Written by Petrit Latifi

Kapidan Xhela (Alb. Selim Shurdha) (Selim Šurle or Surla) (fl. 1880s) was an Ulqin Albanian captain of the ship “Gloria” in the 19th century. He was a known sailor, trader and navigator. Selim Shurdha sailed through the Bermuda Triangle, which was witnessed by the late son, Himo Karamanaga. B. Brisku recorded his memories in his “Doctorate”.

Selim was from the Shurdha family of Shkodër, who later settled in Gjerana at the Kroni I Shurdhave, now called Kroni I Kanjushës.

Selim Shurdhas ship “Gloria” is reported to have taken first place in the Alexandria-Trieste races, leaving behind all the European ships who participated: Italian, Greek, and Spanish. Selims ship reached the goal after 36 hours.

Hajro Ulqinaku gives a detailed portrait of Selim Shurdha, but also writes about his sons, especially Shabani, who was also a great captain. He died young at the age of 40. It also tells about Teufik Shaban Shurdha, who was among the first intellectuals in Ulcinj. Previously, Teufik’s book “The boat without sails in the storm” prepared by Hajro Ulqinakut was published.

The author most respectfully also mentions Ulcinj authors who wrote about other Albanian sailors: Bahri Brisku, Maksud Haxhibrahimi, Gani and Ismet Karamanaga, Ruzhdi Hasanaga, Sari Resulbegu. In the book “Detaria e Ulqin and the Peku family” about captain Selim Shurdhen, he writes:

“According to Smail Malahoxha, captain Selimi, on the occasion of the hole in the boat, went under the water breathing with a hose, closed the big hole with putty and wax, etc. That’s how he saved the ship from sinking”

The author also gives the names of some of the most important ships of Ulcinj owners:

“Postiq” the largest Ulcinian and Albanian boat of the brothers Jakup, Reshit, Maliq and Hysein Nimanbegut from Kalaja.

“Mashallah Muradije” brigantine. Its commander was Mahmud Tivari.

Skunda “Al Katerina“. Its captain was Hysein Begu, and after his death his son Meço Begu.

Nava “Kavall Medina“. Its commander was Nel Duli.

The “Beast” boat. The nationality of this boat was not known. A cyclone has been known to flood. The crew members came out with a sandal and left waving to the boat. The captain has remained on the boat because, according to tradition, the captain is the last to launch the ship.

“Hulusije” – three-masted boat owned by Bet Shurdha,

“Amalia” vice-captain Tahir Shurdha.

“Elbasan“-trabakul. It was owned by Selim Shurdha.

References

https://ul-info.com/gani-karamanaga-kapidan-xhela-selim-shurdha/