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{{otheruses2|Kelmend}}
{{otheruses2|Kelmend}}
{{Cleanup|date=June 2008}}
{{Cleanup|date=June 2008}}
'''Kelmend''' (or Kelmendi, [[Serbian language|Serbian]]: Клименти, ''Klimenti'') is an [[Albanians|Albanian]] region, known as the Kelmendi Mountains, (Albanian: ''Mali i Kelmendit''), which lies in the [[Malësia]] in [[Albania]], and surrounding ethnic Albanian territories. The families can be found in [[Albania]]. Kelmendi is also the largest Albanian clan within [[Malësia]], with the largest population and land within Malësia territory. It consists of [[Vermosh]], [[Selca]], [[Nikç]], [[Vukël]],[[Tamare]], [[Boga]]. The clan once professed the [[Roman Catholic]] faith. The region properly called Kelmend is still 95% Catholic. On the contrary, the Kelmendi region is and has always been secular. There is places in [[Montenegro]] and [[Kosovo]] which have settlements of the descendants of the Kelmendi clan but are not considered Kelmend.
'''Kelmend''' (or Kelmendi, [[Serbian language|Serbian]]: Клименти, ''Klimenti'') is an [[Albanians|Albanian]] region, known as the Kelmendi Mountains, (Albanian: ''Mali i Kelmendit''), which lies in the [[Malësia]] in [[Albania]] and [[Montenegro]], and surrounding ethnic Albanian territories. The families can be found in [[Albania]], [[Montenegro]], and [[Kosovo]]. Kelmendi is also the largest Albanian clan within [[Malësia]], with the largest population and land within Malësia territory. It consists of [[Selca]], [[Nikç]], [[Vukël]], [[Boga]], and many more The extended regions of [[Vuthaj]] and [[Martinaj]] are located in Montenegro, and [[Rugova (Region)|Rugova]] is located in Kosovo. These towns are populated by descendants of the Kelmendi clan. The clan once professed the [[Roman Catholic]] faith. The region properly called Kelmend is still 95% Catholic. However, the branch of Kelmendi called Rugova, is predominantly of the Muslim faith. In general religion cannot be taken as a defining factor of the identity of the Kelmendi region. On the contrary, the Kelmendi region is and has always been secular.


== History ==
== History ==
In 1700, many Roman Catholic adherents of the Kelmendi clan began emigrating to [[Pešter]] on invitation from the [[Ottoman Turks]]. However, some immigrated back to Albania in two waves, the first in 1700 and the next in 1711.
In 1700, many Roman Catholic adherents of the Kelmendi clan began emigrating to [[Pešter]] on invitation from the [[Ottoman Turks]]. However, some immigrated back to Albania in two waves, the first in 1700 and the next in 1711. Most of the population eventually became [[Islamisation|Islamicised]].


About 1,600 Catholic Kelmend Albanians joined anti-Turkish efforts, and on retreat across the river [[Sava River|Sava]], settled in the villages of [[Nikinci]], [[Hrtkovci]] and [[Jarak]] in [[Syrmia|Srem]]. Overtime, they became [[Croatisation|Croatised]].
About 1,600 Catholic Kelmend Albanians joined anti-Turkish efforts, and on retreat across the river [[Sava River|Sava]], settled in the villages of [[Nikinci]], [[Hrtkovci]] and [[Jarak]] in [[Syrmia|Srem]]. Overtime, they became [[Croatisation|Croatised]].
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==Descendants==
==Descendants==
'''Family descendants of the Kelmendi clan from the Kelmendi Proper Region '''
'''Family descendants of the Kelmendi clan from the Kelmendi Proper Region '''

