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The Family History

Family History King Zog Queen Geraldine Albanian Princesses King Leka Queen Susan Queen Mother Sadije Toptani Historical Royal Residences
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It was in the latter part of the fifteenth century that the founder of the Zogu dynasty, (known as Zogolli until 1922), came to the northern Albanian province of Mat.

Under their hero, George Castrioti Skanderbeg, the proud mountain folk had their taste of freedom. However after Skanderbeg’s death in 1468, they could no longer withstand the powerful Ottoman Empire. The people were once again unwilling subjects of the Sultan, waiting for someone to lead them to rebellion.

Thus, when Zogu raised his standard against the Ottoman governor Gasi Bey, the mountain warriors eagerly rose with him. The Ottoman governor was killed in the rebellion and Zogu became ruler of the Mat. It was at this time that the family, heretofore Catholic, were converted to Islam and the Ottoman Sultan acknowledged them as hereditary rulers of the region.

Here, in the wild mountains and forests, the Clan prospered and was free. The prowess of its warriors was respected far and wide, and often they were called upon to assist other clans to revolt and fight the common enemy – the Ottomans.

In 1614, Zogu “The Young” was killed in one such battle. He had received a desperate call for help from the leaders of a clan in central Albania, and had assembled his forces for war. After twelve days of severe fighting in the heights of Peqin, the Ottomans were forced back; but during the fighting Zogu was mortally wounded. He was buried in Tirana. His sons Abdullah Bey and Selman Zogu continued the resistance. In 1621 Abdullah was killed at the battle of Qidhën, near the White Drini River, and six months later his brother Selman died defending “Qafe Bullit”. The reins of power fell to Ahmet Pasha Zogu, who ruled until he was condemned to death by beheading in Ohrid in 1633, presumably after a failed rebellion.

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From 1760 onwards Mahmut Pasha Zogu established his rule. Following the “Besa” honour code he expanded the influence of the family. He would be followed by Haxhi Pasha Mati whom in 1835 after the Shkodra revolt was removed from Mati and put under arrest in Manastir. In 1837 the Mati region revolted and regained its self governance and successfully negotiated the returned of Haxhi Pasha Mati.

For five hundred years, the family governed the Mat valley, always striving to free themselves from Ottoman domination. There was for instance, Said Bey Zogu, who according to oral history was imprisoned and exiled for life to Tripoli because of his patriotic sentiments and his opposition to the Sultan. Even though imprisoned in Tripoli he could not be silenced; he persuaded his guards to help him in an uprising, which was successful. He took the government of the African province into his own hands, and dictated his terms to the defeated Ottoman government. Under the terms of agreement, his rights were recognized, and he returned in triumph to Albania.

Then there was King Zog’s grandfather, Xhelal Pasha Zogu, who married Ruhije Khanum, (Lady Ruhije), from the wealthy Alltuni family of Kavaje. Xhelal was a trusted confidant of the Grand Vizier Mehmet Emin Ali Pasha. Along with other patriots such as Seit Bey Toptani, Ismail Qemal Bej Vlora and Hoxhë Tasimi, he lobbied Mehmet Ali Pasha who went before the Ottoman Sultan to call for the recognition of the Albanian language.

During the Montenegrin-Ottoman war (1852-53), Xhelal Bey Zogu gained fame as a commander after raising an army of 1500 loyal men from Mati. He showed much bravery in battle, from which he emerged badly wounded. As a reward, he was bestowed the title of “Pasha” by the Sultan and the post of “Kajmekami” (Prefect) of the Sanjak of Diber.

In December 1866, “The Sublime Porte” tasked Xhelal Zogu with the duty of Prefect and commander of the troops in Herzegovina. As a diplomat and an educated man of influence, with the growing support of the Albanian clans, he lobbied Europe, including the Court of Franz Joseph I of Austria, in the hope of gaining support for a rebellion. His plans, however, were uncovered. In March 1869 Xhelal Pasha was forced into self-exile.

In late 1869, Xhelal Pasha travelled to Russia, where, after waiting for seven months, he was received by the Tsar Alexander II in St. Petersburg. Russia had at that time a great amount of influence over Turkish affairs, and the Tsar promised to use his power on Zogu’s behalf. He therefore was to return to Constantinople (Istanbul), where a decree was signed appointing him Vali (governor) of Bitlis. Before he could return and assume his governorship, he Xhelal Pasha Zogu died in Vienna. He was believed to have been poisoned by the Ottomans. The Sultan gave him a State funeral, perhaps to hide the truth, and his remains were sent to Constantinople (Istanbul) and buried at the “Haxhi Badem Uskunda” cemetery.

His youngest son, Xhemal Pasha Zogu, became hereditary governor of the Mat at a young age, with the support of Gazi Myftar Pasha the Vali of Manastir, upon the death of his older brother Riza Bey Zogu whom had represented the Mat region at the League of Prizren.

