nijazi Ramadani (born 1964) {{spaced ndash ethnographer * Andrea Shundi (born 1934) –

of the 20th and 21st century *

Xhezair Teliti Xhezair Teliti (born 17 February 1948, in Kavajë) is a professor of mathematics and has served as chief of the Department of Mathematics at Tirana University since 2008. He was Albania's Minister of Education from 1993–1996. Career His field ...

{{spaced ndash mathematician *

Visar Belegu Veysar or Visar ( fa, ويسر) may refer to: * Visar, Kurdistan Visar ( fa, ويسر, also Romanized as Vīsar and Veysar; also known as Vesar) is a village in Zhavarud-e Gharbi Rural District, Kalatrazan District, Sanandaj County, Kurdistan Pr ...

-molecular biologist and associate professor at John's Hopkins University

Philosophers

{{div col * Marin Beçikemi (1468–1526) {{spaced ndash 15th- and 16th-century humanist, orator, and chronist *

Sami Frashëri Sami bey Frashëri ( tr, Şemseddin Sami Bey; June 1, 1850 – June 18, 1904) or Şemseddin Sâmi was an Ottoman Albanian writer, philosopher, playwright and a p ...

(1850–1904) *

Gani Bobi Gani Bobi (Serbian Cyrillic: Гани Боби) (20 November 1943 – 17 July 1995) was an Albanian philosopher and sociologist from Kosovo. He was born in Lubenić, municipality of Peć, Democratic Federal Yugoslavia. He was one of the first Alb ...

(1943–1995) {{spaced ndash philosopher and sociologist from

Kosovo Kosovo ( sq, Kosova or ; sr-Cyrl, Косово ), officially the Republic of Kosovo ( sq, Republika e Kosovës, links=no; sr, Република Косово, Republika Kosovo, links=no), is a partially recognised state in Southeast Euro ...

* Ibrahim Gashi (born 1963) {{spaced ndash

Kosovar Albanian The Albanians of Kosovo ( sq, Shqiptarët e Kosovës, ), also commonly called Kosovo Albanians, Kosovar/Kosovan Albanians or Kosovars/Kosovans, constitute the largest ethnic group in Kosovo. Kosovo Albanians belong to the ethnic Albanian sub- ...

academic and philosopher *

Ukshin Hoti Ukshin Hoti was a Kosovo Albanian philosopher and activist. Hoti was a professor of international law and later philosophy at the University of Pristina and founder of UNIKOMB, a political party of Kosovo. Since 1982 he had been arrested several ...

(1943–1999) {{spaced ndash Kosovo Albanian philosopher and activist * Zef Jubani (1818–1880) * Muhamedin Kullashi *

Shkëlzen Maliqi Shkëlzen Maliqi (born 26 October 1947) is a Kosovar philosopher, art critic, political analyst and intellectual. During the early 1990s, Shkelzen was also directly involved in politics. He was one of the founders of the Social Democratic Party ...

(born 1947) {{spaced ndash Kosovo Albanian philosopher, art critic,

political analyst Political science is the scientific study of politics. It is a social science dealing with systems of governance and power, and the analysis of political activities, political thought, political behavior, and associated constitutions and la ...

and intellectual; was involved in politics in the 1990s *

Arshi Pipa Arshi Pipa (28 July 1920 – 20 July 1997) was an Albanian-American philosopher, writer, poet and literary critic. Biography Arshi Pipa was born on 28 July 1920 in Shkodër and attended school there until 1938. Pipa received a BA equivale ...

(1920–1997) {{spaced ndash Albanian-American philosopher, writer, poet and literary critic * Petro Zheji (1929–2015) {{spaced ndash

linguist Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. It is called a scientific study because it entails a comprehensive, systematic, objective, and precise analysis of all aspects of language, particularly its nature and structure. Linguis ...

, translator, philosopher, and author from

Gjirokastër Gjirokastër (, sq-definite, Gjirokastra) is a List of cities and towns in Albania, city in the Republic of Albania and the seat of Gjirokastër County and Gjirokastër Municipality. It is located in a valley between the Gjerë mountains and th ...

; lived and worked in

Tiranë Tirana ( , ; aln, Tirona) is the capital and largest city of Albania. It is located in the centre of the country, enclosed by mountains and hills with Dajti rising to the east and a slight valley to the northwest overlooking the Adriatic Sea ...

, Albania{{cite book, author=Preç Zogaj, title=Luftë jocivile, url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JgO5AAAAIAAJ, year=1998, publisher=Dita, page=22{{cite book , author= Zef Pllumi, title=Live to Tell: A True Story of Religious Persecution in Communist Albania, url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0WP5UXsrAP4C&pg=PR7 , year=2008 , publisher =iUniverse , isbn= 978-0-595-45298-9, pages=7 {{div col end

Social scientists

* Gëzim Alpion {{spaced ndash academic, political analyst, writer, playwright, and civil society activist * Albert Doja (born 1957) {{spaced ndash social anthropologist, member of the National Albanian Academy of Sciences and University Professor of Anthropology at the

University of Lille The University of Lille (french: Université de Lille, abbreviated as ULille, UDL or univ-lille) is a French public research university based in Lille, Hauts-de-France. It has its origins in the University of Douai (1559), and resulted from the ...

, France.

Historians

{{columns-list, colwidth=15em, *

, Frang Bardhi (

Latin Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through the power of the ...

: ''Franciscus Blancus'', Italian: ''Francesco Bianchi'', 1606–1643) {{spaced ndash bishop and author of the early eras of

(1450–1512/13) {{spaced ndash historian and

priest from Shkodra; considered the first Albanian historian because of his 1504 eyewitness account of the 1478

siege of Shkodra The fourth siege of Shkodra of 1478–79 was a confrontation between the Ottoman Empire and the Venetians together with the League of Lezhe and other Albanians at Shkodra (Scutari in Italian) and its Rozafa Castle during the First Ottoman-V ...

; better known for his second work, a biography on

Skanderbeg , reign = 28 November 1443 – 17 January 1468 , predecessor = Gjon Kastrioti , successor = Gjon Kastrioti II , spouse = Donika Arianiti , issue = Gjon Kastrioti II , royal house = Kastrioti , father ...

, translated into many languages in the 16th to the 20th centuries * Aleks Buda (1910–1993) {{spaced ndash Albanian historian *

Jorgo Bulo Jorgo Bulo (27 April 1939 – 26 November 2015) was an Albanian philologist, historian, and literary critic. Since 2003 up to his death (2015) he was a member of the Albanian Academy of Arts and Sciences. Bulo was born on 27 April 1939 in Shepe ...

(1939–2015) {{spaced ndash

philologist Philology () is the study of language in oral and written historical sources; it is the intersection of textual criticism, literary criticism, history, and linguistics (with especially strong ties to etymology). Philology is also defined as th ...

, historian, and literary critic; member of the Albanian Academy of Arts and Sciences * Eqrem Çabej (1908–1980) {{spaced ndash historical linguist and scholar who, through the publication of numerous studies gained a reputation as a key expert in research on

, literature,

ethnology Ethnology (from the grc-gre, ἔθνος, meaning 'nation') is an academic field that compares and analyzes the characteristics of different peoples and the relationships between them (compare cultural, social, or sociocultural anthropology). ...

, and

linguistics Linguistics is the science, scientific study of human language. It is called a scientific study because it entails a comprehensive, systematic, objective, and precise analysis of all aspects of language, particularly its nature and structure ...

* Kostandin Çekrezi (1892–1959) *

Midhat Frashëri Midhat (also spelled Medhat, Mitat, or Mithat) (Arabic مدحت Romanized: Midḥat) is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. Particularly, in Pakistan Midhat is used as a girl name. The name means 'Praise' or 'Eulogy'. Persons with the given ...

(1880–1949) *

Naim Frashëri Naim bey Frashëri, more commonly Naim Frashëri (; ; 25 May 184620 October 1900), was an Albanian historian, journalist, poet, rilindas and translator who was proclaimed as the national poet of Albania. He is regarded as the pioneer of modern ...

(1846–1900) * Demetrio Franco (1443–1525) {{spaced ndash scholar, soldier and

priest; known for ''Comentario de le cose de' Turchi, et del S. Georgio Scanderbeg, principe d' Epyro'', a biography of the national hero of Albania

* Ibrahim Gashi *

Marka Gjoni Kapidan Marka Gjoni (1861–1925) was the chieftain of the Mirdita region and tribe in North Albania. He was born in Orosh. He was made '' Kaymakam'' of Mirdita by the Ottoman Empire during the absence of Prenk Bib Doda, who was interned in Ana ...

* Qemal Haxhihasani (1916–1991) * Muzafer Korkuti (born 1936) * Rexhep Krasniqi (1906–1999) *

Gjon Markagjoni Gjon Markagjoni (28 August 1888 – 28 April 1966) was an Albanian Catholic clan chieftain ( sq, Kapedan). Biography He was born in Orosh, Mirdita, the only son of Kapidan Marka Gjoni (1861–1925). His father was the leader or Kapidan of ...

(1888–1966) * Beqir Meta * Ndoc Nikaj (1864–1951) {{spaced ndash priest, writer, and historian * Fan Noli (1882–1965) {{spaced ndash writer, scholar, diplomat, politician, historian, orator, and founder of the Albanian Orthodox Church; as prime minister and regent of Albania in 1924 during the

June Revolution The history of Albania forms a part of the history of Europe. During classical antiquity, Albania was home to several Illyrian tribes such as the Ardiaei, Albanoi, Amantini, Enchele, Taulantii and many others, but also Thracian and Greek tribe ...

* Aurel Plasari (born 1956) * Ilo Mitkë Qafëzezi (1889–1964) * Skënder Rizaj (born 1930) *

(1915–2003) * Stavro Skëndi (1905–1989) * Mehmet Tahsini (1864–?) *

Pashko Vasa Pashko is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: * Gramoz Pashko (1955–2006), Albanian economist and politician * Josif Pashko (1918–1963), Albanian politician * Walter Pashko (1930–2006), American painter See also * Pasco (di ...

(born 1825–1892), also known as Vaso Pasha, Wasa Pasha or Vaso Pashë Shkodrani {{spaced ndash writer, poet and publicist of the Albanian National Awakening, and Governor of Lebanon from 1882 until his death * Marenglen Verli (born 1951) *

Eqrem Vlora Eqrem Bey Vlora (1 December 1885 – 30 March 1964) was an Albanian lord, politician, writer, and one of the delegates to the Assembly of Vlorë, which proclaimed the Albanian Declaration of Independence on November 28, 1912. He is described as ...

(1885–1964) *

Mihal Zallari Mihal Zallari (25 September 1894 – 17 March 1976) was an Albanian historian, politician, journalist and poet. He served as Chairman of the National Parliament of Albania from 1943 to 1944. Life Born in Frashër on 25 September 1894, he hai ...

(1896–1976) * Tajar Zavalani (1903–1966)

Economists

{{div col * Kostandin Boshnjaku (1888–1953) {{spaced ndash banker, politician, one of the earliest Albanian communists * Shkëlqim Cani (born 1956) {{spaced ndash Governor of the Bank of Albania, 1997–2004 * Sokrat Dodbiba (1899–1956) {{spaced ndash economist and politician who served as Minister of Finance of Albania, 1943–44 * Ardian Fullani (born 1955) * Ilir Hoti (1957–2016) {{spaced ndash economist and banker * Arben Malaj (born 1961) *

Qirjako Mihali Qirjako Mihali (13 May 1929 - 7 April 2009) was an Albanian politician of the Albanian Party of Labour. He was a candidate-member of the Politburo of the Party of Labour of Albania, Minister of Finance, and member of the Albanian Parliament. Bi ...

(1929–2009) *

Filip Noga Filip Noga ( Shiroka, 1867 or 1868 – Raguza, April 1917) was an Albanian politician, and Minister of Finance of the country for four months in 1914. He is also known as Philippe Nogga. Biography He was born to a North Albanian Catholic fa ...

(1867/1868–1917) {{spaced ndash politician; Minister of Finance of the country for four months in 1914; also known as Philippe Nogga * Gramoz Pashko (1955–2006) {{spaced ndash economist and politician * Ferit Vokopola (born 1887) * Vrioni family {{spaced ndash one of the great

aristocratic Aristocracy (, ) is a form of government that places strength in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class, the aristocrats. The term derives from the el, αριστοκρατία (), meaning 'rule of the best'. At the time of the word' ...

and biggest landowner families of Albania {{div col end

Publishers

{{columns-list, colwidth=15em, * Dionis Bubani * Gjergj Bubani *

Anastas Byku Anastas Byku was a 19th-century Albanian publisher and journalist. His publication of the ''Pelasgos'' newspaper in 1861 in both Albanian and Greek languages is considered to be one of the first publications of a periodical in Albanian. His ende ...