=== [[Plav]]-[[Gusinje|Gucia]] (Plav-Gusinje) ===
*'''Ahmetaj''' (Serbian truncation: Ahmetović) - from village ''Vusanje / Vuthaj''. They descend from a certain Ahmet Nikaj, son of Nika Nrrelaj and grandson of Nrrel Balaj, and are originally from Vukël in northern Albania.
⚫
*'''Bacaj'''
*'''Balaj''' (Serbian truncation: Balić) - from village ''Grnčar / Gërnçari''. Immigrated to Plav-Gusinje in 1698 from the village of Vukël (or Selcë?) in northern Albania and converted to Islam the same year. The clan's closest relatives are the Balidemajt / Balidemići. Legend has it that the Balaj, Balidemaj and Vukel clans descended from three brothers. However, a member of the Vukel clan married a member of the Balić clan, later resulting in severed relations with the Vukel clan.
*'''Balidemaj''' (Serbian truncation: Bal(j)idemaj / Balidemić) - from village ''Martinovići / Martinaj'. This branch of the clan remained Catholic for three generations, until Martin's great-grandson converted to Islam, taking the name ''Omer''. Since then, the family was known as ''Omeraj / Omerović''. Until recently was the family's name changed to ''Balidemaj''. The clan's closest relatives are the Balajt / Balići. Legend has it that the Balaj, Balidemaj and Vukel clans descended from three brothers.
*'''Bruçaj''' (Serbian truncation: Bručaj / Bručević) - they are descendants of a Catholic Albanian named Bruç Nrrelaj, son of Nrrel Balaj, and are originally from Vukël in northern Albania.
*'''Cakaj (?)''' (Serbian truncation: Cakić)
*'''Canaj''' (Serbian truncation: Canović) - from the villages of ''Bogaj / Bogajići'', ''Višnjevo/Vishnjeva'' and ''Đurička Rijeka/Reka e Xhurës''. Immigrated to Plav-Gusinje in 1698 from the village of Vukël in northern Albania and converted to Islam the same year.
*'''Çelaj''' (Serbian truncation: Čel(j)ić) - from the villages of Vusanje / Vuthaj and Vojno Selo. Claimed to be descendants of Nrrel Balaj. Their descendants include the Nikça/Nikča clan.
*'''Dedushaj''' (Serbian truncation: Dedušaj / Dedušević) - from village ''Vusanje / Vuthaj''. They are descendants of a Catholic Albanian named Ded (Dedush) Balaj, son of Nrrel Balaj, and are originally from Vukel in northern Albania.
*'''Hakaj''' (Serbian truncation: Hakanjin) - from village ''Hakaj / Hakanje''.
*'''Hasangjekaj''' (Serbian truncation: Hasanđekaj / Hasanđekić) - from village ''Martinovići / Martinaj''. They are originally from Vukël in northern Albania.The Hasangjekajt together with the Prelvukajt are both from the Martini clan
*'''Hasilović''' - from the village of ''Bogaj / Bogajić''.
*'''Gorçaj''' (Serbian truncation: Gorčević)
*'''Gjonbalaj''' (Serbian truncation: Đonbal(j)aj / Đonbalić) - from village ''Vusanje / Vuthaj'' with relatives in ''Vojno Selo''. Their ancestor, a Catholic Albanian named Gjon Balaj, immigrated with his sons: Bala, Aslan, Tuça and Hasan; along with his brother, Nrrel, and his children: Nika, Ded (Dedush), Stanisha, Bruç and Vuk from the village of Vukël in northern Albania to the village of Vusanje / Vuthaj in the late-17th century. Upon arriving, Gjon and his descendants settled in the village Vusanje / Vuthaj and converted to Islam and were known as the ''Gjonbalaj''. Relatives include Ahmetajt / Ahmetovići, Bruçajt / Bručevići, Çelajt / Čelići, Goçaj / Gočević, Lekajt / Lekovići, Selimajt / Selimovići, Qosajt / Ćosovići, Ulajt / Uljevići, Vuçetajt / Vučetovići.
*'''Kukaj''' (Serbian truncation: Kukić) - from the village of ''Vusanje / Vuthaj''
*'''Lecaj''' (Serbian truncation: L(j)ecaj) - from the village of ''Martinovići / Martinaj''. They are originally from Vukël in northern Albania.
*'''Lekaj''' (Serbian truncation: Leković) - from the villages of ''Gornja Ržanica / Rëzhnica e Epërme'' and ''Vojno Selo''. They are originally from Vukël in northern Albania. They are descendants of a certain Lekë Pretashi Nikaj.
*'''Martini''' (Serbian truncation: Marinović) - from the village of ''Martinovići / Martinaj''. Their ancestor, a Catholic Albanian named Martin, immigrated to the village of Trepča / Trepçë in the late 17th century from the village of Selcë in northern Albania. His descendants became known as ''Martini / Martinović''. The Hasangjekajt/Hasanđekići and Prelvukajt / Preljvukići descend from the Martini clan.
*'''Musaj''' (Serbian truncation: Musić) - Immigrated to Plav-Gusinje in 1698 from village Vukël in northern Albania and converted to Islam the same year.
*'''Novaj''' (Serbian truncation: Novović)
*'''Pepaj''' (Serbian truncation: Pepić) - from the village of ''Pepići/Pepaj''
*'''Prelvukaj''' (Serbian truncation: Preljvukaj / Preljvukić) - from the village of ''Martinovići / Martinaj''. Originally from Vukël in northern Albania. They are descendants of a certain Prelë Vuka of the Martini clan.
*'''Rekaj''' (Serbian truncation: Reković) - from village ''Bogajići / Bogaj'', immigrated to Plav-Gusinje circa 1858.
*'''Rugova''' - from the village of ''Višnjevo / Vishnjeva'' with relatives in ''Vojno Selo'' and ''Babino Polje''. They are descendants of the Rugova section of the Kelmendi in Kosovo.
*'''Qosaj/Qosja''' (Serbian truncation: Ćosaj / Ćosović)- from the village of ''Vusanje / Vuthaj''. They are descendants of a certain Qosa Stanishaj, son of Stanisha Nrrelaj and are originally from Vukël in northern Albania.
*'''Salić''' - from the village of ''Skić''. Relatives in Ulcinj.
*'''Selimaj''' (Serbian truncation: Sel(j)imaj / Sel(j)imović)
*'''Ulaj''' (Serbian truncation: Uljaj / Ul(j)ević) - from the village of ''Vusanje / Vuthaj''. They are originally from Vukël in northern Albania. They are descendants of a certain Ulë Nikaj, son of Nika Nrrelaj. Some migrated to the area of [[Koja e kucit]] area becoming the Bajraktar family of [[Pretash Zeka Ulaj]] a very well-known [[Malësor]] leader.
*'''Vukel''' (Serbian truncation: Vukelj) - from the village of ''Dolja / Doli''. They immigrated to Gusinje in 1675 from the village of Vukël in northern Albania. A certain [[bey]] from the Šabanagić clan gave the Vukel clan the village of Doli, where they continue to reside present-day.
*'''Vuçetaj''' (Serbian truncation: Vučetaj / Vučetović) - from village ''Vusanje / Vuthaj''. They are originally from Vukël in northern Albania. They are descendants of a certain Vuçetë Nikaj, son of Nika Nrrelaj.




