Albanian

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When you think of some of the most famous Albanians, the list can actually go endless. After all who can forget the contribution of Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, or Mother Teresa to society and mankind or Cesk Zadeja to music, Dhimiter Agnosti to films, Mimoza Ahmeti to poetry, Martin Camaj to novels, Elvana Gjata to singing, or Angela Martini to modelling! Right from Ismail Qemali, the founder and first leader of modern Albanian state to Mustafa Kemal Atuturk the first President of the Republic of Albania, the country has a widespread political, social and economic dominion. Officially known as the Republic of Albania, it is situated in the Southeastern Europe, surrounded by Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia and Greece. The history of the country dates back to the prehistoric times of 4th century BC. Once controlled by the Roman Empire, Albania witnessed the rise and fall of numerous Empires before being nationalized as the Republic. It was due to this that the country’s art work and artistic forms have been variedly inspired, an aspect that makes it unique from other European countries. Over the years, Albanians have greatly contributed in varied fields be it music, folklore, literature, science, history, sport, fashion, films, entertainment, visual arts and so on. This section provides you information about the life and works of famous Albanians.
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 1 
Mother Teresa
(Roman Catholic Nun, Founder and Active Member of the ‘Missionaries of Charity’)
Mother Teresa
182
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: August 26, 1910
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Skopje, North Macedonia
Died: September 5, 1997

An Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and a missionary, Mother Teresa was the founder of Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation. She was both an admired and controversial figure and was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. While she was admired by many for her charitable work, she also earned criticism for her stance against abortion and contraception.

 2 
Skanderbeg
(Military Commander)
Skanderbeg
7
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: May 6, 1405
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Principality of Kastrioti (Albania)
Died: January 17, 1468
Skanderbeg was initially a hostage at the Ottoman court and served the Ottoman sultan for about 20 years. He was named the governor of the Sanjak of Dibra, following which he became the captain general under King Alfonso V of Northern Albania and fought against the Ottoman forces.
 3 
Muhammad Ali of Egypt
(Ottoman Governor of Egypt)
Muhammad Ali of Egypt
8
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 4, 1769
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Kavala, Greece
Died: August 2, 1849

Muhammad Ali of Egypt was the de facto ruler of Egypt from 1805 to 1848. He was also the Albanian Ottoman governor and is considered the founder of modern Egypt. He implemented drastic reforms in the military, economic and cultural spheres in Egypt. He established the Muhammad Ali dynasty that ruled Egypt until the revolution of 1952.

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 4 
Era Istrefi
(Kosovar-Albanian Singer Known for Her Breakthrough Single ‘BonBon')
Era Istrefi
5
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: July 4, 1994
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Pristina, Kosovo
Known for her single BonBon, which catapulted her to fame, Kosovo-Albanian singer Era Istrefi is the younger sister of singer Nora Istrefi. Era specializes in a signature fusion of dance, electronic, pop, and hip-hop. She also writes most of her lyrics in the Gheg Albanian dialect.
 5 
Edi Rama
(33rd Prime Minister of Albania )
Edi Rama
5
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: July 4, 1964
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Tirana, Albania

Edi Rama is an Albanian politician, writer, painter, publicist, former basketball player, and former pedagogue. He is currently serving as the prime minister of Albania. Since 2005, Rama has been serving as the Socialist Party of Albania's chairman. A football fanatic, Rama is a fan of popular football clubs, such as Juventus and FK Partizani.

 6 
Tony Dovolani
(Dancer)
Tony Dovolani
1
Listed In: Dancers
Birthdate: July 17, 1973
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Pristina, SFR Yugoslavia
 7 
Rezar wrestler
(Dutch-Albanian Professional Wrestler)
Rezar wrestler
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 16, 1994
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
 8 
Sali Berisha
(Former President & Prime Minister of Albania)
Sali Berisha
2
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: October 15, 1944
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Viçidol

Sali Berisha is an Albanian politician who served as the head of the Democratic Party of Albania from 1991 to 1992 and again from 1997 to 2013. From 1992 to 1997, he served as the president of Albania. One of the most popular Albanian politicians of all time, Berisha served as the prime minister of Albania from 2005 to 2013.

