List of people from Durrës
The following are notable people who were either born, raised or have lived for a significant period of time in Durrës:
Historical figure
[edit]- Anastasius I, Emperor of the Byzantine Empire
- Aretes of Dyrrachium, natural philosopher.
- Jahja Ballhysa, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
- Pietro Bianco, pirate from Durrës who lived in the 1450s
- Bruti family, Medieval family which ruled in Durres.
- Abaz Efendi Çelkupa, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
- Mustafa Hanxhiu, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
- Karl Topia, Prince of Albania
- Nikollë Mekajshi, early 17th century Albanian patriot.
Politics and public office
[edit]- Pjetër Arbnori, "the Mandela of the Balkans"
- Bujar Nishani, politician and former President of Albania
- Vangjush Dako, Mayor of Durrës
- Namik Dokle, politician and former Chairman of the Parliament of Albania from September 2001 to April 2002
- Grida Duma, female politician
- Lefter Koka, former Mayor of Durrës, politician, and former minister
- Fatmir Mediu, politician, leader of Republican Party of Albania
- Gazmend Oketa, politician, former minister
- Sokol Olldashi, politician, former minister
- Nako Spiru, high-ranking official of the Communist Party of Albania and Minister of Economy and Industry from 1946 to 1947
- Ferdinand Xhaferraj, former Minister of Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Youth and Sports
Athletics, sports and recreation
[edit]Football
[edit]- A–H
- Arbër Aliu
- Artan Jazxhi, professional footballer
- Dritan Babamusta
- Haxhi Ballgjini
- Shyqyri Ballgjini
- Gentian Begeja
- Fabian Beqja
- Safet Berisha
- Niko Bespalla
- Mario Dajsinani
- Alfred Deliallisi
- Arbër Deliu
- Ardit Deliu
- Enkeleid Dobi
- Niko Dovana
- Bajram Fraholli
- Jurgen Goxha
- Nazmi Gripshi
- Fatmir Hima
- Bledar Hodo
- Altin Hoxha
- Fabio Hoxha
- Rustem Hoxha
- Sulejman Hoxha
- Klejdi Hyka
- I–R
- S–Z
Other
[edit]- Mirela Manjani, athlete
- Kreshnik Qato, boxer
- Erald Dervishi, chess player
- Shkëlqim Troplini, wrestler
Art, photography, architecture
[edit]- Andrea Alessi, architect
- Ibrahim Kodra, painter
- John Koukouzelis or Jan Kukuzeli, Byzantine music composer
- Kristaq Rama, sculptor, art educator and the father of the Albanian PM, Edi Rama
- Helidon Xhixha, sculptor
Literature, journalism, filmography
[edit]- Avni Resuli, actor and director.
- Elvira Dones, novelist, screenwriter, and documentary film producer.
- Moikom Zeqo, writer, archaeologist.
Scholars, science, academicians
[edit]- Jera Kruja, Professor of Neurology, Rector of the University of Medicine, Tirana
- Leonik Tomeu, professor of Nicholas Copernicus at the University of Padova
Religion and clergy
[edit]- Saint Astius of Durrës, martyr and Bishop of Dyrrhachium
- Pal Engjëlli, cardinal, clergyman, scholar, and Archbishop of Durrës
- Dom Nikollë Kaçorri, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
- Nikollë Mekajshi, Franciscan Roman Catholic, bishop of Stephanium
- Jan Kukuzeli, Medieval Albanian Christian composer
Others
[edit]- Ilir Hoti, economist and banker.
- Ina Rama, Magistrate, former Chief Prosecutor
- Hygerta Sako, former Miss Albania