Binak Alia

Binak Alia
Born1805
Bujan, Tropojë, past Ottoman Empire, present-day Albania
Died1895 (aged 89–90)
NationalityAlbanian
Other namesBinak Alija
Binak Ali Mulosmanaj
Known forAlbanian Revolt of 1845
RelativesMic Sokoli (Nephew), Sokol Rama (Brother), Tahir Sinani (descendant), Skënder Sinani (desdendant), Rezart Sinani (descendant), Rugova Sinani (descendant)

Binak Alia (1805–1895) was an Albanian leader from the Highlands of Gjakova. He is remembered mainly for his participation in the Albanian Revolt of 1845, and as a wise old man who helped resolve blood feuds in the area.[1]

Life

Alia was born in 1805 in Bujan, Ottoman Empire, in present day Tropojë municipality of Albania. He belonged to the Mulosmanaj clan of the Krasniqi tribe.[2] He is mentioned as the Albanian Revolt of 1845, together with Sokol Rama (1790-1860) from the same village. The revolt was in the chain of Albanian revolts against the Sublime Porte and especially against Tanzimat reforms.[3] The rebels were initially successful. They drove out the Ottoman garrison of Yakova.[4] The revolt spread in the area of Reka, and in up to Deçan, with their number reaching 8,000.[5] Ultimately the Ottomans managed to quell the revolt.[6]

His name is mentioned again during the Revolts of 1860, and specifically as a participant of the League of Prizren sessions, though at an old age. Another note, Mic Sokoli, a People's Hero of Albania was Alia's nephew.

Trivia

Alia is remembered as a wise man. Numerous blood feuds were resolved with his intervention. People from around the highland came to his oda to discuss and receive advice conforming to the Kanun law.[7]

A street in Tirana, Albania is named after him.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ Kush ishte Binak Alia? (in Albanian), Gazeta Dita Online, 2014-08-28, archived from the original on 2017-01-08, retrieved 2015-01-03
  2. ^ Bujani i Krasniqes - Haki Zllami (in Albanian)
  3. ^ Robert Elsie (2010), Historical Dictionary of Albania, Historical Dictionaries of Europe, vol. 75, Scarecrow Press, p. Introduction(vi), ISBN 978-0810861886
  4. ^ Aleks Buda (1986), Shkrime historike, vol. 2, Shtëpia Botuese "8 Nëntori", p. 18, OCLC 159894624
  5. ^ Kryengritja e Gjakoves, Gjurmime albanologjike: seria e shkencave historike, vol. 15, Prishtina: Institut Albanologique de Prishtina, 1985, p. 147, OCLC 866404541
  6. ^ Theodor Ippen (1916), Robert Elsie (ed.), Nineteenth-Century Albanian History, translated by Robert Elsie, archived from the original on 2013-01-08, he Malissors (mountain tribes) gathered under their leaders Binak Ali and Sokol Aram....The rebels comprised about 8,000 men...As such, the rebels all surrendered on 6 July.
  7. ^ Muhamet Pirraku (1989), Kultura kombëtare shqiptare deri në Lidhjen e Prizrenit, Prishtina: Instituti Albanologjik i Prishtinës, p. 167, OCLC 21409391
  8. ^ "Mbi ngjarjet, arrestimet, ndalimet dhe procedimet e ndodhura në vëndin tonë 24 orët e fundit 30.11.2014" (in Albanian). Albanian State Police. 2014-11-30. Archived from the original on 2015-01-03. Retrieved 2015-01-03. banues në rrugën "Binak Alia"