 9 
Dhurata Dora
(Singer)
Dhurata Dora
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 24, 1992
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Nuremberg, Germany
 10 
Lorik Cana
(Former Footballer midfielder and defender position)
Lorik Cana
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 27, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Pristina, Kosovo
 11 
Enver Hoxha
(Former Communist Leader of Albania)
Enver Hoxha
20
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: October 16, 1908
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Ergiri (Gjirokastër), Janina Vilayet, Ottoman Empire
Died: April 11, 1985

Enver Hoxha was an Albanian politician. From 1944 to 1954, Hoxha served as the prime minister of Albania. He is credited with rebuilding Albania after World War II. He was also responsible for building the country's first railway line, wiping out epidemics, raising the adult literacy rate, and electrification the country.

 12 
Emina Cunmulaj
(Model)
Emina Cunmulaj
0
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: September 12, 1984
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Michigan, United States
 13 
Naim Frasheri
(Historian)
Naim Frasheri
1
Birthdate: May 25, 1846
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Fraşer, Yanya Eyalet, Ottoman Empire (now Frashër, Albania)
Died: October 20, 1900
 14 
Safiye Sultan
(Wife of Murad III)
Safiye Sultan
2
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 1550 AD
Birthplace: Dukagjin highlands, Albania
Died: 1618 AD
 15 
Majlinda Kelmendi
(Judoka)
Majlinda Kelmendi
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 9, 1991
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Peja, Kosovo
 16 
Leka Crown Prince of Albania born 1982
(Prince)
Leka Crown Prince of Albania born 1982
0
Birthdate: March 26, 1982
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Sandton Clinic, Johannesburg, South Africa
 17 
Almeda Abazi
(Actress)
Almeda Abazi
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: February 13, 1992
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Tirana, Albania
 18 
Arilena Ara
(Singer)
Arilena Ara
1
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: July 17, 1998
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Shkodër, Albania
 19 
Elvana Gjata
(Singer)
Elvana Gjata
2
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 3, 1987
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Tirana, Albania
 20 
Leka Crown Prince of Albania born 1939
(King)
Leka Crown Prince of Albania born 1939
4
Birthdate: April 5, 1939
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Royal Palace of Tirana, Tirana, Kingdom of Albania
Died: November 30, 2011
 21 
Enca Haxhia
(Singer)
Enca Haxhia
6
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 19, 1995
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tirana, Albania
 22 
Bleona
(Singer)
Bleona
1
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 14, 1979
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Korçë, Albania
 23 
Nuri Seferi
(Boxer)
Nuri Seferi
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 23, 1976
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: North Macedonia
 24 
Anxhela Peristeri
(Singer)
Anxhela Peristeri
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 24, 1986
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Korçë, Albania
 25 
Fatos Nano
(Former Prime Minister of Albania)
Fatos Nano
2
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: September 16, 1952
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Tirana

Fatos Nano is an Albanian socialist politician. He was the founder of the Socialist Party of Albania and became its first leader. He has served as the prime minister of Albania several times. He resigned as the prime minister in 2005 and has since maintained a low profile. He occasionally appears in political talk shows and has written three books. 

 26 
Eni Vasili
(Journalist)
Eni Vasili
0
Birthplace: Tirana, Albania
 27 
Mërgim Mavraj
(Association football player)
Mërgim Mavraj
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 9, 1986
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Hanau
 28 
Berat Djimsiti
(Footballer centre-back position)
Berat Djimsiti
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 19, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Zürich, Switzerland
 29 
Nora Istrefi
(Singer)
Nora Istrefi
2
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 25, 1986
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pristina, FR Yugoslavia, Kosovo
 30 
Cindy Marina
(Model)
Cindy Marina
1
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: July 18, 1998
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
 31 
Sotiris Ninis
(Association football player)
Sotiris Ninis
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 3, 1990
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Himarë

Once touted as Greece’s next big football star, Sotiris Ninis has had a lukewarm career. Starting his senior career with the Greek club Panathinaikos, he later played for Italian, Belgian, and Israeli clubs, and now plays as a midfielder for the Greek Super League team Volos.

 32 
Azet
(Rapper known for his debut studio album Fast Life in 2018 peaking at number one in Germany, Austria and Switzerland)
Azet
4
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 6, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Tirana, Albania
 33 
Zog of Albania
(The King of Albania Who Was Initially Supported and Later Ousted by Benito Mussolini)
Zog of Albania
7
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: October 8, 1895
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Albania
Died: April 9, 1961

While he initially served as the prime minister and president of Albania, Ahmed Muhtar bey Zogolli, better known as Zog I or Zog of Albania, later led the country as its king. While he was initially supported by the fascist Benito Mussolini of Italy, he was eventually ousted by him.

