Translated by Petrit Latifi
Abstract
The early anti-communist resistance in northern Albania emerged immediately after the establishment of communist rule at the end of World War II. The Kelmendi Uprising (January 15, 1945) marked one of the first armed revolts against the new regime in the highland Kelmendi region. This was followed by the more organized Postribë Uprising on September 9, 1946, near Shkodër. Driven primarily by local clergy, tribal leaders, and nationalist elements, the Postribë revolt aimed to attack military targets, liberate political prisoners, and spark a broader popular uprising. Both movements were rapidly suppressed by government forces, leading to executions, mass arrests, and severe repressions that targeted not only participants but also clergy and intellectuals. These events represent some of the earliest armed challenges to communist authority in post-war Eastern Europe.
78 Years Since the First Anti-Communist Uprising in Albania
On 9 September 1946, the first anti-communist uprising in the country was organized in Postribë.
The resistance movement was mainly driven by the clergy, with the support of nationalist elements. The initial meetings aimed for broad participation from the villages and the residents of the city of Shkodër. In July, a meeting was held at the house of Cin Serreqi. In Shegaj of Ibro in Postribë, under the leadership of Osman Haxhia, the main representatives of the tribes gathered, including from Hoti i Ri.
The well-known representative of the Kazazi tribe, Jup Kazazi, also took part in this meeting. He enjoyed very great authority in Shkodër and the surrounding villages. The nationalist forces of Ndoc Kol Biba in Iballë of Pukë and Mark Gjonmarkaj in Mirditë expressed their solidarity with this assembly meeting by sending him a letter.
At the assembly, the date for the start of the uprising was set. It was to have a general character and would begin with the liberation of political prisoners from the prisons of Shkodër and beyond. The call to the young soldiers on 09.09.1946 prompted the meeting on 07.09.1946 at the house of Abdullah Sahiti in the village of Kullaj.
There it was decided that the next day, after lunch, the bajraktars (clan leaders) and the notables of the people — around 150 people — would gather in the village of Kodër Boks, at the place called Shegat e Ibros. The leader Osman Haxhia convinced the participants that the uprising should begin on 09.09.1946.
The Postribë Uprising was crushed by the regime, which sent large forces. Osman Haxhia was captured and sentenced, while Jup Kazazi, surrounded by state forces, committed suicide. His body was paraded through the streets of Shkodër to send a message.
The General Directorate of Archives has released documents about this historic event, including a report from the Central Committee of the Party on the Postribë Uprising. In the photo, members of the Balli Kombëtar (National Front) squads are shown, among them Jup Kazazi, one of the main leaders of this movement.
References
ATSH and KultPlus.com. Posted on 9 September 2024 by Kult Plus.
