By Artan Lame
Shkodra, 1937. The invasion of the south of Albania at the outset of World War One by Greek troops resulted in the majority of the Albanian patriots and intelectuals fleeing North to find shelter chiefly in Shkodra, which itself was later on invaded by Montenegin troops. Amongst the fugitives who had been extended shelter in Shkdora were ȥr誺 Topulli and Mu诠Qulli, who were later on arrested by the Montenegrins, apparently after the intervention by the Greek Secret Services who never forgave the acentuated anti-Helenic stand of this noble men. The Montenegrins displayed readiness to participate in this anti-Albanian zeal, sentencing both these patriots from Gjirokastra to death and executing them before a firing squad later on on the Shtoi Plain.
In 1937, on the occasion of 25 anniversary of the proclamation of Independence, on the incentive of King Zog, the remains of the two patriots were disinterred and seen off to Gjirokastra with all honours. On this ocassion a delegation of this city went to Shkodra to participate in the ceremony. Enver Hoxha was also a member of this delegation, as can be seen in the larger photograph. The two coffins containing the remains of the patriots with the wreathes on top can also be seen in the photo. Authorities of Shkodra and the delegation from Gjirokastra flank the coffins too. This snapshot also has its own little story. After the war, half of the photograph was cut off so the figures at the edge of the photograph were moved to the center and this the reason why it looks as though Hoxha was at the center. Apart from this it had become customary to remove figures from photographs who later on maintained “negative political stands.” The same photograph is shown, taken from a publication of the 1980-ties, after it had been doctored with certain figures removed, re-adjusting the line-up of the photo.