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The following families come from the [[Vermosh]] area:
The following families come from the [[Vermosh]] area:
{{div col|5}}
{{div col|5}}
⚫
*'''Tinaj'''
*'''Bujaj'''
*'''Bujaj'''
⚫
*'''Shqutaj'''
*'''Bunjaj'''
*'''Bunjaj'''
*'''Cali'''
*'''Cali'''
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*'''Preljocaj/Tinaj'''
*'''Preljocaj/Tinaj'''
*'''Selmanaj'''
*'''Selmanaj'''
⚫
*'''Shqutaj'''
⚫
*'''Tinaj'''
*'''Vukaj'''
*'''Vukaj'''
*'''Vuktilaj'''
*'''Vuktilaj'''
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=== Vukël ===
=== Vukël ===
The following families come from [[Vukël]]:
The following families come from [[Vukël]]:
⚫
*'''Aliaj'''
*'''Nilaj'''
*'''Nilaj'''
*'''Pepushaj'''
*'''Pepushaj'''
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=== Tamarë ===
=== Tamarë ===
The following families come from [[Tamarë]]:
The following families come from [[Tamarë]]:
*'''Çekaj
*'''Bunjaj'''
*'''Bunjaj'''
⚫
*'''Bujaj'''
*'''Rukaj'''
*'''Rukaj'''
*'''Mrnacaj/Mernaçaj'''
*'''Mrnacaj/Mernaçaj'''
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*'''Prekelezaj'''
*'''Prekelezaj'''
*'''Hasaj'''
*'''Hasaj'''
⚫
*'''Hutaj'''
*'''Nikac'''
*'''Nikac'''
*'''Kapaj'''
*'''Kapaj'''
*'''Ujkaj'''
*'''Ujkaj'''
*'''Aliaj'''
*'''Alijaj'''


