November 28, Albania celebrates today the 113th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

Today, Albania celebrates the 113th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. On November 28, 1912, Ismail Qemali raised the flag in Vlorë, declaring Albania a sovereign and independent state.

November 28 is known to all Albanians, wherever they are, as Flag Day.

With the act of the Declaration of Independence of Albania, the Chairman of the Provisional Government, Ismail Qemali, informed the six Great Powers: England, Italy, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, and Russia.

The Balkan states were also notified: Romania, Montenegro, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey, requesting recognition of Albania’s independence as a natural consequence of the will of the Albanian people. On November 28, Ismail Qemali was declared Chairman of the Assembly and the first head of the Albanian government. Independence was declared for all Albanian lands, and ministers were chosen from all Albanian regions.

The act of the Declaration of Independence is one of the most important events in the history of the Albanian people. It was the result of centuries-long efforts and struggles of Albanians to protect the territorial integrity of their homeland and to establish an independent Albanian state. With the decision of the Vlorë Assembly, the Albanian nation gained its undeniable right to be free and independent, alongside other nations and peoples of Europe.

November 28, 1912, marks a historical turning point for the Albanian people, as it ended nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule and, on the other hand, created new political conditions to overcome backwardness and achieve faster economic, social, and cultural development.

The Declaration of Independence was also a great victory for Albanians against the anti-Albanian policies of neighboring Balkan monarchies and against their plans to fully partition Albania.

On this red-and-black day, “KORÇA BOOM” wishes all Albanians a joyful celebration.

“KORÇA BOOM”