User:SiciliaPalermo

DRENICA KUQE RED DRENICA

1) Red Drenica or Uppe Drenica, in the north, includes majority of villages (about 80) and 2) the lower Drenica Drenica Pasha or lower, in the south, which includes about 20 villages.

Commandors,head warriors and leader flag bearers of Albanian armies revolt groups and militants all over Albania from Drenica Kuqe. Ahmet Delia. Shaban Polluzha. Azem Galica. Shote Galica. Hasan Prishtina. Adem Jashari. Hamez jashari.

Blessed are you Drenica Red- your enemies always ended up dead! (Saying of the people) When national issue is the matter, Drenica has never spared warriors! In the center of the Illyrian Dardania, today's Kosovo lies Drenica Kuqe (Red Drenica)

((Red Drenica))

Even after 1455, when Kosovo finally fell under Turkish rule, Drenica remained inflexible and refractory. This lasted for (over 400 years) until about 1850-1860 years, when Yasar Pasha, the ruler of Pristina, captured some villages of this area, which today are known as the Drenica Pasha. As elders tell, that one Turkish Pasha came from the direction of Pristina and without any strong resistance captured villages to Qikatovë. When the men of Drenica heard this they took honorary violence, severe insult and turned the rifle, not letting him go further. So the rest of Drenica, which did not surrender but defended their lands with guns and blood, was called the Red Drenica(Drenica Kuqe). So, from this historical moment, Drenica is divided into two parts. red and Drenica and Drenica Pasha.

It is not known how Drenica got its name. It Could be that it derives from the word Dre – deer which was very common earlier in time in these riparian areas. Drenica includes a hilly territory between Kosovo Field in the east of the Goleshit Qiqavicë, Carraleva mountains in the south, Mokna mountain in the north and west Plain of Dukagjini. So it presents a compact territory, a geographic entity, in which gravitate over 100 villages. In administrative view it is shredded and its villages belong to several municipal centers: Skenderaj, Glogovac, Lipjan, Vushtrri and Prizren.

heroic Drenica.

This courageous territory, in ancient known as Klapotnik reminds us of our glorious history forever. This so dear name and proud of us, has always been and is fearsome for our enemies. many times different enemies tried to eradicate from the earth, but lost their bones in it in in all their failed attempts. This brave nest became synonymous with resistance and pan-resistance for freedom and national independence.

However, Drenica in our national history, remains the territory of the Albanian resistance, that every conqueror was resisted with weapons in hand. Since the Battle of Kosovo (1389) until now, from this region civilians went out with rifles and axes and fought for national independence. Thus, in the first war against the Ottomans at the Battle of Kosovo, drenicas valiant, Nikole Kopiliqi Milos (from Kopiliqi of Skenderaj) would kill The Sultan. Even in the later anti-Ottoman war, which led Austria participated Albanians. 1689 Piccolomini was joined by about 6,000 Albanians, most of whom were men of Drenica.

Drenica terrified its enemies. The Sultan in Istanbul was horrified and signed many turkish man as military commanders to overtake Drenica, they lost many heads in their attempts and all in vain. Entire Balkans were calm in the fact that the Turks still had not full controll over Drenica. Even when Turks tried to take all the political power with a political group, in 1891, Saraj Hamidije between Llaushë, Polac and Prekaz was completely demolished while the Turkish lieutenant governor with all the other officers were taken down overnight.

The Serb authoreites called this place <<Nest of Hornets>>. The Serbian consul of Prishtina during the Turkish rule Borisllav Nushiq and the heads of the Serbian Acadmey who was planning the displacement and full occupation of the Albanians in Kosovo, decided that most of those Albanians who are to be displaced and kicked out should be from the region of Drenica, as drenica was seen as the most dangerous place and hardest to occupie. Even the Serbian King Alexander I had suggested that Drenica should be completely demolished and wiped out, but they knew the number of Albanian warriors especially those against Serbs was very large. From Drenica was the head and leader of all the Albanian warriors and army groups 1914-1924 Azem Galica and his wife Shote Galica 1924-1927 . Ahmet Delia was the leader of the largest Albanian troop 1890-1913 and among them were many great warriors and leaders: Bejte Galice, Shaqir Smaka, Mehmet Delia, Lec Gradica, Zenel Baica, Ilaz Reqaku, Fazli Berami, Bajram Terdevci, Halit Bajrami, Mehmet Gjeli, Shaban Mangjolli, Shaqir Pirraku.

