Xhelal Pasha Zogolli

Xhehal Pasha Zogolli (1802-1876)

Xhelal Pasha Zogolli was hereditary governor of Mati, father of Xhemal Pasha Zogu and grandfather of King Zog I.

Xhelal Pasha Zogolli was educated privately. He served in the Montenegrin War of 1852-53. Later he visited Russia, and attempted a rebellion against Turkish rule after his return. He married Ruqiya Khanum [Ruhij%C3%A9 Hanem], from the wealthy Alltuni family of Kavajë. He died apparently poisoned by Ottoman agents at Vienna, Austria, and was buried in Haji Badem Uskanda, Istanbul, Turkey.

Xhelal Pashe Zogu extended his influence not only in Turky and Albania but further in Europe. Ali Pashe Tepelena very much appreciated Him thus charged Him with a duty to represent Albanians and deliver a petition to the Sultan.

The Sultan accepted the petition of Xhelal Pashe Zogu, and accorded to Albanians only the freedom to learn the Albanian language, for this reason provided them with 2700 golden Turkish lira, to open Albanian schools. However, the proposal petitions of Xhelal Pashe Zogu were considered as radical, secessionist, and separatist according to the Ottoman Empire. The Sultan revoked his pledge.

During this period Xhelal gained great fame, particularly in Europe and was considered as the leader of the Albanian Movement of autonomy, independence. the separation from the three continental Empire which was considered to be weakening in the region.

Xhelal Pasha had maintained the role of the Turkish ambassador in Moscow and Vienna, and was appreciated for his qualities as an excellent diplomat as well as an implacable patriot.

The ottomans soon considered him a threat to the Empire, since He undoubtedly attempted for the Albanian autonomy. Finally, they found the way to physically eliminate him, by poisoning Him, in Vienna, before he was to undertake a promotion as "vali" in Bitlis.