Shemo Merko
Shemo Merko | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Succeeded by | Ramiz Merko (mayor of Strugë) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1886 Frëngova, Strugë, Ottoman Empire (modern-day North Macedonia) |
| Died | 1973 (aged 86-87) Strugë |
| Cause of death | Old Age |
| Nationality | Albanian |
| Military service | |
| Battles/wars |
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Shemo Merko (1886-1973) was an Albanian nationalist and guerilla fighter who is known for his struggle against the Yugoslav rule in the early 1900s. His story lives on in traditional folk songs,history books, and in the memories of the local and sorounding Albanian people of Strugë.[2]
Early Life
Merko was born in the village of Frëngova, located in the Strugë region. Little is known about his early years, but it is believed that he grew up in a family with strong Albanian nationalist values.
As tensions increased in the region during the early 20th century, particularly under the influence of foreign powers like Yugoslavia, Merko became more involved in the local resistances locals made. His actions earned him a reputation as a brave and dedicated patriot, and he quickly became a prominent figure among local resistance groups in the Struga and surrounding areas.
Military career
Shemo Merko was part of the Struga Tabor, a group of fighters from Strugë who refused to accept Yugoslav rule. Alongside his close friend Shaban Blloshmi, he fought against Greek invaders in places like Pogradec, Korçë, and Arrëz.[3] He also worked with well-known Albanian families, like the Muzhaqs of Polis, the Ompçani of Mokë, and the Beylers of Starova, all of whom were deeply involved in the resistance.[4]
Persecution and escape
Because of his actions, the Serbian gendarmerie was always after him.[4] In 1929, after years of fighting, he was hiding in Berzeshte at Shaban Blloshmi’s house when he was betrayed and surrounded by Serbian forces. But even then, he didn’t give up, after a struggle, he killed one of the Serbian guards and managed to escape by diving into the Shkumbin River.[4]
Legacy
Shemo Merko is remembered as a hero in Struga and beyond. Folk songs tell the story of his bravery, and he is even mentioned in some books.
References
- ^ a b c Murtishi, Kaim (2013). Shqiptaria dhe drita e diturisë në viset ku del Drini. Albania: Skanderbeg books. p. 40. ISBN 978-9928-4241-3-6.
- ^ Murtishi, Kaim (2013). Shqiptaria dhe drita e diturisë në viset ku del Drini. Albania: Skanderbeg books. p. 40-42. ISBN 978-9928-4241-3-6.
- ^ Murtishi, Kaim (2013). Shqiptaria dhe drita e diturisë në viset ku del Drini. Albania: Skanderbeg books. p. 40. ISBN 978-9928-4241-3-6.
- ^ a b c Murtishi, Kaim (2013). Shqiptaria dhe drita e diturisë në viset ku del Drini. Albania: Skanderbeg books. p. 41. ISBN 978-9928-4241-3-6.