=== Selcë ===
=== Selcë ===
The following families come from [[Selcë]]:
The following families come from [[Selcë]]:
*'''Hysaj'''
*'''Bujaj'''
*'''Bujaj'''
*'''Tinaj'''
*'''Tinaj'''
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*'''Prek Cali (Hasanaj)''' [Famous for fighting slavic aggression and struggle against Communist regime]
*'''Prek Cali (Hasanaj)''' [Famous for fighting slavic aggression and struggle against Communist regime]
*'''Nora of Kelmendi''' (Unknown last name) [Killed the Turkish Pasha or Vezir]
*'''Nora of Kelmendi''' (Unknown last name) [Killed the Turkish Pasha or Vezir]
*'''Mema Smajli (Smajli)''' [Struggle against Communist regime]
*'''Mema Smajli (Smajli)
*'''Marash Vata (Lumaj)''' [Struggle against Communist regime]
*'''Marash Vata (Lumaj)''' [Struggle against Communist regime]
*'''Dod Prek Nika (Bujaj)''' [Struggle against Communist]
*'''Dod Prek Nika (Bujaj)''' [Struggle against communist]
*'''Gjon Preci (Rexhaj)''' [Struggle against Communist Regime]
*'''Gjon Preci (Rexhaj)''' [Struggle against Communist Regime]
*'''Fran Lleshi (Tinaj)''' [Struggle against Communist regime]
*'''Fran Lleshi (Tinaj)''' [Struggle against communist regime]


==Legends of Kelmendi==
==Legends of Kelmendi==
===Prek Cali===
===Prek Cali===
A major hero from Kelmendi was [[Prek Cali Hasanaj]]. Prek Cali was born in Vermosh, Kelmend. His mother was from the Nikaj family of Kuci (originally of Kelmendi). He was an ardent patriot that fought for his land and his country. Aside from fighting Slavic aggression in his early years (and keeping a significant portion of Northern Albania from being annexed to Serbia and Montenegro), he is also known for his struggle against the Communist forces commanded by [[Enver Hoxha]]. He had many people that worked for him, His secretary was Nikoll Llesh Tinaj. The Malsore forces under Prek Cali were initially successful in keeping the Communists from taking control of Northern Albania, but Enver Hoxha used a priest to lure him into a trap on Palm Sunday, and had him killed.
A major hero from Kelmendi was [[Prek Cali Hasanaj]]. Prek Cali was born in Vermosh, Kelmend. His mother was from the Nikaj family of Kuci (originally of Kelmendi). He was an ardent patriot that fought for his land and his country. Aside from fighting Slavic aggression in his early years (and keeping a significant portion of Northern Albania from being annexed to Serbia and Montenegro), he is also known for his struggle against the Communist forces commanded by [[Enver Hoxha]]. He had many people working for him, His secretary was Nikoll Llesh Tinaj. The Malsore forces under Prek Cali were initially successful in keeping the Communists from taking control of Northern Albania, but Enver Hoxha used a priest to lure him into a trap on Palm Sunday, and had him killed.


=== Nora of Kelmendi ===
=== Nora of Kelmendi ===
Line 107: Line 136:
==Other places in Kelmend==
==Other places in Kelmend==


There are plenty of other places in Kelmend such as Vermosh, Lepushe, Selce, Tamare, Kozhnje, Nikc, and, Vukel. Places such as Plave or Gusinje are not considered Kelmend. Same goes for other places in Montenegro. Rugove is not in Kelmend. Kelmend in [[Kosovo]] is not the same as Kelmend in [[Malesia Madhe]].
There are plenty of other places in Kelmend such as Vermosh, Lepushe, Selce, Tamare, Kozhnje, Nikc, and, Vukel. Places such as Plave or Gusinje are considered Kelmend. As are other places in Montenegro. Rugove is Kelmend. Kelmend in [[Kosovo]] is the same as Kelmend in [[Malesia Madhe]].