 34 
Capital T
(Rapper)
Capital T
0
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 29, 1992
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Pristina
 35 
Trejsi Sejdini
(Model)
Trejsi Sejdini
1
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: May 30, 2000
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Elbasan, Albania
 36 
Laura Mersini-Houghton
(Cosmologist)
Laura Mersini-Houghton
0
Listed In: Scientists
Birthplace: Tirana, Albania
 37 
Fan S. Noli
(13th Prime Minister of Albania)
Fan S. Noli
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: January 6, 1882
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Ibriktepe, Turkey
Died: March 13, 1965
Fan S. Noli was an Albanian writer, diplomat, politician, scholar, orator, historian, Archbishop, and Metropolitan. He is credited with founding the Albanian Archdiocese and the Albanian Orthodox Church. Fan S. Noli was also an important politician who served as the 13th Prime Minister of Albania in 1924 during the June Revolution.
 38 
Gjergj Fishta
(Poet)
Gjergj Fishta
0
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: October 23, 1871
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Fishtë, Albania
Died: December 30, 1940
 39 
Ilira
(Singer)
Ilira
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: October 29, 1994
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Brienz, Switzerland

Swiss-born Albanian singer Ilira Gashi, better known as Ilira, was placed third, along with her band, on the show Die grosse Entscheidungs Show. She later moved to Berlin to explore her music career and created hits such as Fading. The Europe Music Award-nominated singer has now signed with Virgin and Universal.

 40 
Noizy
(Rapper)
Noizy
2
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 27, 1986
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Sukth, People's Socialist Republic, present Albania
 41 
Dafina Zeqiri
(Singer)
Dafina Zeqiri
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: April 14, 1989
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Varberg, Sweden
 42 
Ali Pasha of Ioannina
(Ottoman Ruler Who Was the Provincial Governor of Janina, or Ioannina)
Ali Pasha of Ioannina
1
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 1740 AD
Birthplace: Tepelenë, Albania
Died: January 24, 1822

Ottoman leader Ali Pasha was born into a poor family but later, through deceit and murder, rose to be the pasha, or provincial governor, of Janina, or Ioannina, the center of Greek culture. He later extended his rule to most of Albania and Macedonia. He was eventually shot dead by his enemies.

 43 
Taulant Xhaka
(Footballer defensive midfielder position)
Taulant Xhaka
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 28, 1991
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Basel, Switzerland
 44 
Jonida Maliqi
(Singer)
Jonida Maliqi
0
Birthdate: March 26, 1983
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Tirana, Albania
 45 
Astrit Ajdarević
(Footballer midfielder)
Astrit Ajdarević
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 17, 1990
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pristina, Kosovo
 46 
Ismail Kadare
(Novelist)
Ismail Kadare
2
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: January 28, 1936
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Gjirokastër, Albania
 47 
Ramiz Alia
(1st President of Albania)
Ramiz Alia
5
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: October 18, 1925
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Shkodër
Died: October 7, 2011

Ramiz Alia scripted history as the 1st president of Albania. He initially headed the Party of Labour of Albania and later joined the Socialist Party. He was known for his efforts in building ties with the country’s European neighbors but was eventually convicted of corruption and imprisoned. His conviction was later overturned.

 48 
Giacomo Vrioni
(Footballer forward position)
Giacomo Vrioni
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 15, 1998
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: San Severino Marche, Italy
 49 
Essad Pasha Toptani
(Former Prime Minister of Albania)
Essad Pasha Toptani
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: 1863 AD
Birthplace: Tirana, Albania
Died: June 13, 1920
Essad Pasha Toptani was an Ottoman army officer and an important politician in early 20th-century Albania. He served as the prime minister of Albania from 5 October 1914 to 24 February 1916. Essad Pasha Toptani also served as the second Minister of Internal Affairs as well as the second Minister of War from 14 March 1914 to 20 June 1914.
 50 
Sefer Seferi
(Boxer)
Sefer Seferi
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 5, 1979
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Gostivar, SR Macedonia, SFR Yugoslavia