by Ylli Prebibaj. Translation Petrit Latifi

Prelë Tuli, also known as Prel Tuli (Dedndreaj), was a prominent Albanian leader born in 1852 in Salca, Mërturi, during a period when Albanian lands were under Ottoman rule. He grew up in a difficult historical context marked by frequent reprisals and the heavy impact of imperial governance on the highland regions, especially in Nikaj-Mërtur, which was part of the wider Malësia e Gjakovës.

From an early age, Tuli was exposed to the traditions and oral histories of his region, and his moral and national consciousness was shaped in part through contact with the Capuchin Franciscan clergy serving in Mërtur. According to contemporary accounts by Father Danjel Gjeçaj, even as a young boy he displayed notable intelligence, clarity of character, and moral integrity.

Tuli became one of the leading figures in local resistance movements from the 1880s through 1915. These struggles helped him develop military skill and achieve renown as a kreshnik (a traditional Albanian warrior). He actively resisted external threats to Albanian territories — especially in defense of Plavë and Guci in 1879–1880, when Montenegrin forces attempted to seize these areas following the decisions of the Congress of Berlin. He fought alongside other historical figures such as Ali Pasha of Gucia, Idriz Seferi, Mic Sokoli, and others.

Thousands of volunteers from regions such as Tropojë, Hasi, Shkodra, and Dukagjin joined these campaigns, with Tuli among the leaders of the Nikaj-Mërturi contingents. His role was also significant in later anti-Ottoman efforts, including armed resistance in 1908 and organized actions in 1910 at Kodër e Palçit.

Prel Tuli participated in key events of the Albanian national movement leading up to independence. In April 1911, he took part in the Assembly of Mirdita, where the provisional government of Albania was declared, and signed official acts representing 1,000 men from his region. He also joined in the February 1912 assembly of Upper Albania (Shqipëria e Sipërme), which proclaimed liberty and unity for the Albanian nation.

During the Albanian struggle against Ottoman rule in 1912, Tuli continued to mobilize resistance in Malësia e Gjakovës, leading assaults against Ottoman positions near Gjakova. Shortly after the declaration of Albanian independence (1912), he participated in a Mirdita assembly convened to support the new Government of Vlorë.

Prelë Tuli remained an influential leader into World War I, and in August 1918 he was honored by the Austro-Hungarian authorities with the “Gold Cross without Crown” in recognition of his role during the conflict. His contributions to the Albanian national cause have also been commemorated in Kosovo, where political leaders have acknowledged his dedication on milestone anniversaries of Albanian uprisings.

Overall, Prelë Tuli is remembered as a key historical figure of the Nikaj-Mërturi highlands, whose extended involvement in military and political efforts played an important part in the Albanian National Movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Reference

https://www.radiandradi.com/prele-tuli-i-merturit-1852-1918-nga-ylli-prebibaj/