* Kostandin Çekrezi * Xhovalin Delia *

Vehbi Dibra Abdyl Aziz Vehbi Agolli mostly known as Haxhi Vehbi Dibra (12 March 1867 – 24 March 1937) was an Albanian mufti, theologian, politician and a delegate of Dibër at the Albanian Declaration of Independence. He was elected as chairman of th ...

* Milo Duçi * Arlinda Dudaj (Hovi) *

* Milto Sotir Gurra * Baton Haxhiu * Ibrahim Dalliu *

Irhan Jubica Irhan Jubica (born 1973 in Shkodra) is an Albanian writer and poet. Jubica was editor-in-chief of ''Thyerje'' newspaper in 1994–95. He was also editor-in-chief of ''Orana Review'', and co-ordinator of Pen-Club ORANA, an association of youn ...

Ernest Koliqi Ernest Koliqi (20 May 190315 January 1975) was an Albanian journalist, politician, translator, teacher and writer. Biography Born in Shkodra, where he also attended his first lessons at the local Jesuit College. In 1918 his father send him ...

Shahin Kolonja Shahin bey Kolonja ( tr, Şahin Teki Kolonya; 1865–1919) was an Albanian journalist, politician, and member of the Ottoman Parliament during its Second Constitutional Era. Life Shahin Kolonja was born in Starje, Ottoman Empire, today's southe ...

* Rexhep Krasniqi *

Kyrias family Kyrias family ( sq, Familja Qiriazi) were a prominent Albanian family from Manastir (today's North Macedonia). They were educators, translators, publishers, and public figures of the Albanian National Awakening period. They are remembered for th ...

* Anselmo Lorecchio * Kristo Luarasi *

Fatos Lubonja Fatos Lubonja (born 1951) is an Albanian writer and dissident. Life Fatos is the son of Todi Lubonja, who was a close associate of Communist leader of Albania Enver Hoxha and head of Albanian national television until the early 1970s. In the ...

* Halil Mëniku *

* Ndoc Nikaj *

Sotir Peçi Sotir Peci (1873–1932) was an Albanian politician, educator and mathematician. In 1906 he published the first Albanian-language newspaper in the United States of America in Boston. In 1908 he participated as a delegate in the Congress of Mona ...

Marigo Posio Marigo Posio ( née Poçi; 1882–1932) was one of the most distinguished Albanian women, an activist of the Albanian National Awakening and Independence Movement, and consolidating the social status of Albanian women. She is mostly remembered ...

* Leon Qafzezi * Gjergj Qiriazi *

Drago Siliqi Drago Siliqi (9 June 1930–13 July 1963) was an Albanian poet, literary critic, and publisher. At the age of 14 he became a scout and then a partisan of the National Liberation Movement. He published his first collection of poetry, and then pu ...

* Risto Siliqi *

Flaka Surroi Flaka Surroi (born 1964) is a notable Kosovo-Albanian publisher. She comes from the family of Kosovo politician and diplomat Rexhai Surroi, and is a sibling of Veton Surroi, a Kosovan politician. She finished her high school in Mexico, where he ...

Veton Surroi Veton Surroi (born 17 July 1961) is a Kosovo-Albanian publicist, politician and former journalist. Surroi is the founder and former leader of the ORA ORA or Ora may refer to: Arts and entertainment * ''Ora'' (film), a 2011 experimental dan ...

* Gëzim Tafa * Fatmir Toçi * Jani Vruho *

Bilal Xhaferri Bilal Xhaferri (1935 – 1986) was an Albanian writer and political dissident against the Albanian communist regime. He is seen as the representative poet of the Albanian Chameria. Biography Bilal Xhaferri was born on 10 May or 2 November 193 ...

Fehim Zavalani Fehim bey Zavalani (1859-1935) was an Albanian landowner from the Kolonjë area, journalist and activist of the Albanian National Awakening. He was also the editor of ''Bashkimi i Kombit'' (Nation's Unity), one of the most important Albanian new ...

* Tajar Zavalani

Scholars and linguists

{{columns-list, colwidth=15em, *

Naum Veqilharxhi Naum Veqilharxhi (born Naum Panajot Bredhi; 1797–1846) was an Albanian lawyer and scholar. In 1844, he created a unique alphabet for the Albanian language using characters he had created himself, the Vithkuqi script. Veqilharxhi is one of the ...

* Fatmir Agalliu * Androkli Kostallari * Eqrem Çabej *

Martin Camaj Martin Camaj (21 July 1925 – 12 March 1992) was an Albanian folklorist, linguist, and writer. He is regarded as one of the major authors of modern Albanian prose. His novel ''Rrathë'' is considered to be the first psychological novel written ...

Shaban Demiraj Shaban Demiraj (1920–2014) was an Albanian albanologist, linguist, professor at the University of Tirana from 1972–1990, and chairman of the Academy of Sciences of Albania during the period of 1993-1997. Life Demiraj was born on 1 January ...

Mahir Domi Mahir Domi (1915–2000) was an Albanian linguist, professor, and academic. He was one of the organizers and main participants of the Albanian Orthography Congress, and member of the follow up commission responsible for deploying the orthograp ...

Tahir Dizdari Tahir Nasuf Dizdari (15 November 1900 – 9 May 1972) was an Albanian orientalist, folklorist, and scholar. He was the main orientalist in Albania, and contributed in identifying and studying oriental words borrowed from Albanian. Life Dizd ...

Sami Frashëri Sami bey Frashëri ( tr, Şemseddin Sami Bey; June 1, 1850 – June 18, 1904) or Şemseddin Sâmi was an Ottoman Albanian writer, philosopher, playwright and a p ...

* Karl Gurakuqi * Androkli Kostallari *

Mirela Kumbaro Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi (born 4 March 1966 in Tirana, Albania), is an Albanian politician who is serving as the Minister of Tourism and Environment since 18 September 2021. Previously she has served as the Minister of Culture of Albania. She has ...

Henrik Lacaj Henrik Lacaj (1909–1991) was an Albanian humanitarian, linguist, and translator. He authored textbooks, plays, and various studies on historical figures such as Scanderbeg and Luigj Gurakuqi, but in Albania Albania ( ; sq, Shqipëri or ), ...

* Ndoc Nikaj *

* Namik Resuli *

Parashqevi Qiriazi Parashqevi Qiriazi, also known as Paraskevi D. Kyrias (2 June 1880 – 17 December 1970) was an Albanian teacher of the Kyrias family who dedicated her life to the Albanian alphabet and to the instruction of written Albanian language. She was a ...

Sevasti Qiriazi Sevasti Qiriazi-Dako (Sevasti D. Kyrias) (ca. 1871–1949) was an Albanian patriot, educator, Protestant missionary, author, pioneer of Albanian female education, and activist of the Albanian National Awakening. Early Life Sevasti was born ca. 1 ...

* Namik Resuli *

Selman Riza Selman Riza (1909–1988) was an Albanian linguist and Albanologist. Riza was one of the founding members of the Albanological Institute of Pristina in 1953. Early life Selman Riza was born in Yakova (now Gjakova), Ottoman Empire on 21 Decemb ...

* Jan Evstrat Vithkuqari * Petro Zheji

Rulers

{{main, List of Albanian monarchs {{see also, List of heads of state of Albania Ismail Qemali (portrait)

(1405–1468){{spaced ndash 15th-century Albanian lord; "Hero of Christianism"; initiated and organized the League of Lezhë, which proclaimed him Chief of the League of the Albanian people

Politicians and diplomats

{{see also, List of Albanian politicians Besiana Kadare at UN

Ramiz Alia Ramiz Tafë Alia (; 18 October 1925 – 7 October 2011) was an Albanian politician serving as the second and last leader of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania from 1985 to 1991, serving as First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Alban ...

(1925-2011) * Taulant Balla (born 1977) *

Sali Berisha Sali Ram Berisha (; born 15 October 1944) is an Albanian conservative politician and former cardiologist who served as the second President of Albania from 1992 to 1997 and Prime Minister from 2005 to 2013. He is also the current chairman of ...

(born 1944) * Enver Hoxha (1908-1985) *

Besiana Kadare Besiana Kadare is an Albanian diplomat. She served as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations, a Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly for its 75th session, and ...

(born 1973) * Ravesa Lleshi (born 1976) * Ilir Meta (born 1969) *

Fatos Nano Fatos Nano (; born 16 September 1952) is an Albanian socialist politician who served as Prime Minister of Albania in 1991, from 1997 to 1998 and from 2002 to 2005. He was the first leader and founder of the Socialist Party of Albania and a member ...

(born 1952) * Agim Nesho (born 1956) *

Ismail Qemali Ismail Qemal bey Vlora, mostly known as Ismail Qemali (; 16 January 184426 January 1919), was an Albanian diplomat, politician, rilindas, statesman and the Founding Father of modern Albania, and one of the most famous Southern Albanian perso ...

(1844-1919) *

Edi Rama Edi Rama (born Edvin Kristaq Rama, 4 July 1964) is an Albanian politician, painter, writer, former university lecturer, publicist and former basketball player, who has served as the 33rd and current Prime Minister of Albania since 2013 and chair ...

(born 1964) *

Ibrahim Rugova Ibrahim Rugova (; 2 December 1944 – 21 January 2006) was a prominent Kosovo Albanian political leader, scholar, and writer, who served as the President of the partially recognised Republic of Kosova, serving from 1992 to 2000 and as President ...

(1944-2006) *

Mehmet Shehu Mehmet Ismail Shehu (January 10, 1913 – December 18, 1981) was an Albanian communist politician who served as the 23rd Prime Minister of Albania from 1954 to 1981. As an acknowledged military tactician, without whose leadership the communist p ...

(1913-1981) *

Hashim Thaçi Hashim Thaçi (; born 24 April 1968) is a Kosovar Albanian politician who was the president of Kosovo from April 2016 until his resignation on 5 November 2020 to face a war crimes tribunal. He was the first prime minister of Kosovo and the For ...

(born 1968) * Esad Toptani (died 1920) * Ahmet Zogu (1895-1961)

Visual arts

Multimedia artists

* Ilia Xhokaxhi (1948–2007) {{spaced ndash scenographer *

Saimir Strati Saimir Strati (born 1966) is an Albanian mosaic artist. Strati was born in Tirana, Albania. He began his career doing restorations in Albania to several mosaics at the archeological sites of Byllis, Amantia and Apollonia. He is a member of the ...

(born 1966) {{spaced ndash multi-media artist, achieved six

Guinness World Records ''Guinness World Records'', known from its inception in 1955 until 1999 as ''The Guinness Book of Records'' and in previous United States editions as ''The Guinness Book of World Records'', is a reference book published annually, listing world ...

Anri Sala Anri Sala (born 1974) is an Albanian contemporary artist whose primary medium is video. Life and career Sala studied art at the Albanian Academy of Arts from 1992 to 1996. He also studied video at the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs, Pari ...

(born 1974) – contemporary artist * Burim Myftiu (born 1961) – contemporary photographer

Architects

{{see also, Albanian architects {{div col, colwidth= * Andrea Alessi (1425–1505) – architect, painter and sculptor *

Sedefkar Mehmed Agha Sedefkar Mehmed Agha Biçakçiu or Sedefqar Mehmeti of Elbasan (Modern Turkish: ''Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa'', about 1540–1617) is recorded as the Ottoman architect of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the "Blue Mosque") in Istanbul. Biography Mehmed Agh ...

(1540–1617) – chief architect of the

Sultan Ahmed Mosque The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, also known by its official name, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque ( tr, Sultan Ahmet Camii), is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. A functioning mosque, it also attracts large numbers ...

. * Architect Kasemi (1570–1659) {{spaced ndash master of Ottoman classical architecture *

Carl Ritter von Ghega Karl Ritter von Ghega or Karl von Ghega (10 January 1802 – 14 March 1860) was an Austrian nobleman and the designer of the Semmering Railway from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag. During his time, he was the most prominent of Austrian-Albanian rail ...

(1802–1860) – engineer and designer of railways * Qemal Butka (1907–1997) {{spaced ndash architect, painter, politician and postage stamps engraver *

Enver Faja Enver Faja (April 6, 1934 – October 5, 2011) was an Albanian architect and diplomat. Faja served as the Ambassador of Albania to Poland from 1992 to 1996. Artan Shkrell, the head of Albania's Architects Association, called Faja, whose care ...