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 17:53, 6 August 2010

Template:Otheruses2

Kelmend (or Kelmendi, Serbian: Клименти, Klimenti) is an Albanian region, known as the Kelmendi Mountains, (Albanian: Mali i Kelmendit), which lies in the Malësia in Albania and Montenegro, and surrounding ethnic Albanian territories. The families can be found in Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Kelmendi is also the largest Albanian clan within Malësia, with the largest population and land within Malësia territory. It consists of Selca, Nikç, Vukël, Boga, and many more The extended regions of Vuthaj and Martinaj are located in Montenegro, and Rugova is located in Kosovo. These towns are populated by descendants of the Kelmendi clan. The clan once professed the Roman Catholic faith. The region properly called Kelmend is still 95% Catholic. However, the branch of Kelmendi called Rugova, is predominantly of the Muslim faith. In general religion cannot be taken as a defining factor of the identity of the Kelmendi region. On the contrary, the Kelmendi region is and has always been secular.

History

In 1700, many Roman Catholic adherents of the Kelmendi clan began emigrating to Pešter on invitation from the Ottoman Turks. However, some immigrated back to Albania in two waves, the first in 1700 and the next in 1711. Most of the population eventually became Islamicised.

About 1,600 Catholic Kelmend Albanians joined anti-Turkish efforts, and on retreat across the river Sava, settled in the villages of Nikinci, Hrtkovci and Jarak in Srem. Overtime, they became Croatised.

Descendants

Family descendants of the Kelmendi clan from the Kelmendi Proper Region

Plav-Gucia (Plav-Gusinje)

