Dedë Gjo Luli

1840 – 1915

Freedom Fighter
Highland Chieftain

Dedë Gjo Luli, also called Deda, was an Albanian guerrilla leader and bajraktar of the Hoti tribe. Orphaned of his father young, he rose to win the trust of the whole Great Highlands and was posthumously awarded the title "Hero of the People".

Traboin, Hot

Born: 1840Traboin, Hot
Died: September 1915Orosh
Role: Bajraktar of Hoti
Affiliation: League of Prizren
Region: Great Highlands
Known as: DedaAlso Ded Gjo Luli
Title: Hero of the PeopleAwarded posthumously

Why He Matters

Leader of the 1911 uprising
He led the highlanders of Hoti, Gruda and Kelmendi to successes that forced the Young Turk government into negotiations.
Defender of highland unity
He resisted the partition of the highlands and refused King Nikola's proposal that the Montenegrin flag fly there.
Enduring national symbol
A museum, a Tirana street, a monument committee and Gjergj Fishta's epic poem keep his memory alive.

Key Moments

1878
League of Prizren
He represented the highlands at the League of Prizren.
1899
Assembly of Peja
He took part in the assembly of Peja, where Haxhi Zeka was elected chairman.
6 Apr 1911
Flag raised on Bratila
His cousin Nik Gjelosh Luli raised the national flag on Bratila during the uprising he led.
23 Jun 1911
Memorandum of Greçë
He was among the signers of the memorandum demanding recognition and autonomy.
Sep 1915
Killed at Orosh
He was killed in an ambush, with Serbian and Montenegrin forces blamed.
May 1923
Remains moved to Shkodra
Shkodra honored him as his remains were brought from Orosh.