(1992–1996) {{spaced ndash architect and diplomat * Valentina Pistoli (1928–1993) {{spaced ndash architect {{div col end

Painters

{{see also, List of Albanian painters {{columns-list, colwidth=15em, * Marco Basaiti (c. 1470–1530) –

Renaissance The Renaissance ( , ) , from , with the same meanings. is a period in European history The history of Europe is traditionally divided into four time periods: prehistoric Europe (prior to about 800 BC), classical antiquity (800 BC to AD ...

painter *

Onufri Onufri Argitis or Onoufrios of Neokastro or Onoufrios Argytes ( el, Ονούφριος) was a 16th century painter of Orthodox icons and Archpriest of Elbasan, active in the 16th century in modern-day southern Albania and in the south-western re ...

(16th century) {{spaced ndash Orthodox icon painter and Archpriest of

Elbasan Elbasan ( ; sq-definite, Elbasani ) is the fourth most populous city of Albania and seat of Elbasan County and Elbasan Municipality. It lies to the north of the river Shkumbin between the Skanderbeg Mountains and the Myzeqe Plain in central ...

David Selenica David Selenica (; 17th century18th century), also commonly known as Selenicasi, was an Albanians, Albanian Orthodox icon and fresco painter of the Post-Byzantine art, Post-Byzantine period in the seventeenth century. He is regarded as one of the ...

(17th century) {{spaced ndash painter of the late 17th and the early 18th century *

Kostandin Shpataraku Kostandin Shpataraku (; 17361767), also commonly known as Shpataraku, was an Albanian Orthodox icon and fresco painter of the Post-Byzantine period in the eighteenth century. He continued to combine Byzantine tradition with influences from the ...

(1736–1767) – Orthodox

icon An icon () is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, in the cultures of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Catholic churches. They are not simply artworks; "an icon is a sacred image used in religious devotion". The most ...

and fresco painter of the Post-Byzantine period in the eighteenth century. * Zografi Brothers (18th century) – painters of post-Byzantine icon art *

Kolë Idromeno Nikoll Idromeno (; 15 August 186012 December 1939), better known as Kolë Idromeno, was an Albanian painter, sculptor, architect, photographer, cinematographer, composer and engineer during the Albanian Renaissance in the nineteenth century. H ...

(1860–1939) {{spaced ndash painter, sculptor, photographer, architect and engineer * Sadri Ahmeti (1939–2010) {{spaced ndash painter and poet * Sabri Berkel (1907–1993) {{spaced ndash modernist painter *

Abdurrahim Buza Abdurrahim Buza (22 December 1905–7 November 1986) was an Albanian painter. Education He was born on December 22, 1905, in Skopje, Ottoman Empire (present-day North Macedonia) in a family from Gjakova. He lost his parents at the age of nine ...

(1905–1986) {{spaced ndash painter * Xhovalin Delia (born 1959) {{spaced ndash painter, publicist and film director *

Abdullah Gërguri Abdullah Gërguri (1931–1994) was a Kosovo Albanian artist in restoration and conservation of the icons and frescoes. Early Work & Training Gërguri was born in the village Sibofc near Podujevo, in southern Kingdom of Yugoslavia, present-day ...

(1931–1994) {{spaced ndash artist in restoration and conservation of icons and frescoes *

Helidon Gjergji Helidon Gjergji (born 1970 in Shkodër, Albania) is a contemporary artist who works in various media. Life Helidon Gjergji was born in Shkodër and raised in Tirana, Albania, where he studied art and earned a BFA from the Academy of Arts in Tir ...

{{spaced ndash contemporary artist * Fatmir Haxhiu (1927–2001) {{spaced ndash painter * Omer Kaleshi (born 1932) {{spaced ndash painter * Adem Kastrati (1933-2000) {{spaced ndash painter *

Ibrahim Kodra Ibrahim Likmetaj Kodra (22 April 1918 – 7 February 2006) was an Albanian painter. Biography Kodra was born in Ishëm (Ishmi), Albania, son of Murat and Xhixhe.Zef Kolombi (1907–1949) {{spaced ndash painter * Nexhmedin Zajmi (1916–1991) *

Andrea Kushi Andrea Kushi (1884–1959) was an Albanian painter. He was one of the most important representatives of the elder generation of Albanian painters. Life and work Kushi was born 1885 in Shkodër, where he spent his childhood and received first ...

(1884–1959) {{spaced ndash painter * Gazmend Leka (born 1953) {{spaced ndash painter, artistic director and scholar * Ndoc Martini (1880–1916) {{spaced ndash painter *

Vangjush Mio Vangjush Mio (3 March 1891 – 30 December 1957) was an Albanian impressionist painter. He was the brother of the Albanian film director and actor Sokrat Mio. Life and work Mio was born on 3 March 1891 in Korçë, Albania. In 1908 due to econ ...

(1891–1957) {{spaced ndash painter * George Pali (born 1957) {{spaced ndash painter, contemporary visual artist *

Chatin Sarachi Chatin Sarachi (born Paskal Saraçi; 1899–1974), was an Albanian painter and politician. Chatin was born in a well-known family of trading traditions, in Shkodër, Albania. He was brought up with an occidental mentality in an environment of Euro ...

(1899–1974) {{spaced ndash painter and politician * Zef Shoshi (born 1939) {{spaced ndash painter * Arthur Tashko (1901–1994) {{spaced ndash modern painter, lawyer and musician * Esat Valla (born 1944) {{spaced ndash painter *

Eltjon Valle Eltjon Valle (born 1984 in Qyteti Stalin, Albania), is an artist. He lives and works in Milan. Life and career Since the early 2000s when he moved to study art, at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera. He finished his bachelor's degree in 2007, ...

(born 1984) {{spaced ndash painter * Agim Zajmi (1936–2013) {{spaced ndash painter

Cartoonists and illustrators

Ali Dino Ali Dino ( el, Αλή Ντίνο), also known as Ali Dino Bey ( sq, Ali Bej Dino; el, Αλή Ντίνο Μπέης, 1890–1938) was an Albanian cartoonist and a Member of the Greek Parliament. Biography Dino was born in Chios, in the Vilayet of ...

(1889–1938) {{spaced ndash cartoonist * Shyqri Nimani (born 1941) {{spaced ndash graphic designer * Agim Sulaj (born 1960) {{spaced ndash illustrator and cartoonist

Sculptors

{{see also, Albanian sculptors {{div col * Dhimitër Çani (1904–1990) *

Agim Çavdarbasha Agim Çavdarbasha ( sh, Agim Čavdarbaša, Агим Чавдарбаша) (24 March 1944 – 20 October 1999) was a Kosovo Albanian sculptor. Çavdarbasha was a major influence on contemporary sculpture in Kosovo. Born in Peć, Democratic Fe ...

(1944–1999) * Sadik Kaceli (1914–2000) *

Kristina Koljaka Kristina Koljaka (Hoshi) (6 June 1915 – 21 October 2005) was an Albanian sculptor and one of the first women to achieve success in sculpture in Albania. Early life Kristina Koljaka was born on June 6, 1915, in the city of Kavajë, west-centra ...

(1916–2005) * Genc Mulliqi (born 1966) *

Vasiliev Nini Vasiliev Nini (born 1954 in Gjirokastra, Albania) is an Albanian-born American sculptor who lives in Columbus, Ohio. In 1979, he graduated with distinction from the Academy of Arts, Branch of Monumental Sculpture, in Tirana, Albania. Since 2 J ...

(born 1954) *

Janaq Paço Janaq Paço (14 March 1914,Odhise Paskali Odhise Paskali (22 December 1903 – 13 September 1985) is one of the most acclaimed Albanian sculptors. For his contribution, he was awarded the People's Artist of Albania award. Early life Paskali was born in 1903 in Përmet, Ottoman Empire. ...

(1903–1985) *

Ardian Pepa Ardian Pepa (born 2 March 1977, in Fushë-Arrëz) is an Albanian sculptor and painter. He graduated with a degree in sculpture from Tirana's Academy of Arts in 2001. Work Experience and Exhibitions * Participant in the Contemporary Art Fair at ...

(born 1977) * Agim Rada (born 1953) *

Kristaq Rama Kristaq Rama (193230 July 1998) was an Albanian sculptor, art educator and a member of the Communist Party in Albania under Enver Hoxha's rule. He was the father of current Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Early life and education He was bor ...

(1932–1998) * Murad Toptani (1867–1918) * Sislej Xhafa (born 1970) *

Helidon Xhixha Helidon Xhixha is a contemporary artist born in Durrës, Albania, in December 1970. Xhixha is known for his stainless steel sculptures, which is often fused with other mediums such as marble or brass. Early life and education Born into a family ...

(born 1970) {{div col end

Photographers

{{see also, List of Albanian photographers Kel Marubi (self portrait)

{{div col, colwidth=2 *

Fadil Berisha Fadil Berisha is an Albanian-American fashion photographer living in New York City. He was once the official photographer for Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Rolex Rolex SA () is a British-founded Swiss watch designer and manufacturer based in ...

(born 1973) {{spaced ndash official photographer for

Miss Universe Miss Universe is an annual international beauty pageant that is run by a United States and Thailand based Miss Universe Organization.Natalie Tadena (July 2, 2015"Donald Trump's Miss USA Pageant Lands on Reelz Cable Channel". ''The Wall Stre ...

Miss USA Miss USA is an American beauty pageant that has been held annually since 1952 to select the entrant from United States in the Miss Universe pageant. The Miss Universe Organization operated both pageants, as well as Miss Teen USA, until 2020, ...

and

Rolex Rolex SA () is a British-founded Swiss watch designer and manufacturer based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1905 as ''Wilsdorf and Davis'' by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, the company registered ''Rolex'' as the brand name of ...

* Emin Kadi{{spaced ndash fashion photographer, journalist, art director and magazine publisher *

Gegë Marubi Geg Marubi (9 May 1907 – 28 May 1984) was an Albanian photographer and son of Kel Marubi. He was the last photographer of his family and is regarded as one of the most prominent Balkan photographers of his generation. Life Born in 1907 i ...

(1907–1984) {{spaced ndash photographer *

Kel Marubi Kel Kodheli (better known as Kel Marubi) (1870–13 March 1940) was an Albanian photographer. He was the father of Geg Marubi. Life Kel Kodheli began his study of photography at the age of 15. During the 1920s, he studied in Lyon at the first ...

(1870–1940) {{spaced ndash photographer *

Gjon Mili Gjon Mili (November 28, 1904 – February 14, 1984) was an Albanian photographer from Korçë who developed his profession in America, best known for his work published in ''Life'', in which he photographed artists such as Pablo Picasso. Biogr ...

(1904–1984) {{spaced ndash photographer known for his work published in ''Life Magazine'' * Burim Myftiu (born 1961) {{spaced ndash photographer * Kristo Sulidhi (1858–1938) {{spaced ndash photographer and writer * George Tames (1919–1994){{spaced ndash photographer for ''

The New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''the Times'', ''NYT'', or the Gray Lady) is a daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership reported in 2020 to comprise a declining 840,000 paid print subscribers, and a growing 6 million paid d ...

'' * Mimoza Veliu (born 1979) {{spaced ndash photographer {{div col end

Performing arts

Actors and actresses

{{main, List of Albanian actors Alexander Moissi by Nicola Perscheid

{{columns-list, colwidth=15em, * Melihate Ajeti (1935–2005) *

Arben Bajraktaraj Arben Bajraktaraj (born 29 January 1973) is a Kosovan-born French actor. Bajraktaraj has starred in numerous French films but also in roles in international movies, such as ''Eden Log'' and ''Sex Traffic''. He has frequently portrayed crime syndica ...

(born 1973){{spaced ndash actor, best known for his role as the

Death Eater The Death Eaters are characters featured in the ''Harry Potter'' series of novels and films. They are a radical group of wizards and witches, led by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who seek to purify the wizarding community by eliminating wiza ...

Antonin Dolohov in the '' Harry Potter'' films *

Faruk Begolli Faruk Begolli (14 February 1944 – 23 August 2007), was a prominent Kosovo Albanian actor.Historical Dictionary of Kosovo, Robert Elsie, Second Edition, Scarecrow Press Inc. 2011, He attended high school in Pristina and graduated from the Acade ...