In 1878 the Albanian League of Prizren was formed, with the purpose of securing the independence of the Nation and fighting any proposals of partitioning Albanian lands. Riza Bey Zogu, was a prominent supporter of the movement and worked to prepare for a revolution. But the Ottomans crushed the rebellion and put its leaders to death, including Riza Bey. He was murdered, together with his wife, on his return to Mat. Riza Bey Zogolli’s legacy today is remembered by the song of the Franciscan friar and poet Gjergj Fishta in the lyrics of “Lahuta e Malcis, Lidhja e Prizrendit”, and by the writings of the historian Kristo Dako.

In the years to come Xhemal Pasha would become politically active and a prominent Albanian figure. He distinguished himself during the “Great Eastern Crisis of 1875-78”. In 1880, he married Zenja Malika Khanum; after she died in childbirth in 1884, he remarried.

His second wife, Sadija Khanum (Sadije Toptani), would become the Queen Mother of the Albanians.

In 1903 Xhemal Pasha joined his relative, Rexhep Pashë Mati, and other patriots in planning a revolution against the Ottoman Sultan Abdyl Hamiti II. Rexhep Pashë Mati was commander of the Turkish Armies in Libya. Other prominent Albanian patriots included Xhafer Bey Breshtoni and Said Efendi. However their attempts were betrayed when the Greek Government informed the Ottomans of their plans. The Ottomans took harsh measures against all involved. In 1908, at the age of forty-eight, Xhemal Pasha died from an unknown illness.

It was under these circumstances that Ahmet Muhtar Zogu Mati, the future King of the Albanians, was born high up in the castle of Burgajet, the North Albanian mountain stronghold of his forefathers, October 8, 1895.

40 Historical dates of the Royal family and King Zog

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  • 1895

    8th of October, Burgajet Mati, Ahmet Xhemal Zogu was born

    8th of October, Burgajet Mati, Ahmet Xhemal Zogu was born

    October 8, 1895
  • 1903

    Zogu studied at the Galatasaray School in Istanbul

    Zogu studied at the Galatasaray School in Istanbul

    January 1, 1903
  • 1908

    his father Xhemal Pasha Zogu died

    his father Xhemal Pasha Zogu died

    January 1, 1908
  • 1911

    Zogu returned to Albania to lead a revolt against the Ottoman occupiers

    Zogu returned to Albania to lead a revolt against the Ottoman occupiers

    January 1, 1911
  • 1912

    Zogu took part in the Albanian decoration of independence, as a delegate

    Zogu took part in the Albanian decoration of independence, as a delegate

    January 1, 1912
  • 1912

    Zogu battled the Montenegrin army in the hills of Kakarriqit

    Zogu battled the Montenegrin army in the hills of Kakarriqit

    January 1, 1912
  • 1915

    6th of August, Budapest, Queen Geraldine of the Albanians is born

    6th of August, Budapest, Queen Geraldine of the Albanians is born

    January 1, 1915
  • 1916

    3rd of March, Zogu declared a national congress against all invaders

    3rd of March, Zogu declared a national congress against all invaders

    January 1, 1916
  • 1916

    December, Zogu attended the Coronation of Charles I, the Kaiser (Emperor) of Austria and King of Hungary

    December, Zogu attended the Coronation of Charles I, the Kaiser (Emperor) of Austria and King of Hungary

    January 1, 1916
  • 1920

    21-31 January, Zogu took part in the Conference of Lushnje and was made Minister of Interior

    21-31 January, Zogu took part in the Conference of Lushnje and was made Minister of Interior

    January 1, 1920
  • 1921

    April, Zogu was voted a deputy in Albania’s First free elections

    April, Zogu was voted a deputy in Albania’s First free elections

    January 1, 1921
  • 1921

    4th November, Zogu was named the commander of operations of eastern Albania against the Kingdom of Serbia

    4th November, Zogu was named the commander of operations of eastern Albania against the Kingdom of Serbia

    January 1, 1921
  • 1923

    December, Zogu was voted in as a member of the Constitutional Assembly

    December, Zogu was voted in as a member of the Constitutional Assembly

    January 1, 1923
  • 1923

    2nd of December, Zogu becomes Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior

    2nd of December, Zogu becomes Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior

    January 1, 1923
  • 1924

    10th of June, after the uprising of Fan Noli, Zogu is forced into exile

    10th of June, after the uprising of Fan Noli, Zogu is forced into exile

    January 1, 1924
  • 1924

    24th of December, Zogu returns to Tirana with the Triumph of Legality movement

    24th of December, Zogu returns to Tirana with the Triumph of Legality movement

    January 1, 1924
  • 1924

    25th of February, Zogu resigned as Prime minister two days after an assassination attempt on his life

    25th of February, Zogu resigned as Prime minister two days after an assassination attempt on his life

