By Dedë Preqi – December 8, 2015. Translation Petrit Latifi.

Mark Avdyli‑Ndreja was a devoted soldier of the homeland, driven by patriotic ideals, who fought until he emerged victorious. Known as the “Highlander of the Flag,” his mission came from the spirit of fighting for freedom and love of the national flag.

Born on May 22, 1923, in the village of Ramoc near Gjakova, he came from a humble yet noble and patriotic family. From an early age, he was inspired by feelings of love for his land. At 18, he joined the Albanian army in Prizren and served in the “Skënderbeu” Division, which aimed to unite all Albanian territories. This unit, which included members of the Balli Kombëtar, engaged in major battles against Serbian and Montenegrin communists.

During World War II, he fought on the brutal fronts of Stalingrad and Siberia alongside German troops against the Soviets—but always kept the national flag close to his heart .

In the 1960s and ’70s, under communist rule, his patriotic activities drew the attention of state security. He was arrested and sent to the notorious Goli Otok prison, along with other jails in Sremska Mitrovica and Nish.

Known as “Plaku i Maleve” meaning “The Elder of the Forest”.

Despite persecution, he was unbreakable. Even after returning from prison, he continued working in a munitions factory—first in Rijeka, Croatia, then back home in Kosovo—so he could support his family and prepare arms for what he believed to be a future fight for freedom .

In 1998–99, as Serbian dominance unraveled in Kosovo, he and fellow patriots helped establish the first cells of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). With unprecedented courage, Mark Avdyli joined along with his sons—Jaku, Nikolla, Dedë, and Princi (who was later killed)—under the guidance of commander Adem Jashari.

Although his full heroic story deserves more than words can convey, his wartime companions attest to the strategic skill with which he led battles against Serbian forces. In this struggle, the entire family, including all his sons, stood together .

Mark Avdyli was a true hero of national freedom. He didn’t spare himself or his family, fighting with ingenuity and fierce patriotism—despite lacking formal military training, he developed clever battlefield strategies and operated heavy weaponry purely through will and conviction .

His lifelong goal was clear: to liberate Kosovo and unite Albanian lands—never yielding to fear. Even when in hardship, he summoned inner strength to persevere.

Kosovo’s independence gave him immense joy, yet he believed only uniting Albanian territories would complete the sacred mission of his nationalist vision. He devoted his life to the homeland, ready to lay it down in respect, honor, and sacrifice .

On the anniversary of his passing, we honor him and all freedom fighters—taking into account their selflessness and the blood they shed for Kosovo’s freedom.

Avdyli passed away in 2013.

Reference

https://www.botasot.info/opinione/488727/mark-avdyli-ndreja-nje-shkreptime-e-ndritshme-e-lirise/