(1944–2007) *

James Belushi James Adam Belushi (; born June 15, 1954) is an American actor. He is best known for the role of Jim on the sitcom ''According to Jim'' (2001–2009). His other television roles include ''Saturday Night Live'' (1983–1985), '' Total Security'' ...

(born 1954) {{spaced ndash American actor; of Albanian descent; brother of John Belushi *

John Belushi John Adam Belushi (January 24, 1949 – March 5, 1982) was an American comedian, actor, and musician, best known for being one of the seven original cast members of the NBC sketch comedy show ''Saturday Night Live'' (''SNL''). Throughout his c ...

(1949–1982) {{spaced ndash American comedian, actor, and musician; one of the original cast members of ''

Saturday Night Live ''Saturday Night Live'' (often abbreviated to ''SNL'') is an American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Dick Ebersol that airs on NBC and Peacock (streaming service), Peacock. ...

''; also known for 1978 film ''

Animal House ''National Lampoon's Animal House'' is a 1978 American comedy film directed by John Landis and written by Harold Ramis, Douglas Kenney and Chris Miller. It stars John Belushi, Peter Riegert, Tim Matheson, John Vernon, Verna Bloom, Thomas Hu ...

'' and as one of

The Blues Brothers The Blues Brothers are an American blues and soul revivalist band founded in 1978 by comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as part of a musical sketch on ''Saturday Night Live''. Belushi and Aykroyd fronted the band, in character, respecti ...

;{{cite book, last1=Browne, first1=Ray Broadus, last2=Browne, first2=Pat, title=The Guide to United States Popular Culture, url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U3rJxPYT32MC&pg=PA78, access-date=10 September 2014, year=2001, publisher=Popular Press, isbn=9780879728212, pages=78– of Albanian descent * James Biberi (born 1965) *

Luli Bitri Luljeta Bitri (born June 27, 1976), better known by her stage name Luli Bitri, is an Albanian actress, voice actress, director, and producer. Early life Luli Bitri was born in Lushnjë, Albania and grew up in Tirana. She began to study medicine, ...

(born 1976) *

Cecilia Bolocco Cecilia Carolina Bolocco Fonck (born May 19, 1965) is a Chilean actress, TV host, and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Universo Chile 1987 and Miss Universe 1987. Bolocco has worked as a journalist on the Spanish language edition of CNN, on ...

(born 1965) {{spaced ndash Chilean actress, TV host and beauty queen; Miss Universo Chile 1987 and Miss Universe 1987; of Albanian descent * Rajmonda Bulku (born 1965) *

Gedeon Burkhard Gedeon Burkhard (born 3 July 1969) is a German film and television actor. Although he has appeared in numerous films and TV series in both Europe and the US, he is probably best recognised for his role as Alexander Brandtner in the Austrian/German ...

(born 1958) *

Tracee Chimo Tracee Chimo Pallero is an American stage, television and film actress who became an arts critic favorite after her 2012 breakout role as Daphna Feygenbaum, the antagonist in Joshua Harmon’s hit dark comedy ''Bad Jews''. In 2018 she married C ...

{{spaced ndash has Albanian ancestry * Melpomeni Çobani (born 1928) *

Pjetër Gjoka Pjetër Gjoka (3 August 1912 – 12 May 1982) was an Albanian film and theatre actor. He started his theatre activity with the amateur groups in Shkodër in 1929. In 1947 he started to work as a full-time actor in the National Theater of Alban ...

(1912–1982) *

Blerim Destani Blerim Destani is an Albanian Macedonian actor and producer. He is best known for his roles in ''Time of the Comet'' and ''Dossier K.'' Biography Destani was born in Stolberg near Aachen, West Germany. He spent his childhood in Tetovo, Tetovo ...

{{spaced ndash actor and producer; best known for his roles in ''

Time of the Comet ''Time of the Comet'' ( sq, Koha e Kometës) is a 2008 Albanian historical drama/black comedy film adapted from the 1985 novel by Albanian author Ismail Kadare titled ''Black Year'' ( sq, Viti i Mbrapshtë). The film was directed by Fatmir Koçi, ...

'' and '' Dossier K.'' * Besim Dina (born 1971) * Arta Dobroshi (born 1980) {{spaced ndash first Kosovar actress to walk the red carpet at the

Cannes Film Festival The Cannes Festival (; french: link=no, Festival de Cannes), until 2003 called the International Film Festival (') and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films o ...

,{{Cite news, url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1881652,00.html, archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321082926/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1881652,00.html, url-status=dead, archive-date=21 March 2009, title=Kosovo to Cannes: Arta Dobroshi's Journey to The Silence of Lorna, last=Kirchner, first=Stephanie, date=2 March 2009, publisher=Time Magazine, access-date=2012-04-20 the

Berlin International Film Festival The Berlin International Film Festival (german: Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin), usually called the Berlinale (), is a major international film festival held annually in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1951 and originally run in June, the fest ...

and the Sundance Film Festival,{{Cite news, url=http://www.newkosovareport.com/201101192253/Culture-and-Sports/arta-dobroshi-competes-at-sundance-film-festival.html, title=Arta Dobroshi Competes at Sundance Film Festival, author=Koha, date=19 January 2011, publisher=New Kosova Report, access-date=2012-04-20, archive-date=1 April 2012, archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401151554/http://www.newkosovareport.com/201101192253/Culture-and-Sports/arta-dobroshi-competes-at-sundance-film-festival.html, url-status=dead and to be nominated for the

European Film Award The European Film Awards (or European Film Academy Awards) have been presented annually since 1988 by the European Film Academy to recognize excellence in European cinematic achievements. The awards are given in 19 categories, of which the mo ...

Eliza Dushku Eliza Patricia Dushku (; born December 30, 1980) is an American actress. She is best known for starring as Faith in the supernatural drama series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' (1998–2003) and its spin-off series ''Angel'' (2000–2003). She als ...

(born 1980) {{spaced ndash of Albanian descent * Halit Ergenç (born 1970) {{spaced ndash Turkish actor; mother of Albanian descent *

Bekim Fehmiu Bekim Fehmiu (; ; 1 June 1936 – 15 June 2010) was a Yugoslavian theater and film actor of Albanian ethnicity. He was the first Eastern European actor to star in Hollywood during the Cold War. Biography Early life Fehmiu was born in S ...

(1936–2010) {{spaced ndash

n theater and film actor of Albanian ethnicity;{{cite web, url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/society-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=06&dd=16&nav_id=67839, title=Veteran actor dies, date=16 June 2010, access-date=28 June 2010, url-status=dead, archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607011258/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/society-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=06&dd=16&nav_id=67839, archive-date=7 June 2011, df=dmy-all first

Eastern European Eastern Europe is a subregion of the European continent. As a largely ambiguous term, it has a wide range of geopolitical, geographical, ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic connotations. The vast majority of the region is covered by Russia, whi ...

actor to star in Hollywood during the Cold War{{cite news, url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/film-obituaries/7877965/Bekim-Fehmiu.html, title=Film Obituaries: Bekim Fehmiu, date=16 June 2010, access-date=4 February 2011, location=London, work=The Daily Telegraph, archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110124001540/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/film-obituaries/7877965/Bekim-Fehmiu.html, archive-date= 24 January 2011 , url-status= live * Victor Gojcaj (born 1983) *

Ana Golja Muazana "Ana" Golja is a Canadian actress and singer. She is known for playing Zoë Rivas in the teen dramas '' Degrassi: Next Class'' and '' Degrassi: The Next Generation'' and Ariana Berlin in the TV movie ''Full Out''. Career Golja began h ...

(born 1996) {{spaced ndash Canadian actress and singer of Albanian descent, best known for playing Zoë Rivas in the teen drama '' Degrassi: Next Class'' and Ariana Berlin in the TV movie ''

Full Out ''Full Out'', also known as ''Full Out: The Ariana Berlin Movie'', is a 2015 drama young-adult TV movie directed by Sean Cisterna based on the life story of American gymnast Gymnastics is a type of sport that includes physical exercises requi ...

'' * Katarina Josipi (1923–1969) * Agim Kaba (born 1980) {{spaced ndash American actor, artist and filmmaker of Albanian descent; best known for his role of Aaron Snyder on ''

As the World Turns ''As the World Turns'' (often abbreviated as ''ATWT'') is an American television soap opera that aired on CBS for 54 years from April 2, 1956, to September 17, 2010. Irna Phillips created ''As the World Turns'' as a sister show to her other s ...

'' * Mirush Kabashi (born 1948) * Florina Kaja (born 1982) * Flonja Kodheli * Tinka Kurti (born 1932) * Marie Logoreci (1920–1988) *

Jon Lolis Jon or Leonidas Lolis is an Albanian/Greek actor who is most noted for his role of Aleksander Malota in British Channel 4 soap ''Hollyoaks''. He played the estranged husband of Jacqui McQueen who fell in love with her younger sister Carmel. Jo ...

* Ndrek Luca (1927–1995) * Masiela Lusha (born 1985) {{spaced ndash Albanian-American actress, author, producer and humanitarian; played Carmen Consuela Lopez on the globally syndicated

ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...

sitcom ''

George Lopez George Edward Lopez (born April 23, 1961) is an American comedian and actor. He is known for starring in his self-produced ABC sitcom. His stand-up comedy examines race and ethnic relations, including Mexican American culture. Lopez has rece ...

'' * Pjetër Malota (born 1959) {{spaced ndash best known for his appearances in films starring

Jean-Claude Van Damme Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg (, ; born 18 October 1960), known professionally as Jean-Claude Van Damme (, ), is a Belgian actor, martial artist, filmmaker, and fight choreographer. Born and raised in Brussels, Belgium, at the ag ...

; has over 40 years Tae Lwon Do/Hapkido experience * Violeta Manushi (1926–2007) *

Alexander Moissi Alexander is a male given name. The most prominent bearer of the name is Alexander the Great, the king of the Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia who created one of the largest empires in ancient history. Variants listed here are Aleksandar, Al ...

(1879–1935){{cite book, last=Elsie, first=Robert, date=19 March 2010, title=Historical Dictionary of Albania, url=https://books.google.com/books?id=haFlGXIg8uoC&q=%22MOISSI,+ALEXANDER+(2+April+1879–22+March+1935).+Actor.+Alexander+Moissi,+known+in+Albanian+as+Aleksander+Moisiu,+was+born+in+Trieste,+then+part+of+Austria–Hungary,+of+an+Albanian+father+from+Kavaja+and+an+Arberesh+mother.%22&pg=PA309, publisher=Scarecrow Press, page=309, isbn=978-0-8108-6188-6, access-date=1 November 2013 {{spaced ndash stage actor *

Yllka Mujo Yllka Mujo (born 15 October 1953) is an Albanian actress, especially known for her roles in Albanian movies during the communist regime. For her acting merits she was given the title Merited Artist of Albania. Life Yllka Muji (or Mujo) comes ...

(born 1953) *

Robert Ndrenika Robert Ndrenika (born 10 January 1942) is an Albanian actor and former politician. He was honored with the People's Artist of Albania award in 1988. He was active in films, but also in theater and television performing hundreds of leading and Su ...

(born 1942) * Antoneta Papapavli (1938–2013) * Drita Pelingu (1926–2013) * Enver Petrovci (born 1954) * Sulejman Pitarka (1924–2007) *

Sandër Prosi Aleksander "Sandër" Prosi (6 January 1920 – 24 March 1985; rup, Sandãr Prosi) was an Albanian film and theater actor and violin player. He was given the People's Artist of Albania award by the Albanian government. He is considered one of th ...

(1920–1985) *

Kadri Roshi Kadri Roshi (4 January 1924 – 6 February 2007) was an Albanian actor. He was named a People's Artist of Albania The People's Artist () was an honorary title for outstanding art performers of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania, whose ...

(1924–2007) * Skënder Sallaku (1935–2014) * Laert Vasili (born 1974) *

Liza Vorfi Liza Vorfi (29 November 1924 – 29 January 2011) was an Albanian actress. She played in movies and theaters in supporting role as well as Countess Dizeta in ''The Return of the Dead Army.'' Biography In 1932, Vorfi's family moved to Tirana, Alb ...

(1924–2011) *

Albert Vërria Albert Vërria (Fier, 3 September 1936 – Vlorë, 17 August 2015) was an Albanian actor. He was a Merited Artist of Albania. He completed his primary and secondary school in his hometown. In 1963 he completed the high school for actor "Alexan ...

