Abstract

This biographical study examines the lives and resistance activities of Tahir (Col) Demaj (1885–1961) and his son Haxhi Tahir Demaj (1918–2000), two emblematic figures of Albanian resistance in Rugova. Rooted in a long-standing patriotic family tradition, both men played active roles in armed resistance against Serbian and Montenegrin forces from the early twentieth century through the post–Second World War period. Tahir Demaj participated in key battles defending Berane, Boga, and the Smilovice strategic zone, while Haxhi Demaj continued resistance under Yugoslav rule, enduring repeated imprisonments. Their lives reflect the continuity of indigenous Albanian resistance, sacrifice, and political persecution in Rugova across generations.

Tahir (Col) Demaj (1885-1961)

Tahir Col was born in the village of Boge in Rugova, in 1885, into a patriotic family, a family that had inspired its son Tahiri with patriotic and freedom-loving feelings since childhood. These feelings were preserved by Tahir Col and passed on to his son Haxhiu, who, after growing up, stood by his father in battles against the invaders.

The patriotic heritage of this family is evidenced by the fact that even Tahiri’s father, Col, was constantly in the eyes of the enemy and never stopped resisting the invaders until he was killed by the enemies. Tahir Col’s family was a family that, for dimensional reasons, was considered hostile to Serbia and Montenegro.

Tahir Coli, together with Sak Fazline, Sali Rama and many other friends, participated in the fierce battle in defense of Berani. Tahir Coli also participated several times in the battles that took place at that time in his native village of Boge. There, together with his son, they had struck terror into the Montenegrin enemies.

Tahir’s bravery was proven in many battles against the enemy, starting from 1911, until the end of the Second World War. Wherever the salute was given, he was the first. and they were right that everyone called it the hour of those sides.

Tahiri also participated in the battles that took place in Smilocice at the strategic point that separated two states: the Albanian and the Montenegrin. Enemy forces had attacked from the Smilovice Peak once in 1942 and once in 1943, both times these attacks were successfully repelled by Tahir Coli and his friends.

On May 30, 1944, a very fierce battle took place, during this battle Tahiri, Saku and Haxhia fought against the enemy, unfortunately in the direct confrontation, the Bajraktari of Rugova Sak Fazlia heroically fell. Tahiri defended Saku’s group, avoiding a second death. Upon finding him, he did not let his body fall into the hands of the enemy. Tahir Coli could not be defeated by either Serbia or Montenegro, and so he died a natural death in 1961.

He died in the place where he was born, in the beautiful and proud Boga. Although he died, Tahiri’s name and his work still live on. His work became a valuable guide for future generations. His personality became an emblematic figure of Rugova’s resistance and bravery.

Haxhi Tahir Demaj (1918-2000)

Haxhi Tahiri was born in the village of Bushat, Shkodra, on May 3, 1918. At the age of three, Haxhiu returned to his homeland, namely the legendary Rugova. After the war ended in 1945, Haxhi Tahiri worked in the Kuqishte Municipality.

At that time, Montenegro had once again sent the army to Rugova, where on this occasion Haxhiu was arrested with the aim of physically liquidating him. Haxhiu was also arrested several times by the occupier. He was arrested in 1949 and spent 18 months in Croatian prisons, in 1956 he was arrested again and spent 6 months in prison, and in 1958 he was arrested again and spent 18 months in prison.

Even after the reoccupation of Kosovo by the Serbo-Slav army in 1945, the brave and patriotic Haxhi Tahiri did not stop his activity in defense of the homeland.

Photo: Tahir (Col) Demaj with his father Haxhi (Tahir) Demaj

Sources

Infomation gathered from relatives.