"Do not trust the Serbs! ...."

Even during World War II resistance and the greatest revolt against Slavic cetniks broke out in Drenica. Here The testament and wish of Azem Galica and his companions was still preserved <<No Serb is to be trusted >>. This testament was recalled during those turbulent years. On April 8, 1943, when the villages of Drenica propagated to brotherhood and unity, Fadil Hoxha himself went to the village Berisha. There they met with the clever elder of that village, with Mr Berisha, who among other things had a saying: << Do not trust the Serbs! Always they have deceived us and they will deceive you. >> This proved to be accurate and was soon confirmed. Within months of January-February 1945 when they tried to demolish Drenica. During this complex historical period were distinguished Head and leader of Albanian warriors: Shaban Polluzha from Drenica with his companions Mehmet Gradica, Ahmet Galica, Rifat Galica, Sadik Lutani, Azem Aruqi, Imer Fazli Radisheva, Ajet Gërguri.

From the region of Drenica, from Polac, was also the family of Hasan Prishtina (1878-1933). This ideologue, prominent and tireless leader of the general uprising for independence of the Albanian lands, gave all his wealth and life to fight for the good of the nation. During the months of May to August 1912, Hasan Prishtina with his Albanian group fought and prepared the flag raising in Vlorë. At the end of this paper we quote our famous writer Hivzi Solomon, who wrote: << Never this place, this means with mountains and valleys, this inflexible Drenica, did not want to know about any power or authority except its own. There was but one law in Drenice and it was that of Leke Dukagjini.

Bejt - Galica

Over 200 years ago, Galica was a small, poor village as were the majority Albanian villages. Among those few families she excelled Abbas Bejta. He had three sons: Azem, Feriz and Ibish. Of these distinguished Azem. He was the most courageous and generous. Azem had only one son, Bejt. Bejt was born in the spring of 1853 in Galica. Since childhood, spending time on different room of men, he got good lessons. It is there were his love for his homeland was born, and for the Albanian people who were suffering under the ruling of Turkey. Hatred increased against the invaders who would not leave this land alone. Azem married his son (Bejt) at a younger age than usual since he was the only male in the family. He married a girl from Kutllovci, with which he had two sons, Seferi and Zeneli. After five years of his wife died and Bejt remaried Sherifa, daughter of Kurt Selaci who was known throughout Shala Mitrovica for bravery and shrewdness. With her he had three children: Azem, Mihane and Adam. Bejt educated his children in patriotic and combative spirit. This he did not with words, but with concrete actions taking active part in any organized uprising against the hordes otomane.