(1936–2015) *

Nik Xhelilaj Kreshnik Xhelilaj (born 5 March 1983) known professionally as Nik Xhelilaj, is an Albanian actor. He began his international career with the movie The Sorrow of Mrs. Schneider, directed by Piro Milkani and Eno Milkani and was the leading actor ...

(born 1983){{cite web, url=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nik-Xhelilaj-Fan-Page/165747556778328?v=info, title=Nik Xhelilaj Fan Page, website=Facebook.com, access-date=2017-07-12 {{spaced ndash film and stage actor; has won several "Best Actor" Awards in various international film festivalsGazeta Albania – Filmi "Shqiptari" pushton Festivalin e Gjenevës (in Albanian) , 9 November 2010 * Margarita Xhepa (born 1932)

Comedians and satirists

* Spiro Çomora (1918–1973) * Besim Dina (born 1971) * Zyrafete Gashi (1955–2013)

Film and television directors

{{see also, Albanian film directors, Albanian television directors, Albanian theatre directors {{columns-list, colwidth=15em, * Dhimitër Anagnosti (born 1936) *

Besnik Bisha Besnik Bisha (born 1958) is an Albanian film director and actor. He has directed five films since 1988. His 2007 film '' Mao Tse Tung'' was entered into the 30th Moscow International Film Festival The 30th Moscow International Film Festival ...

(born 1958) * Kujtim Çashku (born 1950) * Arian Çuliqi (born 1960) * Kristaq Dhamo (born 1933) *

Stan Dragoti Stanley John Dragoti (October 4, 1932 – July 13, 2018) was an American film director whose work includes the comedies ''Mr. Mom'' and '' Love at First Bite''. Life Dragoti was born in New York City to Albanian parents, both having emigr ...

(1932–2018) * Shqipe N. Duka (born 1980) * Gëzim Erebara (1929–2007) * Kujtim Gjonaj (born 1946) *

Hysen Hakani Hysen Hakani (July 28, 1932 – February 7, 2011) was an Albanian film director and screenwriter. Hakani is credited with directing Albania's first short film, ''Fëmijët e saj'', which was released in 1957. Hakani died on February 7, 2011, at the ...

(1932–2011) * Xhanfise Keko (1928–2007) * Saim Kokona (born 1934) *

Saimir Kumbaro Saimir Kumbaro (born 5 May 1945 in Tirana) is a retired Albanian film director of the 1980s. He worked in "Kinostudio Shqiperia e Re" as a director since 1970. He initially appeared as an actor in Njësiti guerril in 1969 but his first film was ' ...

(born 1945) *

Gjergj Xhuvani Gjergj Xhuvani (20 December 1963 – 14 August 2019) was an Albanian film director, screenwriter and producer. His 2001 film ''Slogans'' was Albania's submission to the 74th Academy Awards for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, b ...

(born 1963) * Ibrahim Muçaj (1944–2010) * Kristaq Mitro (born 1948) * Andamion Murataj (born 1970) * Leon Qafzezi (born 1953) * Isa Qosja (born 1949) * Shaqir Veseli (born 1957)

Dancers and choreographers

{{div col * Esdalin Gorani {{spaced ndash ballet dancer *

Tringa Hysa Tringa Hysa (, born 8 January 1996 in Pristina, Kosovo) is a Kosovo-Albanian ballet dancer. In 2011, she represented Kosovo in the Eurovision Young Dancers, held in Oslo, Norway. Her dancing experience started in 2005 when she became a part of "S ...

{{spaced ndash ballet dancer * Ilir Kerni {{spaced ndash ballet dancer * Spartak Hoxha {{spaced ndash ballet dancer * Kledi Kadiu {{spaced ndash dancer on the popular talent show ''Amici di Maria De Filippi''; starred in ''Passa a Due'' in 2005 *

Altin Kaftira Altin Kaftira (born 1972 in Albania) is a former danseur with the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He danced with the Ballet from 1995 on, and from 2000 to 2007 was the Ballet's principal dancer (working with choreographers such as ...

{{spaced ndash ballet dancer * Eno Peçi {{spaced ndash ballet dancer * Enkel Zhuti {{spaced ndash ballet dancer *

Tony Dovolani Driton Dovolani (born July 17, 1973), commonly known as Tony Dovolani is an Albanian-American professional ballroom dancer, instructor and judge. He is known for his involvement in the American version of ''Dancing with the Stars'' on ABC. Dovola ...

(born 1973){{cite web, url = http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/tony-dovolani/bio/216588/ , title= Tony Dovolani , publisher= TVGuide.com , access-date= 29 September 2015, archive-date=7 September 2015, archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907181746/http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/tony-dovolani/bio/216588/ , url-status=live {{spaced ndash Albanian-American professional

ballroom dancer Ballroom dance is a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world, mostly because of its performance and entertainment aspects. Ballroom dancing is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television ...

, instructor and judge; known for his involvement in the American version of '' Dancing with the Stars''; appeared in '' Shall We Dance?''; spent time coaching actress Jennifer Lopez *

Angelin Preljocaj Angelin Preljocaj (; born 19 January 1957) is a French dancer and choreographer of contemporary dance. Early life Angelin Preljocaj was born in 1957 in Sucy-en-Brie, France. He is of Albanian descent. Career His choreographic work is steeped ...

(born 1957) {{spaced ndash choreographer of contemporary dance * Ferbent Shehu {{spaced ndash dancer and choreographer {{div col end

Models and beauty pageant participants

{{columns-list, colwidth=15em, *

Erbi Ago Erbi Ago (born 8 March 1990) is an Albanian entrepreneur, legal professional, actor, and academic. Ago was born in Tirana, Albania. Leaving home at the age of 15, he has lived in Bulgaria and the United Kingdom. He was first discovered in Sofia, ...

(born 1990){{spaced ndash model and actor *

Diana Avdiu Diana Avdiu (born 11 June 1993 in Mitrovica, Kosovo) is a Kosovan model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Kosovo 2012. She began her career as a model when she was 15 years old and has been featured on the covers of le ...

{{spaced ndash model;

Miss Universe 2012 Miss Universe 2012 was the 61st Miss Universe pageant, held at the PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on December 19, 2012. At the end of the event, Leila Lopes of Angola crowned Olivia Culpo of t ...

Photogenic and top 16 finalist * Yllka Berisha{{spaced ndash beauty queen *

Ledina Çelo Ledina Çelo (born 9 February 1977) is an Albanian singer and model. She is best known for representing Albania at the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, after winning the 43rd edition of Festivali i Këngës. Life 2003–present In ...

{{spaced ndash model and singer *

Claudia Conserva Claudia Marcela Conserva Pérez (born 12 January 1974, Santiago) is a Chile Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in the western part of South America. It is the southernmost country in the world, and the closest to Ant ...

{{spaced ndash Chilean actress, model and television presenter; of Italian-Albanian (

) descent * Emina Cunmulaj{{spaced ndash Albanian-American high-fashion model in the United States *

Marigona Dragusha Marigona Dragusha (born 23 September 1990), also known as Gona Dragusha, is a Kosovar model and beauty queen who placed as the 2nd runner-up at the Miss Universe 2009 pageant. Dragusha won her national title, Miss Universe Kosovo, on 4 April 2009 ...

, also known as Gona Dragusha (born 1990){{spaced ndash model; pageant titleholder from Kosovo; placed as second runner-up at the

Miss Universe 2009 Miss Universe 2009 was the 58th Miss Universe pageant, held at the Imperial Ballroom in Atlantis Paradise Island, Nassau, The Bahamas on August 23, 2009. At the end of the event, Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela crowned Stefanía Fernández of V ...

pageant * Afërdita Dreshaj{{spaced ndash singer and model; crowned Miss Universe Kosovo 2011; represented the Republic of Kosovo in

Miss Universe 2011 Miss Universe 2011 was the 60th Miss Universe pageant, held at the Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011. At the end of the event, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico crowned Leila Lopes of Angola as Miss Universe 2011. It is the f ...

(top 16) * Almeda Abazi – actress, model, beauty queen who was crowned Miss Tirana 2007, Miss Albania 2008, Miss Globe 2008 *

Adrola Dushi Miss Universe Albania is a national beauty pageant in Albania. The pageant was founded as Miss Albania in 2002, until rebranding as Miss Universe Albania in 2006. Since 2021, winners of the competition have competed internationally in Miss Uni ...

{{spaced ndash

Miss Universe Albania Miss Universe Albania is a national beauty pageant in Albania. The pageant was founded as Miss Albania in 2002, until rebranding as Miss Universe Albania in 2006. Since 2021, winners of the competition have competed internationally in Miss Uni ...

2012 *

Sara Gjoni Sara Gjoni (born in Tirana Tirana ( , ; aln, Tirona) is the capital and largest city of Albania. It is located in the centre of the country, enclosed by mountains and hills with Dajti rising to the east and a slight valley to the northwe ...

{{spaced ndash model and beauty pageant contestant * Egla Harxhi{{spaced ndash beauty queen * Adelina Ismajli{{spaced ndash model and singer * Anisa Kospiri{{spaced ndash model; represented Albania at Miss Universe 2002 and made it to the top ten *

Zana Krasniqi Zana Krasniqi (born September 17, 1988 in Pristina) is a Kosovar fashion model and beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss Universe Kosovo 2008. She represented Kosovo for the first time in Miss Universe and placed in the Top 10 of the Miss Unive ...

(born 1988){{spaced ndash model and beauty queen; Miss Universe and placed in the top 10 (6th place) of the Miss Universe 2008 * Angela Martini{{spaced ndash Albanian model in the United States; top six at

Miss Universe 2010 Miss (pronounced ) is an English language honorific typically used for a girl, for an unmarried woman (when not using another title such as "Doctor" or "Dame"), or for a married woman retaining her maiden name. Originating in the 17th century, it ...

Hygerta Sako Hygerta Sako is an Albanian sports journalist at RTSH and former model who won Miss Albania in 1995 and represented Albania at Miss Europe 1996 Miss Europe 1996 was the 51st edition of the Miss Europe pageant and the 40th edition under the Mond ...

{{spaced ndash model; semi-finalist at Miss Europe 1996 *

Mirjeta Shala Mirjeta Shala (born 12 February 1994) is a Kosovan television presenter, model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Kosovo 2013 and was to compete in Miss Universe 2013 before Kosovo withdrew from the pageant. In November 2013, sh ...

{{spaced ndash beauty queen * Hasna Xhukiçi (born 1988){{spaced ndash fashion model and beauty queen; placed as one of the top-15 semi-finalists (11th place)

* Monika Zguro{{spaced ndash beauty queen

Television personalities

{{div col, colwidth=30em * Blendi Fevziu (born 1969) – television host *

Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea (born 7 June 1963) is an Albanian singer, songwriter, producer and television presenter. Life and career Gjebrea began singing at the age of five in Albanian children festivals, and is known for songs like ''"I ëmbël zëri i ...

(born 1963) – producer, television host, singer-songwriter * Baton Haxhiu (born 1967) – journalist, television host *

(born 1974){{spaced ndash Chilean actress, model and television presenter; of Italian-Albanian (Arbëreshë) descent * Benet Kaci (born 1978){{spaced ndash Kosovan television personality; from Kosovo * Florina Kaja (born 1982){{spaced ndash American reality-television participant, singer and actress * Drita D'Avanzo – reality TV star on the VH1 series ''

Mob Wives ''Mob Wives'' is an American reality television series that premiered on VH1 on April 17, 2011. The show focuses on the lives of several women residing in the New York City borough of Staten Island, whose family members and husbands have been arr ...

'' {{div col end

Music

Composers

{{see also, List of Albanian composers {{columns-list, colwidth=15em, * R. B. Castrioti (born 1994) *

Lejla Agolli Lejla Agolli (born 4 October 1950) is an Albanian composer. Early life Agolli was born in Korçë, Albania Albania ( ; sq, Shqipëri or ), or , also or . officially the Republic of Albania ( sq, Republika e Shqipërisë), is a countr ...

(born 1950) *

Lorenc Antoni Lorenc Antoni (23 September 1909 – 21 October 1991) was an Albanian composer, conductor, and ethnomusicologist. Early years Lorenc Antoni was born 23 September 1909 in Üsküp (now Skopje), in the Kosovo Vilayet of the Ottoman Empire (present ...

(1909–1991) *

Tish Daija Tish Daija (Shkodër, 30 January 1926 – 3 October 2003) was an Albanian composer. He composed the first Albanian ballet ''Halili dhe Hajria'' (Halili and Hajria) that premiered on 13 January 1963 and has since been shown more than 250 times at ...

