The 114th anniversary of the flag raising at Guri i Kamjes is commemorated

2026-07-28 15:37:00, Kulturë CNA

This July 28th marks the 114th anniversary of the raising of the Albanian flag at Guri i Kamjes, one of the most important events in the history of the Gora region. Just a few months before the declaration of Independence in Vlora, hundreds of fighters from these regions joined together to liberate the area from the Young Turk occupation.

The 114th anniversary of the flag raising at Guri i Kamjes is commemorated

Under the leadership of Captain Kajo Babeni, together with Shahin Matraku and other leaders, about 800 fighters from Gora, Mokra and Opari gathered at Lisi i Gorarëve, from where they launched the action to surround and liberate Pogradec. After this victory, Kajo Babeni raised the Albanian flag at Guri i Kamjes, turning this place into a symbol of freedom and patriotic resistance.

"In the summer of 1912, four months before the raising of the Independence Flag in Vlora, the regions of Gora and Mokra became part of the efforts to liberate the country from the Ottoman occupation," says one of the residents of the area.

Kajo Babeni remains one of the most important figures of the national movement in the Pogradec region. His collaboration with well-known patriots such as Çerçiz Topulli and Mihal Grameno, as well as the trust he enjoyed among the residents, made him one of the most prominent leaders of the struggle for independence in this area.

The 114th anniversary of the flag raising at Guri i Kamjes is commemorated

"Kajo Babeni is one of the most important figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Pogradec region. He is considered one of the main leaders of the anti-Ottoman movement in this territory, becoming a symbol of the efforts for freedom and independence," said archaeologist Froseda Tole.

His patriotic activity took a special boost at the beginning of the 20th century, when he collaborated closely with prominent patriots of the time, such as Çerçiz Topulli and Mihal Grameno. Through these connections and his continuous commitment, Kajo Babeni played an important role in organizing patriotic detachments and mobilizing the population of the area.

The 114th anniversary of the flag raising at Guri i Kamjes is commemorated

Known for the authority and trust he enjoyed among the residents, he managed to unite people around the ideal of national liberation. For this reason, Kajo Babjeni remains an emblematic figure in the history of Pogradec and one of the most prominent personalities of the Albanian patriotic movement in this region.

The 114th anniversary of the flag raising at Guri i Kamjes is commemorated

Today, Guri i Kamjes is not only a natural monument and one of the most visited tourist attractions, but also a place of great historical value. Its strategic position meant that it was used during the First and Second World Wars, and is mentioned in archives, especially French ones, as a point of military importance.

The 114th anniversary of the flag raising at Guri i Kamjes is commemorated

"In addition to its historical values, Guri i Kamjes is also one of the most visited natural attractions in the area, declared a natural monument. It attracts visitors not only for its unique landscape, but also for the history it carries. Its strategic position meant that Guri i Kamjes was used during the First and Second World Wars. It is mentioned in various archives, especially in the French ones, as a point of military importance for controlling the surrounding territory. Today, Guri i Kamjes represents a destination where historical and natural tourism are combined, offering a special experience for every visitor", said Ledjan Zeqollari, Director of Tourism, Pogradec Municipality.

Even after 114 years, July 28 remains a proud date for the residents of Gora, Mokra, Opar and the entire Pogradec region, remembering the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom and national identity./CNA