1890/91, when the Turkish Empire again attempted to administrative changes in the Kosovo Province, and to establish authority in Drenica, Bejt was found in the front row against them. The Sultan was interested to create a circle of political and military power in Drenica, to try to get complete controll of this unbreakable region. He appointed the castle a location between three major villages in Drenica, between Polac, Llaushë and Prekaz. They started bulding their castle. Every day as the walls of the castle was getting higher at the same time the resentment and hatred was growing in the hearts of the men of drenica. And when the governer was also a appointed a Turk by the name of Hamid *the locals immediately stood up. Thus, on January 14, 1891 close to 2000 people led by Ahmed Delia of Prekaz attacked the turkish castle. The new Governor, Kahremen Bey and the other officers, barely escaped the flames and war. The office was burned, the material was distributed and so Turkish Pasha (Pasha Jalil) failed, failed to vanquish Drenica. In this bloody battle Bejt Galica was seen and recognized and arrested a few days later. Together with an Albanian revolt group they were sent to Skopje. Turkish Pasha had come out on the balcony and was watching the captured Albanian men. One man who was waring black tirq and a sharp clod head, who walked proudly and with contempt caught Pashas attention. Pasha ordered the guards to handcuff him and bring him inside. Once the man was brought inside Pasha asked: -What is your name?-Bejt Azem, but everyone calls me Bejt Galica. Pasha - you shaytan(devil) do you see that our Empire has a long reach, even in your wild mountains where you killed thousands of soldiers we managed to capture you. Bejta replied- your Empire may have a long reach, but a short life. They are our lands, where Albanians grow they will break any foreign leg who tries to stamp them. We do not accept oppression. Men and women will fight. Even the earth itself will swallow you whole, you should leave before it is too late ...- Enough you devil said pasha who had lost patience and by nervousness began to shake.You will rot in our prisons because you are of a cursed race, which must be eradicated from its roots. You from that land declared haram called Drenice, which brought more trouble than all of Europe. From that ominous place was Milos Kopili, which in 1389 poisoned with a knife killed the Sultan Murad, who had come to liberate Kosovo from the infidels. He has left a trust them to fight against us. There are five centuries prevail throughout Europe and you burned our new built castle. In your soul has entered the wickedess and it will not leave you. But whoever rebels against our Divine Empire will have the same fate as you. To rot in our cold cells and only come out dead not alive ... I despise the rebels like you ... Get this kafir(infidel) out of my sight he yelled at the guards. Bejt was sentenced to life in prison, with 101 years.

dIn 1902 the Porte decided to make reforms in the Eyalet of Rumeli. For their implementation was appointed Hilmi Pasha, who arrived in Skopje on December 12 1902. His plan was to decieve the Albanians by first trying to gain their trust , he immediately made reprieve of some Albanian prisoners. Among them was also found Bejt Galica, who had been in prison for 11 years. Prison. Even after his release from prison Bejt did not stop his organized military combat. He was elected leader of the fighters from the villages of Galicia, Dubovc, Mikushnice, Beqiq and Krasaliq. In February of 1902 he represented these villages in Drenica rally that was held in the tower of Ahmet Delia in Prekaz where all the heads and leaders of Drenica were gathered. There it was decided that as soon as possible an assembly is to be held similar to those of Gjakova and Llugës and in March 26, 1903 it took place in the area of Morina, in the historic Assembly of Drenica, which was led by Ahmet Delia. In it was decided to oppose Turkish reforms. Three days later, on March 29, thousands of men of Drenica under Rame Lutans command took Vushtrri with no major obstacles. The next day they leave for Mitrovica to helpt their Shaljan brothers, who had attacked the city and demanded the immediate expulsion of the Russian consul Shcerbin. The battle was bloody more than 300 Albanians were killed. From the hills of Bairi they were attacked with cannons. There was also Shcerbini, who was in command. An Albanian soldier in the Turkish army, named Ibrahim Halit Popovci from Gjilan Suka, seeing these appalling scenes turned his rifle and shot the consul, who died a few days later. Even in these fights were distinguished the warrior who led the anti-Turkish army Bejt Galica.

The army kept growing as Albanians were joining from all around Kosovo. In July 1907 an armed revolt broke out in Drenica. All the men and leaders form this region were gathered around Rrezalla and Devic. Shemsi Pasha with a great military strength was in Mitrovica. He got the order from Istanbul to put out this uprising with blood and as soon as possible. He immediately sent two camps under the direction of Major Vehbi Efendi to Drenica. Once they arrived in Llaushë they were met with the first rifles. Vehbi Efendiyt had to get off the horse to save his own head. The bloody battle which lasted all day, took place between Rrezalla and Devic. There were many Albanians killed, among them the one of the leaders of the battle Bejte Galica. Bejt lied down on the stomach, a soldier sees him and turns him over so he lies on his back. Vehbi Efendi threatened: Go edepsez before i cut your head off with a whip. He is a haram kafir who has opposed our empire. Do not touch him he deserves to die on his stomach! In the month of July 1907, in the field of honor fell heroically patriot and warrior 54 years old, Bejt Galica. After a week the Turks set fire to the house of Galica leaving them without a roof over their head Sherifa with two stepchildren (Seferand and Zenel) and three of her children: Azem, Mihane and Adam. Even after of Bejt Galica was suppressed armed resistance in this brave family. His path will continue to children, especially the third son, After a week Turks set fire to the house Galicë leaving without a roof over their head Sherifen two stepchildren (and taketh Zeneli) and three of her children: Azem, Mihanen and Ademin. Even after the death of Bejt Galica the armed resistance wasnt silenced and his family would countinue his path, especially the third son.