  • Ahmetaj (Serbian truncation: Ahmetović) - from village Vusanje / Vuthaj. They descend from a certain Ahmet Nikaj, son of Nika Nrrelaj and grandson of Nrrel Balaj, and are originally from Vukël in northern Albania.
  • Bacaj
  • Balaj (Serbian truncation: Balić) - from village Grnčar / Gërnçari. Immigrated to Plav-Gusinje in 1698 from the village of Vukël (or Selcë?) in northern Albania and converted to Islam the same year. The clan's closest relatives are the Balidemajt / Balidemići. Legend has it that the Balaj, Balidemaj and Vukel clans descended from three brothers. However, a member of the Vukel clan married a member of the Balić clan, later resulting in severed relations with the Vukel clan.
  • Balidemaj (Serbian truncation: Bal(j)idemaj / Balidemić) - from village Martinovići / Martinaj'. This branch of the clan remained Catholic for three generations, until Martin's great-grandson converted to Islam, taking the name Omer. Since then, the family was known as Omeraj / Omerović. Until recently was the family's name changed to Balidemaj. The clan's closest relatives are the Balajt / Balići. Legend has it that the Balaj, Balidemaj and Vukel clans descended from three brothers.
  • Bruçaj (Serbian truncation: Bručaj / Bručević) - they are descendants of a Catholic Albanian named Bruç Nrrelaj, son of Nrrel Balaj, and are originally from Vukël in northern Albania.
  • Cakaj (?) (Serbian truncation: Cakić)
  • Canaj (Serbian truncation: Canović) - from the villages of Bogaj / Bogajići, Višnjevo/Vishnjeva and Đurička Rijeka/Reka e Xhurës. Immigrated to Plav-Gusinje in 1698 from the village of Vukël in northern Albania and converted to Islam the same year.
  • Çelaj (Serbian truncation: Čel(j)ić) - from the villages of Vusanje / Vuthaj and Vojno Selo. Claimed to be descendants of Nrrel Balaj. Their descendants include the Nikça/Nikča clan.
  • Dedushaj (Serbian truncation: Dedušaj / Dedušević) - from village Vusanje / Vuthaj. They are descendants of a Catholic Albanian named Ded (Dedush) Balaj, son of Nrrel Balaj, and are originally from Vukel in northern Albania.
  • Hakaj (Serbian truncation: Hakanjin) - from village Hakaj / Hakanje.
  • Hasangjekaj (Serbian truncation: Hasanđekaj / Hasanđekić) - from village Martinovići / Martinaj. They are originally from Vukël in northern Albania.The Hasangjekajt together with the Prelvukajt are both from the Martini clan
  • Hasilović - from the village of Bogaj / Bogajić.
  • Gorçaj (Serbian truncation: Gorčević)
  • Gjonbalaj (Serbian truncation: Đonbal(j)aj / Đonbalić) - from village Vusanje / Vuthaj with relatives in Vojno Selo. Their ancestor, a Catholic Albanian named Gjon Balaj, immigrated with his sons: Bala, Aslan, Tuça and Hasan; along with his brother, Nrrel, and his children: Nika, Ded (Dedush), Stanisha, Bruç and Vuk from the village of Vukël in northern Albania to the village of Vusanje / Vuthaj in the late-17th century. Upon arriving, Gjon and his descendants settled in the village Vusanje / Vuthaj and converted to Islam and were known as the Gjonbalaj. Relatives include Ahmetajt / Ahmetovići, Bruçajt / Bručevići, Çelajt / Čelići, Goçaj / Gočević, Lekajt / Lekovići, Selimajt / Selimovići, Qosajt / Ćosovići, Ulajt / Uljevići, Vuçetajt / Vučetovići.
  • Kukaj (Serbian truncation: Kukić) - from the village of Vusanje / Vuthaj
  • Lecaj (Serbian truncation: L(j)ecaj) - from the village of Martinovići / Martinaj. They are originally from Vukël in northern Albania.
  • Lekaj (Serbian truncation: Leković) - from the villages of Gornja Ržanica / Rëzhnica e Epërme and Vojno Selo. They are originally from Vukël in northern Albania. They are descendants of a certain Lekë Pretashi Nikaj.
  • Martini (Serbian truncation: Marinović) - from the village of Martinovići / Martinaj. Their ancestor, a Catholic Albanian named Martin, immigrated to the village of Trepča / Trepçë in the late 17th century from the village of Selcë in northern Albania. His descendants became known as Martini / Martinović. The Hasangjekajt/Hasanđekići and Prelvukajt / Preljvukići descend from the Martini clan.
  • Musaj (Serbian truncation: Musić) - Immigrated to Plav-Gusinje in 1698 from village Vukël in northern Albania and converted to Islam the same year.
  • Novaj (Serbian truncation: Novović)
  • Pepaj (Serbian truncation: Pepić) - from the village of Pepići/Pepaj
  • Prelvukaj (Serbian truncation: Preljvukaj / Preljvukić) - from the village of Martinovići / Martinaj. Originally from Vukël in northern Albania. They are descendants of a certain Prelë Vuka of the Martini clan.
  • Rekaj (Serbian truncation: Reković) - from village Bogajići / Bogaj, immigrated to Plav-Gusinje circa 1858.
  • Rugova - from the village of Višnjevo / Vishnjeva with relatives in Vojno Selo and Babino Polje. They are descendants of the Rugova section of the Kelmendi in Kosovo.
  • Qosaj/Qosja (Serbian truncation: Ćosaj / Ćosović)- from the village of Vusanje / Vuthaj. They are descendants of a certain Qosa Stanishaj, son of Stanisha Nrrelaj and are originally from Vukël in northern Albania.
  • Salić - from the village of Skić. Relatives in Ulcinj.
  • Selimaj (Serbian truncation: Sel(j)imaj / Sel(j)imović)
  • Ulaj (Serbian truncation: Uljaj / Ul(j)ević) - from the village of Vusanje / Vuthaj. They are originally from Vukël in northern Albania. They are descendants of a certain Ulë Nikaj, son of Nika Nrrelaj. Some migrated to the area of Koja e kucit area becoming the Bajraktar family of Pretash Zeka Ulaj a very well-known Malësor leader.
  • Vukel (Serbian truncation: Vukelj) - from the village of Dolja / Doli. They immigrated to Gusinje in 1675 from the village of Vukël in northern Albania. A certain bey from the Šabanagić clan gave the Vukel clan the village of Doli, where they continue to reside present-day.
  • Vuçetaj (Serbian truncation: Vučetaj / Vučetović) - from village Vusanje / Vuthaj. They are originally from Vukël in northern Albania. They are descendants of a certain Vuçetë Nikaj, son of Nika Nrrelaj.


