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The footsteps of Hafiz Emin Cangonji, the mayor of Korça's oldest neighborhood

2026-07-24 20:23:00, Kulturë Aleksandër Cangonja

The footsteps of Hafiz Emin Cangonji, the mayor of Korça's oldest

In my research at the Central State Archives, specifically in Fund 153, I found a document of great value to me. This archival document sheds light on the figure of my great-grandfather (grandfather's father), Hafiz Emin Cangonji, who in official documents of the time is noted by patronymic as Hafiz Emin Musa.

The document dated October 23, 1921 is a "Letter of Proposal." Through this act, residents and community leaders gathered to vote and elect the new Mayor (Muftari) of their neighborhood, following the passing of their predecessor, Abidin Veliu.

The community trust led by the neighborhood "mediators" was delegated precisely to Hafiz Emin Cangonji. He was elected Mayor of the oldest, most important and historical neighborhood of the city: the Clock Quarter. This area constituted the old heart of Korça, where not only the Clock Tower stood tall, but also the Iljaz Bey Mirahor Mosque — the object of worship and the oldest architectural monument of the entire city, built at the dawn of the founding of Korça.

The connection of the great-grandfather with this sacred part of the city was early and daily. Hafiz Emini had his house very close to this center and served as a cleric and worked precisely in the Iljaz Mirahori Mosque, enjoying an extraordinary respect among his fellow citizens for his integrity and knowledge. After the residents signed their signatures and elected him by unanimous vote, this popular decision was officially forwarded for approval to the Prefecture of Korça, being sealed and protocoled as a legitimate act of the Albanian state.

Today, this document makes me proud. It testifies to how our great-grandfather, Hafiz Emin Cangonji, left his indelible mark on the civil and spiritual organization of Korça, honorably leading the neighborhood that laid the foundations of our city.

Document transcript:

Letter – Proposal: For the Mufti and members of the Sahat family.
Seeing that our “Sahat” family, after the death of the mufti Abidin Veliu, was left without a mufti, and we felt the need for a mufti to take care of our family, the members of the meeting that we held today, October 23, 1921, on this issue, with the approval of all the members of our family, decided to appoint Hafa Emin Musa as mufti and members ZZ Belul Lytfi and Riza Kadi Dërsniku, all three of whom are honorable people and are able to carry out the duties that belong to them.
Therefore, in order to be officially accepted and to be given the Seal of the family, with the wish of all, this letter of proposal is written and presented to the Prefecture for the acceptance of the aforementioned.

Korça on October 23, 1921

Sahat Family Officials.
Signatures and Names
• Hafës Emin Musa
• Emin Seizniku
• Nazim Idris
• Belul Lytfi
• R. Kadi
• Memet
• Haxhi Musa (H. Emin)
• Abidin ...
• Abidin Gashi
• Osman Zyber
• Balil ….
• Fuad D...
Prefecture of Korça
V. No. 4447
Director of Police for a survey on the morals of the proposed council and whether they have the necessary legal qualities.
K. on 24.10.21
Pref. of Korça
(Signature)
________________________________________
Director of Police
of the Prefecture
Here
we take the honor to inform you that after the survey we became the Mayor of the Sahat Neighborhood and the members are Honest for the duties that we were elected and we are of the opinion that they should be accepted.
K. 29.10.21
Director of Police
Nik. Dishnica
Police Director
Commissioner
For complaints about the Gentlemen who have been elected by
the Sahat family members, one Meftar and two Members.
K. 28.10.21
Police Director
Nik. Dishnica
Pref. of Korça
No. —
Archive Service The
appointment is accepted and made.
K. on 31.10.21
Pref. of Korça
(Signature)
Police Director
No. 3091
To the Commissioner of the Market
Inform the aforementioned family, to propose another one instead of the son Abidin, who is
of a young age.
To Police Director
(Signature)
Korça, 5/12/21
Korça
Police Department Police Director

We are honored to inform you that after the concern that arose over the Elder
and the Councilors proposed by the Sahatite parish, they are of
good morals and character and are ready to accept and we are of the mind that the Elder and both members should be accepted
with honor.
Commissioner (Signature)