(1926–2004) * Limoz Dizdari (born 1942) *

Simon Gjoni Simon Gjoni (Shkodër, 1925–1991) was an Albanian conductor, and composer of many popular pieces for piano and orchestra.Jim Samson Music in the Balkans 2013 p458 "Finally, Simon Gjoni (1928-91), another Shkodér—born composer, studied conduc ...

(1925–1991) *

Tonin Harapi Tonin Harapi (June 9, 1926 – July 30, 1992) was an Albanian composer and teacher. He was born in Shkodër, Albania. He studied composition in Moscow Moscow ( , US chiefly ; rus, links=no, Москва, r=Moskva, p=mɐskˈva, a=Мос ...

(1925–1991) *

Feim Ibrahimi Feim Ibrahimi (1935–1997) was an Albanian composer born on 20 October 1935 in Gjirokastër, southern Albania. Essentially self-taught in his early years, he became the first significant Albanian composer to study exclusively in his home country, ...

(1935–1997) *

Prenkë Jakova Prenk Jakova (27 June 191719 September 1969) was an Albanian composer, musician, and author of '' Mrika'' (1958), which is considered the first Albanian opera. A native of Shkodër, he studied under Martin Gjoka and Zef Kurti, and he was also a ...

(1917–1969) * Akil Mark Koci (born 1936) *

Kristo Kono Kristo Kono (17 July 1907 – 22 January 1991) was an Albanian composer and recipient of the People's Artist title in 1961, the highest artistic recognition title during the communist era. He was one of the early contributors to Albanian music ...

(1907–1991) * Mustafa Krantja (1921–2002) *

Agim Krajka Agim Krajka (1 May 1937 – 1 March 2021) was an Albanian composer. He was known as one of the greatest masters of music at that time. Biography He was born on 1 May 1937, in the small city of Kavajë, Albania to a family from Dibër, prese ...

(1937–2021) * Mustafa Krantja (1921–2002) * Palokë Kurti (1858–1920) *

Neço Muko Neço Muko (October 21, 1899 – 1934), also known as Neço Muko Himarjoti, was an Albanian singer and composer. His musical style created a new genre of Albanian iso-polyphony music called ''avaz himariot'', or ''avaz himariotçe'', that beca ...

(1899–1934) * Avni Mula (1928–2020) *

Rexho Mulliqi Rexho Mulliqi ( sq, Rexho Mulliqi, sh, Redžo Mulić/Реџо Мулић; 18 March 1923 – 25 February 1982) was a Yugoslavian composer from Montenegro and husband of singer Nexhmije Pagarusha. He was born in Gusinje, Kingdom of Serbs, Cro ...

(1923–1982) * Aleksandër Peçi (born 1951) * Thomas Simaku (born 1958) *

Gjon Simoni Gjon Simoni, Albanian musicologist and composer, was born in Shkodër on 8 February 1936 into an Albanian family of long cultural tradition and died in Tirana on 2 July 1999. He was active in his city's musical life very early. In 1966 he gradua ...

(1936–1999) *

Vasil Tole Vasil S. Tole (born 22 November 1963) is an Albanian composer, ethnomusicologist and administrator. A proponent of European classical music, his compositions include opera, chamber music, orchestral works and various pieces for small ensembles ...

(born 1963) * Ibrahim Tukiqi (1926–2004) *

Çesk Zadeja Çesk Zadeja (8 June 1927, Shkodër – 15 August 1997, Rome) was an Albanian composer. A native of Shkodër, he studied in Moscow and did much to promote the arts in Tirana. He is known as "The Father of Albanian Music".Nikolla Zoraqi (1921–1991)

Pianists

* Ilir Bajri (born 1969) * Mariela Cingo (born 1978) *

Lola Gjoka Lola Gjoka Aleksi (22 May 1910 – 6 October 1985) was an Albanian pianist during the period of the Communist regime. Life Gjoka was born in Sevastopol in 1910, into an Albanian family. She began learning the piano at the age of six, and her ...

(1910–1985) *

Paul Leka Paul Leka (February 20, 1943 – October 12, 2011) was an American songwriter, record producer, pianist, arranger, and orchestrator, most notable for co-writing the 1960s hits " Green Tambourine" and "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye", the latter of ...

(1943–2011)

Violinists

* Shkëlzen Doli (born 1971)

Guitarists

* Dren Abazi (born 1985) * Petrit Çeku (born 1985) * Faton Macula *

Bledar Sejko Bledar Sejko (born February 19, 1971) is an Albanian guitarist, composer, and singer who represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö with his song " Identitet", which he performed with Adrian Lulgjuraj. According to Sejk ...

(born 1972)

Singers

{{main, List of Albanian musicians Rita Ora 3 (42015209662)

{{columns-list, colwidth=15em, *

Vedat Ademi Vedat Ademi (born 22 August 1982) is an Albanian singer-songwriter. He made his début in 2007 with "Më mashtruan sytë" at the 4th edition of Top Fest. However, he made the national breakthrough in 2011, after releasing his album ''Koha s'kth ...

* Arilena Ara *

Ava Max Amanda Ava Koci (born Amanda Koçi; February 16, 1994), known professionally as Ava Max, is an American singer and songwriter. She signed with Atlantic Records in 2016, through which she released her breakthrough single " Sweet but Psycho" in ...

* Laver Bariu *

Action Bronson Ariyan Arslani (born December 2, 1983), professionally known as Action Bronson, is an American rapper, songwriter, chef, wrestler, exotic olive oil taster, and television presenter. Born and raised in Queens, New York, he embarked on his musical ...

Ardian Bujupi Ardian Bujupi (; born 27 April 1991) is a German-Albanian singer and songwriter. Born in Pristina, Kosovo, he moved to Germany at a young age and he has been living there ever since. He gained recognition in German-speaking Europe after finishi ...

* Eugent Bushpepa *

Miriam Cani Miriam Cani (; born 30 May 1985) is an Albanian singer, songwriter and television host. She was a member of the successful German pop girl group Preluders. Beyond her music career, Cani has been featured as a judge on the Albanian television ta ...

Capital T Trim Ademi (; born 29 February 1992), known professionally as Capital T, is a Kosovo-Albanian rapper, singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Pristina, his uncle introduced him to music and rapping at an early age. He rose to recognition in the ...

* Çiljeta *

Pirro Çako Pirro Çako is an Albanian singer and composer. In 1988, he won the Festivali i Këngës as a composer with the song ''E duam lumturinë'' ( en, We love happiness). The song was interpreted by Parashqevi Simaku. He has issued two albums: ''Her� ...

Elhaida Dani Elhaida Dani (; born 17 February 1993) is an Albanian singer, songwriter, composer and actress. Born and raised in Shkodër, Dani performed in diverse singing competitions and started to play piano as a child. She rose to national recognition i ...

Elina Duni Elina Duni (born 10 March 1981, Tirana, Albania) is a Swiss-Albanian jazz singer and composer. She left Albania at the age of ten to live and study in Geneva, Switzerland. She went on to study singing, composition and teaching at the University ...

Eli Fara Eli Fara (; born 21 May 1967) is an Albanian singer. Prior to 2000, she was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania by the Government of Albania. Life and career Fara was born on 21 May 1968 into an Albanian family of Aromanian descent in t ...

* Ermal Fejzullahu *

Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe (; born 16 October 1974) is an Albanian singer and songwriter. She is a three-time Festivali i Këngës winner, a three-time Kënga Magjike winner and a two-time Balkan Music Award winner for ''Balkan's Song of the Year'' and ''Bes ...

* Ilira Gashi * Adrian Gaxha *

Elvana Gjata Elvana Gjata (; born 3 February 1987), is an Albanian singer, songwriter and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Tirana, she has been referred to as a "Diva of Albanian music". She rose to recognition in Albania and other Albanian-speaking territo ...

* Ingrid Gjoni *

Rosela Gjylbegu Rosela Gjylbegu (; born 13 March 1987) is an Albanian singer who won '' Kënga Magjike'' in 2009. Life Rosela graduated at the Shkolla e Mesme Pedagogjike in Shkodër, obtaining a degree in Social Work at the University of Tirana since w ...

Alida Hisku Alida Hisku (born 20 June 1957) is an Albanian singer who was especially popular in the 1970s. Since 1990, she has lived in Germany. Life Hisku was born on 20 June 1957 in Tirana, then the capital of the Communist People's Republic of Albania. ...

* Adelina Ismajli * Genta Ismajli *

Era Istrefi Era Istrefi (; ; born 4 July 1994) is a Kosovo-Albanian singer. Born and raised in Pristina, Istrefi rose to significant international recognition with the breakthrough single "BonBon", which experienced commercial success worldwide and receive ...

* Nora Istrefi * Leonora Jakupi *

Shpat Kasapi Shpat Kasapi ( mk, Шпат Касапи, translit=Špat Kasapi; born 1 May 1985) is an Albanian-Macedonian singer and songwriter. Biography Shpat Kasapi was born on 1 May 1985 into an Albanian family in the city of Tetovo, then part of SF ...

* Besa Kokëdhima *

MC Kresha Kreshnik Fazliu (; born 5 September 1984), known professionally as MC Kresha, is a Kosovo-Albanian rapper and songwriter. Born and raised in Mitrovica, Fazliu is credited as a viable hip hop artist in the Albanian-speaking Balkans. Life and ca ...

Irma Libohova Irma Libohova (born 14 April 1959) is an Albanian singer and songwriter. Life and career Libohova was born in Libohovë in a family originating from Libohovë. She debuted in the Albanian National Festival ( sq, Festivali i Këngës) in De ...

* Elsa Lila * Dua Lipa *

Vesa Luma Vesa Luma is a Kosovo-Albanian singer and songwriter. She has participated in many children’s festivals and song contests as a singer. At the same time, from the age of 8, she studied flute and vocal. Since completing her Music Professional Sch ...

* Majk *

Soni Malaj Soni Malaj (born 23 October 1981), also known mononymously as Soni, is an Albanian singer, songwriter and dancer. Life and career Soni Malaj was born on 23 October 1982 into an Albanian family in the city of Tropojë, then part of the People ...

Jonida Maliqi Jonida Maliqi (; born 26 March 1983) is an Albanian singer and media personality. Throughout her career, Maliqi has won six awards at Kënga Magjike and first place in 2008. She is also a double winner of accolades at the Top Fest in 2006 and ...

JMSN Christian Berishaj, better known by his stage name JMSN (pronounced Jameson), is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, music engineer and mixer. His debut album, ''Priscilla'', was released in 2012; he wrote and ...

Ermal Meta Ermal Meta (; born 20 April 1981) is an Italian singer, songwriter, composer, and writer of Albanian origin (he holds double citizenship). Born in Fier and raised in Bari, Meta rose to prominence as one of the lead singers of Ameba 4 and . After ...

Flori Mumajesi Florjan Mumajesi (; born 23 August 1982), known professionally as Flori, is an Albanian recording artist, composer, producer, and singer. Born and raised in Tirana, Mumajesi began his career at an early age and rose to significant recognition aft ...

Frederik Ndoci Frederik Ndoci is an Albanian singer, songwriter, poet, writer, actor and international Recording artist. He also represented his country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007, with the song "Hear My Plea". Eurovision Song Contest Before winning ...

Rona Nishliu Rona Nishliu (born 25 August 1986) is a Kosovo-Albanian singer and songwriter. She came to international prominence after representing Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she placed fifth and achieved the best ...

Noizy Rigels Rajku (; born 27 September 1986), known professionally as Noizy, is an Albanian rapper. Life and career 1986–2010: Early life and career beginnings Rigels Rajku was born on 27 September 1986 into a multi-religious Albanian family ...

Rita Ora Rita Sahatçiu Ora (born Rita Sahatçiu; 26 November 1990) is a British singer and songwriter. She rose to prominence in February 2012 when she featured on DJ Fresh's single, "Hot Right Now", which reached number one in the UK. Her debut stud ...

Nexhmije Pagarusha Nexhmije Pagarusha (; 7 May 1933 – 7 February 2020) was a Kosovo-Albanian singer and actress, often referred to as the queen of Kosovan music. Pagarusha gained acclaim as a recording artist in Kosova and neighbouring countries for her distin ...

Bebe Rexha Bleta Rexha (; born August 30, 1989), known professionally as Bebe Rexha ( ), is an American pop singer and songwriter. After signing with Warner Records in 2013, Rexha received songwriting credits on Eminem's single " The Monster" (which lat ...