    January 1, 1924
  • 1925

    31st January, Ahmet Zogu is declared President of the Albanian Republic

    31st January, Ahmet Zogu is declared President of the Albanian Republic

    January 1, 1925
  • 1928

    1st of September, the national assembly declares Albania a Constitutional Monarchy, Ahmet Zogu took the title of King Zog of the Albanians

    1st of September, the national assembly declares Albania a Constitutional Monarchy, Ahmet Zogu took the title of King Zog of the Albanians

    January 1, 1928
  • 1931

    20th of February, King Zog survived an attempt on his life in Vienna

    20th of February, King Zog survived an attempt on his life in Vienna

    January 1, 1931
  • 1934

    25th of November, Queen Sadije, the Queen Mother, died at Durrës from congestion of the lungs. She was aged 58

    25th of November, Queen Sadije, the Queen Mother, died at Durrës from congestion of the lungs. She was aged 58

    January 1, 1934
  • 1936

    12th of January, Princess Senije married Prince Abid of Turkey

    12th of January, Princess Senije married Prince Abid of Turkey

    January 1, 1936
  • 1938

    27th of April, King Zog married Countess Geraldine Apponyi

    27th of April, King Zog married Countess Geraldine Apponyi

    January 1, 1938
  • 1939

    5th of April, Crown Prince Leka is born (later H.M. King Leka).

    5th of April, Crown Prince Leka is born (later H.M. King Leka).

    January 1, 1939
  • 1939

    7th of April, the Italian Fascists invaded Albania

    7th of April, the Italian Fascists invaded Albania

    January 1, 1939
  • 1939

    9th of April, King Zog is forced to exile

    9th of April, King Zog is forced to exile

    January 1, 1939
  • 1940

    27th of June, The Royal Family leaves for England from near the port of Bordeaux. Ian Fleming (later a famous author) helped facilitate the travel details

    27th of June, The Royal Family leaves for England from near the port of Bordeaux. Ian Fleming (later a famous author) helped facilitate the travel details

    January 1, 1940
  • 1946

    January, the Royal Family left England for Egypt

    January, the Royal Family left England for Egypt

    January 1, 1946
  • 1961

    9th of April, King Zog died in Paris

    9th of April, King Zog died in Paris

    January 1, 1961
  • 1961

    15th April, Prince Leka is declared King Leka of the Albanians

    15th April, Prince Leka is declared King Leka of the Albanians

    January 1, 1961
  • 1975

    7th of October, King Leka married Susan Cullen-Ward

    7th of October, King Leka married Susan Cullen-Ward

    January 1, 1975
  • 1975

    10th of October, The Royal wedding takes place in Madrid

    10th of October, The Royal wedding takes place in Madrid

    January 1, 1975
  • 1982

    26th of March, Prince Leka II was born in Johannesburg

    26th of March, Prince Leka II was born in Johannesburg

    January 1, 1982
  • 1993

    19th of November, King Leka returned to Albania for 24hours, after 54 years in exile

    19th of November, King Leka returned to Albania for 24hours, after 54 years in exile

    January 1, 1993
  • 1997

    29th of June, a Referendum on the restoration of the Monarchy was held

    29th of June, a Referendum on the restoration of the Monarchy was held

    January 1, 1997
  • 2002

    28th of June, Queen Geraldine and the Royal Family returned to Albania from South Africa

    28th of June, Queen Geraldine and the Royal Family returned to Albania from South Africa

    January 1, 2002
  • 2002

    22nd of October, Queen Geraldine died in Tirana

    22nd of October, Queen Geraldine died in Tirana

    January 1, 2002
  • 2004

    17th July, Queen Susan died in Tirana

    17th July, Queen Susan died in Tirana

    January 1, 2004
  • 2010

    16th of June, Crown Prince Leka announced his engagement to Miss Elia Zaharia, in Paris, France

    16th of June, Crown Prince Leka announced his engagement to Miss Elia Zaharia, in Paris, France

    January 1, 2010
  • 2011

    30th November, King Leka I of the Albanians died in Tirana

    30th November, King Leka I of the Albanians died in Tirana

    January 1, 2011
  • 2012

    15th of November, King Zog’s body was exhumed from the Thiais cemetery, Paris. An honor guard was provided by the French President

    15th of November, King Zog’s body was exhumed from the Thiais cemetery, Paris. An honor guard was provided by the French President

    January 1, 2012
  • 2012

    17th November, King Zog’s remains were returned to Albania, to coincide with Albania’s centennial independence celebrations

    17th November, King Zog’s remains were returned to Albania, to coincide with Albania’s centennial independence celebrations

    January 1, 2012
  • 2016

    8th of October, Crown Prince Leka II married Miss Elia Zaharia at the Royal Palace in Tirana

    8th of October, Crown Prince Leka II married Miss Elia Zaharia at the Royal Palace in Tirana

    January 1, 2016
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