Homage for Ahmet Zogu

High rank personalities, supporters of the monarchy and Albanians from the Diaspora bowed in front of the casket that held the remains of Ahmet Zogu, which arrived from France yesterday.

This Saturday was inaugurated even the mausoleum of the family, where the Albanian President, Bujar Nishani, held a speech for the participants. In this activity was also invited the President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, who held a short speech.

The remains of Ahmet Zogu will stay in this mausoleum accompanied with cannon shots.

“Ahmet Zogu, since the early years of his life, established the territorial integrity of Albania. It is a wonderful coincidence that he returned on the day when Tirana was liberated from the occupants. Tirana, the capital of Albania, is the work of his man. He led the government of the Lushnje Congress to choose Tirana as the capital of Albania. Ahmet Zogu is honoured by all Albanians for building the Albanian state and for his historical contribution. He made wonderful efforts for the infrastructure of the country, for developing the education, culture, agriculture, business, etc”, Berisha declared after the homage.

Representatives from the Presheva Valley were also present. They marched with a big slogan, together with other representatives from Kosovo, led by President Atifete Jahjaga.

This official ceremony for Ahmet Zogu, the man that was self-proclaimed king of the Albanians after serving as Prime Minister and President before the Second World War has spurred several debates through politicians and historians.

Some of them have expressed their doubts about the role of Ahmet Zogu in the history of Albania, others value him as the founder of the modern Albanian state.

Ahmet Zogu was born on 8 October 1985, and his raise to power was gradual. He was elected Prime Minister twice, once in 26 December 1922 until 25 February 1924, and another time from January 6th to January 31st 1925. After January 31st, Zog was elected President.

In 1928 he was self proclaimed king of Albania and stayed to power until 7 April 1939, when he fled Albania after Italy occupied the country. During the Second World War he lived in England, hoping to return in Albania.

Monarchy was repealed in 1946, after the communists came to power. However, Zog kept claiming his throne and when he died in 1961, he left the heritage to his son, Leka Zogu I.

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