* Fitnete Rexha *

Anjeza Shahini Anjeza Shahini (born 4 May 1987) is an Albanian singer. She is best known for representing Albania at 2004 Eurovision Song Contest in Istanbul, after winning the 42nd edition of Festivali i Këngës. Career 2003–2009 Anjez ...

* Parashqevi Simaku *

Albert Stanaj Albert Stanaj (; born 12 February 1994), known professionally as Stanaj, is an Albanian-American singer and songwriter. Life and career 1994–present: Early life and continued success Albert Stanaj was born to Albanian parents on 12 Febr ...

Rovena Stefa Rovena Stefa (born 27 April 1979, in Fier Fier (; sq-definite, Fieri) is the seventh most populous city of the Republic of Albania and seat of Fier County and Fier Municipality. It is situated on the bank of Gjanica River in the Myzeqe Pla ...

Tuna A tuna is a saltwater fish that belongs to the tribe Thunnini, a subgrouping of the Scombridae ( mackerel) family. The Thunnini comprise 15 species across five genera, the sizes of which vary greatly, ranging from the bullet tuna (max len ...

Alban Skënderaj Alban Skënderaj (; born 20 April 1982) is an Albanian singer, songwriter, composer, actor, producer and television personality. Born in Lushnjë and raised in Vlorë, Skënderaj has established himself as a viable artist in Albania and the Alba ...

* Lyrical Son * Unikkatil *

Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela (; 7 April 19396 February 2014) was an Albanian singer and songwriter. She was a leading figure in the music industry and is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century in Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia. Bor ...

* Dafina Zeqiri * Kastro Zizo *

Antonia Iacobescu Antonia Clara Iacobescu (born April 12 1989), known professionally as Antonia, is a Romanian singer. Early life Antonia Clara Iacobescu was born on April 12, 1989, in Bucharest, but moved with family to the United States at the age of five. ...

Edita Aradinović Edita Aradinović ( sr-cyr, Едита Арадиновић, ; born 30 June 1993), often simply known as Edita, is a Serbian singer. She rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the pop-folk girl band Ministarke in 2013, before pursuing a solo caree ...

Eleni Foureira Eleni Foureira ( el, Ελένη Φουρέιρα; born Entela Fureraj; 7 March 1987) is a naturalised Greek, Albanian singer and dancer. She began her music career in 2007 as a member of the Greek girl group Mystique, pursuing a solo career after ...

Tenors and sopranos

{{columns-list, colwidth=30em, *

Kristaq Antoniu Kristaq Antoniu (25 December 1907 – 17 March 1979), also known as Cristache Antoniu () in Romanian, was an Albanian-Romanian operetta tenor, baritone, and actor. He was a People's Artist of the People's Republic of Albania. Biography B ...

(1907–1979) *

Jorgjia Filçe-Truja Jorgjia Filçe-Truja (20 January 1907 – 22 June 1994) was an Albanian soprano. She was one of the icons of the Albanian urban lyrical music, and one of the main contributors for the establishment of the Academy of Arts of Albania. Life She wa ...

(1907–1994) * Agim Hushi (born 1964) *

Ermonela Jaho Ermonela Jaho (born 1974) is an Albanian operatic soprano. She was described in ''The Economist'' as "the world’s most acclaimed soprano". The ''Financial Times'' said "Ermonela Jaho throws heart and soul into her singing... Don't even try to ...

(born 1974) – described by ''

The Economist ''The Economist'' is a British weekly newspaper printed in demitab format and published digitally. It focuses on current affairs, international business, politics, technology, and culture. Based in London, the newspaper is owned by The Eco ...

'' as "the world's most acclaimed soprano".{{cite news, url=https://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21699431-how-ermonela-jaho-became-worlds-most-acclaimed-soprano-fiery-angel, title=Fiery angel, newspaper=The Economist, date=26 May 2016, access-date=2017-07-12 * Tefta Tashko (1910–1947) – singer of the 1930s, was posthumously awarded the title People's Artist of Albania. *

Marie Kraja Marie Kraja or Marie Paluca (24 September 1911 – 21 November 1999) was an Albanian opera singer who is particularly known for her delivery of Albanian folk songs. Life Kraja was born in 1911 in Zadar, Kingdom of Dalmatia, then part of Aus ...

(1911–1999) * Palokë Kurti (1858–1920) *

Inva Mula Inva Mula (born 27 June 1963) is an Albanian opera lyric soprano. She began her soprano career at a very early age. Her father ( Avni Mula) and mother () were also opera singers. She is also known for providing the voice of the diva Plavalaguna i ...

(born 1963) – known for portraying the voice of the Diva Plavalaguna in the film ''

The Fifth Element ''The Fifth Element'' is a 1997 English-language French science fiction action film conceived and directed by Luc Besson, as well as co-written by Besson and Robert Mark Kamen. It stars Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Chris Tucker, and Milla ...

'' * Kristaq Paspali (1928–2001) * Saimir Pirgu (born 1981) – Pirgu was recognized with the Franco Corelli award in 2009 in

Ancona Ancona (, also , ) is a city and a seaport in the Marche region in central Italy, with a population of around 101,997 . Ancona is the capital of the province of Ancona and of the region. The city is located northeast of Rome, on the Adriatic ...

and with the "Pavarotti d'Oro Award" in 2013.

Sports

Football players

Ansi Agolli Ansi Agolli (born 11 October 1982) is an Albanian former professional footballer who captained the Albania national team. He played primarily as a left back or left midfielder, but he also operated as a right-back. Prior to March 2019, he was a ...

(born 1982) *

Kosovare Asllani Kosovare Asllani (born 29 July 1989) is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a striker or an attacking midfielder for Italian first division Serie A club AC Milan and the Sweden national team. Nicknamed "Kosse", Asllani possesses grea ...

(born 1989) *

Fatmire Bajramaj Fatmire "Lira" Alushi (; born 1 April 1988) is a German former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. She placed third in 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or competition, an annual award given to the world's best player. Club career ...

(born 1988) *

Valon Behrami Valon Behrami (born 19 April 1985) is a Swiss former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Behrami was capped 83 times at international level by the Switzerland national team, playing at four FIFA World Cups, UEFA Euro 2008 and UE ...

(born 1985) *

Besart Berisha Besart Berisha (born 29 July 1985) is a Kosovan retired professional footballer who played as a striker. Club career Youth and Hamburger SV Berisha began his youth career at German side Berliner VB 49 academies at age of 9. He then moved to var ...

(born 1985) * Erjon Bogdani (born 1977) *

Loro Boriçi Lorenco Boriçi (4 August 1922 – 25 April 1984), commonly known as Loro Boriçi was an Albanian association football forward and is regarded as one of Albania's football legends. He played mostly for Partizan Tirana (won the 1949 and 1954 A ...

(1922–1984) *

Lorik Cana Lorik Agim Cana (; born 27 July 1983) is an Albanian former professional footballer. He is currently the Grassroots ambassador for children's football in Albania, named by the Albanian Football Association on 26 October 2017. Cana played in the ...

(born 1983) * Sulejman Demollari (born 1964) *

Blerim Džemaili Blerim Džemaili ( sq, Blerim Xhemaili, ; mk, Блерим Џемаили; born 12 April 1986) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays for Super League club Zürich as a midfielder. He began his career at FC Zürich, where he won the Swi ...

(born 1986) *

Elseid Hysaj Elseid Gëzim Hysaj (; born 2 February 1994) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Serie A club Lazio and the Albania national team, for which he is captain. Hysaj can operate on both sides of the pitch as a full- ...

(born 1994) *

Andi Lila Andi Lila (born 12 February 1986) is a former Albanian professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder for the Albania national team. He was a versatile player, having played primarily as a right back early in his career as well as ...

(born 1986) *

Admir Mehmedi Admir Mehmedi (born 16 March 1991) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a second striker or centre forward for Süper Lig club Antalyaspor. He represented the Switzerland national team. Early life Mehmedi was born in Gostivar, North ...

(born 1991) * Perlat Musta (born 1958) * Shkodran Mustafi (born 1992) * Panajot Pano (1939–2010) *

Altin Rraklli Altin Rraklli (born 17 July 1970) is an Albanian football coach and former player who played as a forward. Most of his professional career was spent in Germany, where he played for five clubs in both major levels of football, mainly SC Freib ...

(born 1970) *

Armando Sadiku Armando Durim Sadiku (born 27 May 1991) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club FC Cartagena and the Albania national team. Born in Cërrik, Elbasan, Sadiku started his career with a local club Fushë Mbr ...

(born 1991) *

Hamdi Salihi Hamdi Abdullah Salihi (born 19 January 1984) is an Albanian retired professional footballer who played as a forward. He is the assistant manager of Albania. Nicknamed 'The Bomber' by his former international coach Otto Barić who would compare ...

(born 1984) * Artim Shaqiri (born 1973) *

Xherdan Shaqiri Xherdan Shaqiri (; born 10 October 1991) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire and the Switzerland national team. Shaqiri began his career at FC Basel, winning honours including ...

(born 1991) * Ervin Skela (born 1976) * Thomas Strakosha (born 1995) *

Igli Tare Igli Tare (; born 25 July 1973) is an Albanian retired professional footballer who played as a forward. He is the sporting director at Serie A club Lazio. Tare joined Partizani Tirana as a 9-year-old in 1982, and would later go on to make ...

(born 1973) *

Rudi Vata Rudi Vata (born 13 February 1969) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a defender, and had also a short stint as a manager of Albanian team KF Vllaznia Shkodër. Club career Early life Vata was born in the northern city ...

(born 1969) * Qemal Vogli (1929–2004) *

Granit Xhaka Granit Xhaka (born 27 September 1992) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Arsenal and the Switzerland national team. Xhaka began his career at hometown club FC Basel, winning the Swiss Super League in each of ...

(born 1992) *

Taulant Xhaka Taulant Ragip Xhaka (born 28 March 1991) is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Swiss Super League club Basel. Born in Switzerland, he represented the Albania national team. Early life Xhaka was born in Basel, Swi ...

Martial artists

* Enver Idrizi{{spaced ndash Karate World Champion *

Majlinda Kelmendi Majlinda Kelmendi (; born 9 May 1991) is a Kosovan-Albanian former judoka and judo coach. In 2014, Majlinda topped the IJF Women's Prestige World Ranking List. On 7 August 2016, she became the first Kosovan athlete to win a medal at the Olymp ...

{{spaced ndash Judo World and Olympic Champion (2017) *

Xhavit Bajrami Xhavit Bajrami (born October 30, 1975) is an Albanian-Swiss former kickboxer who competed in the heavyweight division. A Seido karate practitioner and Andy Hug student, Bajrami built up an undefeated record domestically before he was recruited b ...

{{spaced ndash boxer and kickboxer * Elis Guri{{spaced ndash wrestler *

Besim Kabashi Besim Kabashi (February 27, 1976 – December 4, 2011) was a Kosovar-German kickboxer who competed in the light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He began his training in Germany after emigrating from Kosovo and initially ...

{{spaced ndash kickboxer *

{{spaced ndash judoka *

Luan Krasniqi Luan Krasniqi (born 10 May 1971) is a German actor and former professional boxer. He held the European heavyweight title and also challenged for the WBO world heavyweight title. Background Krasniqi is the youngest of eight children to Kosovar ...

{{spaced ndash boxer *

Ilir Latifi Ilir Latifi (born July 28, 1983) is a Swedish mixed martial artist who previously fought in the Heavyweight division of the UFC. A two-time national wrestling champion and a professional MMA competitor since 2008, Latifi has also competed in S ...

{{spaced ndash MMA fighter * Azem Maksutaj{{spaced ndash kickboxer * Sahit Prizreni{{spaced ndash wrestler * Kreshnik Qato{{spaced ndash boxer *

Shaban Sejdiu Shaban Sejdiu ( mk, Шабан Сејдиу; born 6 May 1959) is Macedonian retired freestyle wrestler. An ethnic Macedonian Albanian, Sejdiu, as part of the Skopje Wrestling Club, was trained by notable coaches Risto Takov, who had also train ...

{{spaced ndash wrestler *

Nuri Seferi Nuri Seferi (born 23 December 1976) is an Albanian professional boxer who competes out of Burgdorf, Switzerland. Biography Seferi was born in Gostivar, SFR Yugoslavia (present-day North Macedonia) and is of Albanian heritage. Whilst in Yugos ...

