Qazim Koculi (1887 - January 2, 1943) was an Albanian politician of the early 20th century and one-day acting Prime Minister of Albania. He was also a distinguished military leader, having won the Vlora War in 1920.

Early life

Koculi received his primary education in Vlora and later moved to Ioannina, Greece to attend the Zosimea Gymnasium. He accomplished his higher education at the Military Higher Academy in Istanbul, graduating as a Second Lieutenant. He was appointed to the Ottoman Navy as a First Lieutenant. He did not obey to a military order in 1909 during a naval battle in Preveza and refused to surrender to the Italian Navy. After a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Imperial Command, Koculi fled to Argentina, where he resided until 1912.

He then returned to Vlora upon invitation by President Ismail Qemali. The latter appointed him Director of the Port of Vlora, a position he held until the takeover of the port by the Italians in October 1914. He retreated to Brataj, Vlora and served as a village chief until 1917. Later he served as vice prefect of Tepelena until 1919.

Vlora War and politics

Koculi represented Vlora in the Congress of Lushnja, a constituent assembly held in January 1920, and was hence appointed senator. Nevertheless, he returned to military service as commander-in-chief of the Vlora War Committee. Leading his army to a victory over the Italian forces, he marched into the city on September 3, 1920 and took over the duties of the Vlora prefect.

Upon the establishment of a democratic government by the Congress of Lushnja, the first elections for the national legislature were held on April 5, 1921 and Koculi won the Vlora district.

See also

• History of Albania

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