The city of Central Albania commemorates the figures who gave their lives for freedom, from the martyrs of democracy to the fighters of Shkodra 112 years ago.
The beginning of October has started with clouds, but there is no room for tents in the central "Democracy" square. Citizens have gathered to commemorate important events in the history of the city and the country, which connect the end of the last century with the beginning of the 20th century.
Two monuments dedicated to prominent figures from Kavaja have recently been erected in the square. One of them is the monument to Josif Budo, the young man who was killed in July 1990 during protests against the communist regime, becoming the first martyr of democracy. Budo was shot dead at a time when the regime had deployed tanks and large police forces to suppress the protests.
A new monument has also been erected in the same square to Indrit Cara, the Kavaja soldier who voluntarily joined the war in Kosovo. In the Pashtrik area, he fought on the front lines and was killed in the efforts to liberate Kosovo. The newly erected monument has replaced the modest bust erected in the same place in 1999.
Meanwhile, citizens have gathered in one of the downtown venues to remember another rare event, dating back to the early 20th century. This year marks 112 years since the massive participation of the cavalry in the Battle of Shkodra.
Memorial gathering for the Battle of Shkodra.
According to historian Durim Çaça, a battalion of 500 volunteer fighters from Kavaja set out for Shkodra "with shrouds under their belts", the last clothing for burial, in case they fell in battle. They were joined by volunteers from Tirana, Elbasan, Sulova, Rrogozhina, Martaneshi, Kërraba, Shpati, Çermenika, Verça, Peza, Dumreja and Darsia, creating a large force under the command of Esat Toptani, a figure who still stirs debate among historians.
The fight to defend Shkodra against Serbian and Montenegrin forces was long and bloody. Historians estimate that 168 fighters from Kavaja lost their lives, while 250 others were wounded on the siege front. The fighting lasted seven months and ended on April 22, 1913.
In a speech held then in Shkodra, a local representative greeted the Cavaliers with the words:
"Farewell, O Kavajas! Safe travels! You, with your war, honored Shkodra and all of Albania. Together we fought and shed blood on cold days and nights, in mud and rain, without food or clothing, and you never complained, you invincible patriots of the nation!"
During the event, the contribution of 40 members of the Babamusta family, who participated in the war, was highlighted. Community representatives requested the erection of a monument for the participants and fallen of Kavaja in the Shkodra War. The Deputy Mayor, Genc Gjylsheni, announced that next year an obelisk dedicated to the events of 1912-1913 will be erected.
Bust of Indri Cares
Also present at the event was former president Alfred Moisiu, who emphasized his ties to the city and raised concerns about the lack of young people in the activity.
“We need to tell the younger generations the history of our city and our country,” said Moisiu.
Among those present was Astrit Berati, who lives in Durrës but regularly participates in the activities of his hometown. He told BIRN that his grandfather, Adem Berati, was the commander of the Kavaja volunteer battalion in Shkodra and Vlora. His grandson, Sabri Hoxha, was killed in Vlora, along with 11 other fighters from Kavaja.
"I feel pleased with the appreciation that is being given to my ancestors," said Berati./ Reporter