Azem Bejt Galica with his wife of the Mountains - Shota Galica

Azem Bejta was born on December 10, 1889. Raised in a family of military and patriotic traditions, from the beginning opted for uncompromising war with anyone who dared to violate his ancestral homes. As a child he experienced the bitter and tragic events. Turks killed hir father and burned down the house, leaving them homeless. The harsh events of life strengthened the feeling of patriotism and raised it to be an ideal for which he even gave his life.

Even as a boy he was distinguished from his peers. He was wakeful and skilled.  Loved stories of bravery and nursing for various events of national history. In our chambers - school, he got good lessons and patriotic education. This healthy spirit in a healthy body, as the Latins would say. Even before reaching 11 years with his uncles rifle, he had wounded a Serb (Stojan) from Selac who was feared by many.

During the years 1910 - 1912 broke the general uprising for the independence of the Albanian lands. On May 5, 1912 Hasan Prishtina got out in Drenica and called for a Countrywide war against the Ottoman Empire. 20 years old Azem was among units and troops of Drenica, led by Ahmet Delia of Prekaz. When the men of Drenica and those of Shala were on their way to fight alongside their march was Isa Boletin, he saw this young boy among these great warriors headed for bloody wars. - Whose son is he? - Boletini Isa asked. - The son of Bejt Galica Azem - said one of the warriors who was at his company. Isa rode the horse and approached Azem. Isa greeted him and laid his hand on Azems shoulder: - Well done brave lad. -You have you decided to take the path of your father, the path of a warrior. This is the difficult path but it is the only glorious and honorable one. It gives em joy and puts my heart at rest to know that Bejt isnt dead i can see his warrior spirit in your eyes eager for freedom. He left a man who will honor Kosovo and the entire nation. I wish you glorius journey, a country that in every generation the bravest of the brave are born is a country that will never lose ...

The battles and wars of those years were difficult and bloody. Neighboring states making evil plans for the dismemberment of the Albanian territories. They formed the Balkan alliance and while the Euro-Asian beast were making their final conclusion on how Albania should be divided, on one hand, the ceaseless battles exhausted the Albanians, on the other, now were also the Serbo-montenegrians invovled. The lands of Albania so recently freed from occupation once again attacked from all corners and sides, enemies came as ravenous wolves, each trying to bite a big chunk of the bleeding body.

Kosova occupied by Serbia and Montenegro. They began terrorism against the Albanian population. They attacked each national thing: language, flag, customs, religion, traditions and more, in order to create a migration to make Albanians leave Kosovo. Alongside them were opened, many prisons and torture camps. In Drenica most vicious and known camp was the one in Runik, where many Drenican men were mistreated. Azem Bejta experienced all these events in the frontline. Never did he split from his Freedom fighting brothers. He took part in the legendary Battle of Merdare, where thousands were killed. Once he returned from the battles he was arrested and imprisoned. A few days he was held in Tërnavc police station. He was forced to work on the building of Mitrovica – Pej road. One day when I was working in Vojta fell into conflict with the policeman accompanying them (guard). Azem hit him with a hammer fatally wounding him to his death. Then they sent him to the camp of Runik. There it was alot worse. Life was hard and arduous. The prisoners were placed in a large mud among a meadow surrounded by barbed wire doubled guards. Many prisoners died of misery and torture. One day men of Drenica attacked the camp. State organs, angry, called for the killing of the prisoners. Azem manages to survive the bullets. It was the end of 1913. Serbian forces, also helped by an Albanian spy, is in a pursuit of Azem. They see he was on the hill of Mikushnice unarmed and handcuffed and as he was shot in the left hand it was motionless. A few hours later they managed to capture and send him to Mitrovica prison.