Vermosh

The following families come from the Vermosh area:

  • Bujaj
  • Bunjaj
  • Cali
  • Hasanaj
  • Hysaj
  • Lelçaj
  • Lekutanaj
  • Lumaj
  • Macaj
  • Mitaj
  • Mrnacaj/Mernaçaj
  • Naçaj
  • Peraj
  • Pllumaj
  • Preljocaj/Tinaj
  • Selmanaj
  • Shqutaj
  • Tinaj
  • Vukaj
  • Vuktilaj
  • Vushaj

Vukël

The following families come from Vukël:

  • Nilaj
  • Pepushaj
  • Grishaj
  • Bardhecaj
  • Gjelaj
  • Drejaj
  • Smajlaj

Tamarë

The following families come from Tamarë:

  • Bunjaj
  • Bujaj
  • Rukaj
  • Mrnacaj/Mernaçaj
  • Lelcaj
  • Vukaj

Nikç

The following families come from Nikç:

  • Smajlaj
  • Preldakaj
  • Nikçi
  • Rukaj
  • Gildedaj
  • Prekelezaj
  • Hasaj
  • Nikac
  • Kapaj
  • Ujkaj
  • Alijaj

Selcë

The following families come from Selcë:

  • Bujaj
  • Tinaj
  • Mrnacaj/Mernaçaj
  • Vushaj
  • Pllumaj
  • Vukaj

Other

  • There are more families that are supposed to appear on these lists, and this is near impossible for the sheer massivity of the task. Kelmendi is a huge Fis, and none of the families that are listed here are done so for any particular reason or order, other than to list a few of them to provide an example.

Notable People

  • Prek Cali (Hasanaj) [Famous for fighting slavic aggression and struggle against Communist regime]
  • Nora of Kelmendi (Unknown last name) [Killed the Turkish Pasha or Vezir]
  • Mema Smajli (Smajli)
  • Marash Vata (Lumaj) [Struggle against Communist regime]
  • Dod Prek Nika (Bujaj) [Struggle against communist]
  • Gjon Preci (Rexhaj) [Struggle against Communist Regime]
  • Fran Lleshi (Tinaj) [Struggle against communist regime]

Legends of Kelmendi

Prek Cali

A major hero from Kelmendi was Prek Cali Hasanaj. Prek Cali was born in Vermosh, Kelmend. His mother was from the Nikaj family of Kuci (originally of Kelmendi). He was an ardent patriot that fought for his land and his country. Aside from fighting Slavic aggression in his early years (and keeping a significant portion of Northern Albania from being annexed to Serbia and Montenegro), he is also known for his struggle against the Communist forces commanded by Enver Hoxha. He had many people working for him, His secretary was Nikoll Llesh Tinaj. The Malsore forces under Prek Cali were initially successful in keeping the Communists from taking control of Northern Albania, but Enver Hoxha used a priest to lure him into a trap on Palm Sunday, and had him killed.

Nora of Kelmendi

Main article: Nora of Kelmendi

She was an Albanian warrior from the region of Kelmendi. She killed the Bosnian Pasha of Shkoder, Vutsi Pasha in 1620. The figure is half historical and half legendary. Nora is one of the heroines that has largely contributed to the legacy of the Albanian malesors.

Other places in Kelmend

There are plenty of other places in Kelmend such as Vermosh, Lepushe, Selce, Tamare, Kozhnje, Nikc, and, Vukel. Places such as Plave or Gusinje are considered Kelmend. As are other places in Montenegro. Rugove is Kelmend. Kelmend in Kosovo is the same as Kelmend in Malesia Madhe.

References

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