{{spaced ndash boxer * Naim Terbunja{{spaced ndash boxer * Shaban Tërstena{{spaced ndash wrestler * Valdrin Vatnikaj{{spaced ndash kickboxer *

Gzim Selmani } Gzim Selmani (born 16 June 1994) is a Dutch-Albanian Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and former Mixed martial arts, mixed martial artist. He is best known for his time in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Rezar. After si ...

{{spaced ndash MMA fighter and pro wrestler

Other sports

* Ermal Kuqo (born 1980){{spaced ndash basketball player for the Turkish team Anadolu Efes * Aldo Zadrima (born 1948){{spaced ndash former national chess champion * Erjon Tola (born 1986){{spaced ndash Olympic skier * Frank Leskaj (born 1971) – Olympic swimmer * Donald Suxho (born 1976) – US Olympic team volleyball player *

Adem Yze Adem Yze ( ; born 21 September 1977)MelbourneFC.com.aPlayer Profile – Adem Yze, ''Official AFL Website of the Melbourne Football Club'', 12 August 2008. is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Melbourne Football Club in th ...

(born 1977) – Australian rules footballer *

Tie Domi Tahir "Tie" Domi (born November 1, 1969) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Known as an enforcer, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets over a 16-year NHL career. He is the Maple Leafs' all ti ...

(born 1969) – ice hockey player *

Molly Qerim Molly Qerim (born March 31, 1984) is an American television personality and a host of ESPN's '' First Take''. She previously was the host of NFL Network's weekday morning show, ''NFL AM'', and ''NFL Fantasy Live''. Early life Qerim was born ...

(born 1984){{spaced ndash sports anchor and moderator for

ESPN ESPN (originally an initialism for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) is an American international basic cable sports channel owned by ESPN Inc., owned jointly by The Walt Disney Company (80%) and Hearst Communications (20%). Th ...

's '' First Take''.

Ottoman era Albanians

{{see also, List of Albanian consorts Dupré - Ali Pasha

{{columns-list, colwidth=20em, * Marinus Becichemus Scodrensis – Venetian-Albanian chronicler *

Hayreddin Barbarossa Hayreddin Barbarossa ( ar, خير الدين بربروس, Khayr al-Din Barbarus, original name: Khiḍr; tr, Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa), also known as Hızır Hayrettin Pasha, and simply Hızır Reis (c. 1466/1478 – 4 July 1546), was an O ...

(c. 1478–1546), Ottoman-Albanian Admiral(Possible) *

(1540–1617) * Ballaban Badera{{spaced ndash commander of Ottoman Empire *

{{spaced ndash historian and Catholic priest; considered the first Albanian historian, especially because of his biography on

, translated in many languages in the 16th to the 18th centuries * Bekim Berisha * Bardhok Biba *

Isa Boletini Isa Boletini (; 15 January 186423 or 24 January 1916) was an Albanian revolutionary commander and politician and rilindas from Kosovo. As a young man, he joined the Albanian nationalist League of Prizren and participated in a battle against Ot ...

Ibrahim Bushati Ibrahim Bushati or Ibrahim Bushat Pasha ( tr, Buşatlı İbrahim Paşa; died 1810) was a noble of the Bushati family in Ottoman controlled Albania near the city of Shkodër. Brother of Kara Mahmud Bushati, the Ottoman appointed governor of Shkod ...

* Kara Mahmud Bushati (1740–1796) *

Mehmed Bushati Mehmed Pasha Bushati ( 1768–d. June 1775) was the Ottoman Albanian governor of the Pashalik of Scutari, between 1768 and June 1775. He was succeeded by his son Mustafa Pasha Bushati, and thus founded the hereditary Bushati family of Scutari. ...

Mustafa Bushati Mustafa Pasha Bushatli ( tr, Mustafa Paşa Buşatlı, 1797 – May 27, 1860), called ''Işkodralı'' ("from Scutari"), was a semi-independent Albanian Ottoman statesman, the last hereditary governor of the Pashalik of Scutari. In 1810 he succeede ...

Prek Cali Prek Cali (29 July 187225 March 1945) was an Albanian ''bajraktar'' ("standard-bearer") of Vermosh, part of the Kelmendi tribe of northern Albania. He was a veteran of the Albanian rebellions and the Balkan Wars. He was killed in 1945 by the ...

* Dervish Cara{{spaced ndash leader of the Albanian Revolt of 1843–1844 * Pope Clement XI (Giovanni Francesco Albani) (1649–1721) *

Bajram Curri Bajram Curri (16 January 1862 – 29 March 1925) was an Albanian chieftain, politician and activist who struggled for the independence of Albania, later struggling for Kosovo's incorporation into it following the 1913 Treaty of London. He w ...

* Ahmet Delia (1850–1913) {{spaced ndash freedom fighter *

Ali Demi Ali Demi (18 January 1918 – 29 December 1943) was an Albanian hero of World War II and a communist. He was killed in battle fighting German forces in Vlora, Albania in 1943. Biography He was born in Filiates, Greece. Later Ali Demi studi ...

(1918–1943) *

Lekë Dukagjini Lekë III Dukagjini (1410–1481), mostly known as Lekë Dukagjini, was a 15th-century member of the Albanian nobility, from the Dukagjini family. A contemporary of Skanderbeg, Dukagjini is known for the ''Kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit'', a code of ...

{{spaced ndash prince and member of Dukagjini family; contemporary of

; known for the Kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit, a code of law instituted in northern Albania *

Pal Engjëlli Pal Ëngjëlli ( la, Paulus Angelus; 1416 – 1470) was an Albanian Roman Catholic cardinal, clergyman, scholar, and Archbishop of Durrës who in 1462 wrote the first known sentence retrieved so far in Albanian. Pal Ëngjëlli is reported to ...

{{spaced ndash Catholic clergyman; Archbishop of Durrës and Cardinal of Albania; in 1462, wrote the first known sentence retrieved so far in the

* Mehmet Âkif Ersoy (1873–1936){{spaced ndash of Albanian descent * Nezim Frakulla (1680–1760) *

Shote Galica Shote Galica (10 November 1895 – 1 July 1927), born as Qerime Radisheva, was a Kachak Albanian insurgent. She has been declared a People's Heroine of Albania. Biography She was born in Radisheve village of Drenica region in Kosovo which wa ...

(1802–1860){{spaced ndash designer of the Semmering Railway * George Ghica{{spaced ndash founder of the

Ghica family The Ghica family ( ro, Ghica; sq, Gjika; el, Γκίκας, ''Gikas'') was a noble family active in Wallachia, Moldavia and in the Kingdom of Romania, between the 17th and 19th centuries. The Ghica family produced many voivodes of Wallachia a ...

* Shtjefën Gjeçovi (1873–1929){{spaced ndash Catholic priest,

ethnologist Ethnology (from the grc-gre, ἔθνος, meaning 'nation') is an academic field that compares and analyzes the characteristics of different peoples and the relationships between them (compare cultural, social, or sociocultural anthropology) ...

and folklorist; known for being the father of Albanians' folklore studies * Luigj Gurakuqi * Hamëz Jashari *

Branko Kadija Background On 22 June 1942, the Albanian student trio of Branko Kadija, Jordan Misja, and Perlat Rexhepi, who stayed in Misja's house at Firaj Street in Shkodër (at the time part of the fascist Italian protectorate of the Albanian Kingdom), ...

Hamza Kastrioti Hamza Kastrioti ( la, Ameses Castriota) or Bernardo Kastrioti (after his conversion to Christianity), was a 15th-century Albanian nobleman and the nephew of George Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Probably born in Ottoman territory, after the death of his ...

* Ali Kelmendi *

Ded Gjo Luli Ded Gjo Luli Dedvukaj also referred to as ''Ded Gjon Luli'' (November 1840–24 September 1915) was an Albanian guerrilla leader most notable for commanding the 1911 revolt against Ottoman troops. He was posthumously awarded the "Hero of Alban ...

* Iljas Mirahori (1408–1512) * Hasan Moglica (1854–1915) {{spaced ndash also known as Hoxhë Moglica scholar, educator, leader, engineer, philosopher, patriot, nationalist figure proclaimed "martyr of Albanian language and nation" by the Albanian government * Selam Musai * Bule Naipi * Zahir Pajaziti *

Ahmet Kurt Pasha Ahmet Kurt Pasha was an Albanian pasha and the founder and the first ruler of the Pashalik of Berat, a semi-autonomous area within the Ottoman Empire. He descended from the Muzaka family, which in the late Middle Ages had founded the Lordship of Ber ...

Ali Pasha of Tepelena Ali Pasha of Ioannina (1740 – 24 January 1822), was an Albanian ruler who served as pasha of a large part of western Rumelia, the Ottoman Empire's European territories, which was referred to as the Pashalik of Yanina. His court was in Ioannin ...

(1740–1822) *

Ali Pasha of Gucia Ali Pasha Shabanagaj (Serbian: Али-паша Шабанагић, Ali-paša Šabanagić; 1828 – 5 March 1888), was an Albanian Muslim military commander and one of the leaders of the League of Prizren. He governed, as an Ottoman ''kaymaka ...

(1828–1885) * Edhem Pasha (1851–1909) *

Ibrahim Pasha of Berat Ibrahim Pasha of Berat was the second and last ruler of the Pashalik of Berat, in office from 1787 to 1809. Ruler After the death of Ahmet Kurt Pasha, the territory of the pashalik was ruled by a close ally of him, Ibrahim Pasha of Berat. As th ...

Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt Ibrahim Pasha ( tr, Kavalalı İbrahim Paşa; ar, إبراهيم باشا ''Ibrāhīm Bāshā''; 1789 – 10 November 1848) was an Ottoman Albanian general in the Egyptian army and the eldest son of Muhammad Ali, the Wāli and unrecognised Kh ...

(1789–1848) *

Kara Murat Pasha Kara Murat Pasha, or Kara Dev Murat Pasha, lit. ''Courageous Giant Murat Pasha'' in Ottoman Turkish; (1595 - 1655), was an Ottoman Albanian statesman and military officer. He served as Kapudan Pasha and twice as Grand Vizier. His epithet ''K ...

Koca Davud Pasha Davud Pasha ( Turkish: ''Koca Davud Paşa''; 1446–1498), also known with the epithet "Koca", was an Ottoman Albanian general and grand vizier of the Ottoman Empire from 1482 to 1497 during the reign of Bayezid II. He became a '' damat'' ("br ...

(14??–1498) *

Köprülü Fazıl Ahmed Pasha Köprülü may refer to: People * Köprülü family (Kypriljotet), an Ottoman noble family of Albanian origin ** Köprülü era (1656–1703), the period in which the Ottoman Empire's politics were set by the Grand Viziers, mainly the Köprülü f ...

(1635–1676) *

Köprülü Mehmed Pasha Köprülü Mehmed Pasha ( ota, كپرولی محمد پاشا, tr, Köprülü Mehmet Paşa; or ''Qyprilliu'', also called ''Mehmed Pashá Rojniku''; 1575, Roshnik,– 31 October 1661, Edirne) was the founder of the Köprülü political dynas ...

(1575–1661) * Lütfi Pasha (1488–1564){{spaced ndash grand vizier of Ottoman Empire * Mahmud Dramali Pasha (1780–1822) * Muhammad Ali of Egypt (1769–1849) *

(1844–1919){{spaced ndash leader of the Albanian national movement; founder of the modern Albanian state and its first head of state and government * Mustafa Reshiti * Perlat Rexhepi * Haxhi Shehreti * Hodo Sokoli (1836–1883) * Karl Topia (1331–1388){{spaced ndash prince of Albania * Pretash Zekaj Ulaj (known as Pretash Zekaj) * Mujo Ulqinaku * Cafo Beg Ulqini * Vrana Konti (Count Vrana) (1442–1458){{spaced ndash

's general * Omer Vrioni * Muhamet Xhemajli * Tahir Zemaj

Others

René Redzepi en la cena de las 14 estrellas Michelín del restaurante Zaldiarán

{{div col, colwidth=30em * Joseph Ardizzone (born 1884, vanished 1931) {{spaced ndash organized crime boss * Joseph J. DioGuardi (born 1940){{spaced ndash American certified public accountant and a Republican politician; his family traces its roots to the Arbëreshë people * Kara DioGuardi (born 1970){{spaced ndash American contemporanean composer of Albanian descent * Donald Lambro (born 1940){{spaced ndash American journalist; chief political correspondent of ''The Washington Times''; columnist nationally syndicated by United Feature Syndicate *

{{spaced ndash theoretical physicist-cosmologist; professor at the

* Martin Shkreli (born 1983) {{spaced ndash pharma executive and convicted felon {{div col end

References

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