The next day they also arrested and imprisoned his two brothers Sefer and Zenel with many young people from Drenica. After a few days they sent all of them to Serbia. A few days keept in Zajecar and then transfered to Pozarevac, in the worst prison at the time. In prison life was miserable. They were barely feed just as not to die. Over a year spent in solitude, in underground cells full of moisture, darkness mold. In addition on them every day was exercised more and more barbaric, medieval type of torture. But, however, it had to be survived. Azem was upbeat but kept his pride adn took it all as an Albanian man. He never lost it. His heart was filled with love for Kosovo. That love feed his soul as he was suffering behind the bars of iron. Now this tortures life was transformed into a normal routine as they got used to it in time. Always the hope was there the hope of returning to Kosovo and continue fighting for the liberation and independence of its territories. Often, he had dreams about a free Kosovo of himself a free man of Kosova ready to die to keep it free. As he heard the voice of his mother calling him towards the glorious path, the path of immortality... He spoke of this with his companions and friends. Not much later, that day dawned. They cut off the shackles, broke the doors, killed the guards and they jumped the barbed wires. The seven brave men found themselves in the clean air free ... Serbian authorities, in the spring morning realised this . They called the Serb commanders of Mitrovica, are you there? I'm Pozarevac prison director. Please listen carefully! Yesterday afternoon occued a scandal in our prison. A group of prisoners escaped. All are from your district. Leader of those men is the black mustached man Azem. Two of my guards were murdured violently. I beg you, take all measures to apprehend, If our kingdom realises this my life will end ... The commander paniced - escape from your prison what are you saying? You are not drunk ... or are you kidding me? Azem Bejta escapes from prison at the heart of our kingdom. How does this happen?. –This is a terrible and fatal event . Never will this stop, never will our authoreties be at peace in these parts. -Feel free to let our officers leave Drenica, otherwise there will not even be peace for our King in Belgrade. – damn it may the devil take them! ... Albanians who escaped went straight to the birthplace without caring what was happening in the state circles and how much military control there was from Serbs. After a long and tiring journey, night and day, mountains and fields, tired and hungry, they had arrived in Kosovo. It was the spring of 1915. Azem without wasting any time decided to form a combat troop. Along with two brothers and a few warriors from around villages were were gathered in Galica Under the shadow of the Oak tree hundreds of years old (the Vorre Oak) paved dining table and sat around it. Mother Sherifa brought the Albanian flag that she had saved and laid it on the table. The warriors with their left hand on heart and with right on the flag unanimously pledged: "We swear on this holy flag that as long as we live we will fight for the freedom of these lands. We swear and we swear that for Kosovo we give life just as we are born. " This troop, which would later become the "army and leader of the armed groups of Kosovo", immediately began its military actions. So began the days of horror and tremble for all the enemies of Albania and all the spies and traitors. This group who was joined by others lead by Azem Galica managed to develop over 70 succesfull battles.

This testament was carried on from generation to generation and just like Gjergj Kastrioti when he raised the Albanian flag and declared freedom and independance of Albania in 28th november 1443, the same thing did Ismail Qemali in 28 november 1912 again after winning back again Albanian freedom from occupiers. Some decades later 28th November the day of Albanian glory and independance 1955.Adem Jashari was born the latest and the greatest Hero of Albanian people after Gjergj Kastrioti.

Leader and head of UCK freeing Kosovo with a handful of Albanian soldiers light armed against tens of thousands heavy armed Serb militants. Adem Jashari is the brother of Hamez and Rifat Jashari and son of Shaban Jashari all equally amibitios for war and freedom. Hamez Jashari the right hand of Adem Jashari taking part in almost every battle against the Serbs together with Adem Jashari.

Many years of war comes to an end of the Jashari family when around 6000 Serb foot soldiers aided by helicpoters tanks and snipers sorrounded the house of Shaban Jashari. The battle lasted from 5-7 mars 1998 . Family Jashari resisted for over 50 hours with light weapons they fought an army of Serbs. Adem Hamez and Shaban Jashari Were singing while waring , with not one frightened eye, the house of Jashari with their sining loud and High it would seem as if Family Jashari were having a feast and not a War. The family then died after 50 hours of serbian bombing and shoting. 56 of the family Jashari were killed including women and children.