Founder of Vatra, Contributor to Dielli, and Albanian‑American Patriot
Memorial Page – Historical Archive of Lazarat
Published by the Lazarat Cultural and Patriotic Association – Michigan
Overview
Ago Rabi Lazarati was one of the founding members of the Albanian Federation “Vatra” (established in 1912). He was a committed patriot, publicist, and civic organizer. He played a key role in defending the rights of Albanians in the United States. He also advocated for Albania’s national interests during critical historical moments.
He is remembered as a visionary, principled, and tireless patriot. He was respected across generations for his contributions to Albanian civic life. His work in journalism and national advocacy is also acknowledged.
Family Roots and Early Life
Ago Rabi Lazarati was born in 1888 in Lazarat, into a family deeply rooted in patriotic tradition. His father, Rakip Rabi, fought in the Lazarat resistance units. He took part in struggles to defend Albanian lands and freedom.
Ago completed his primary and eight‑year education in Lazarat. Due to the social and economic hardships of the time, he was incapable of completing secondary education. Even as a student, he was known for his energy and courage. He was also recognized for his wisdom and intellectual curiosity. His noble character was guided by strong ideals of patriotism.
From a young age, he dreamed of emigrating to America. He believed it to be a place where Albanians prepare themselves intellectually. They also prepare materially to serve their homeland.
Immigration to the United States and National Engagement
Ago first immigrated to the United States in 1910, making the journey twice that year. During his stay in America, he connected with leading figures of the Albanian community, including Fan S. Noli, Sotir Peci, Kristo Dako, and others.
Together with Sevasti and Parashqevi Qiriazi, he became involved in:
- promoting Albanian‑language education, and
- founding and organizing the Albanian Federation “Vatra”.
Ago Rabi Lazarati was widely known among Albanian patriots in the United States. They knew him as “AGO RABI LAZARATI”. This name is linked to integrity, vision, and national devotion.
Journalism and the Newspaper Dielli
After furthering his education in the United States, Ago became actively involved in Albanian journalism. He contributed to the establishment and support of Albanian‑language newspapers such as:
- Përparimi,
- Imigranti, in New York and Boston.
He served as a controller and contributor for the newspaper Dielli. It is the official organ of Vatra. He provided reports and chronicles from Albanian immigrant communities across various U.S. states.
His writings helped strengthen national consciousness. They unified Albanians abroad. This was during a time when Albania’s existence as a state was under threat.
Advocacy for Albania and the Wilson Memorandum (1919)
After World War I, neighboring monarchies and Italy sought to implement the Secret Treaty of London, aiming to partition Albania. Albanian‑American organizations mobilized politically in response.
In 1919, Albanian political organizations in the United States drafted a Memorandum addressed to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, calling on him to defend Albania at the Paris Peace Conference.
Ago Rabi Lazarati was one of the signatories of this historic document, serving as Controller, alongside:
- Kristo Dako, Chairman, and
- Rexhep Demi (Filati), Financier.
President Wilson later assured Albanian leaders, including Fan Noli and Ago Rabi Lazarati, that:
“Albania will have a voice at this conference—and that voice will be mine.”
This intervention proved decisive in preserving Albania’s territorial integrity.
Return to Albania and Later Life
The Congress of Lushnja (1920) occurred first. Then, the formation of the Sulejman Delvina government took place. After this, Albania gained admission to the League of Nations. After these events, Ago returned to Albania in 1921.
When Fan Noli later called for participation in public administration, Ago responded simply:
“What matters to me is that Albania was made.”
He chose to stay active in private life, outside formal politics. He felt the pain of the fascist occupation. He supported national liberation. Yet, he openly opposed the servile policy toward Tito adopted by communist leaders after the war.
During Enver Hoxha’s 1946 visit to Belgrade, Ago publicly declared:
“Yes, Tito may be good for Serbia—but for Albania he is the devil’s millstone.”
Persecution and Death
In the autumn of 1948, the communist regime arrested Ago Rabi Lazarati. They imprisoned him in Gjirokastër Prison under the pretext of unpaid obligations. He served one year in prison.
Released seriously ill, he endured another year of suffering before passing away in December 1950.
This was the final injustice inflicted upon a man who had devoted his life to Albania’s freedom and dignity. His contributions were never formally recognized by the regime that persecuted him.
Legacy
Ago Rabi Lazarati passed away respected, honored, and mourned by:
- his fellow villagers,
- his patriotic companions,
- and the communities he served both in Albania and the United States.
He remains:
- a founder of Vatra,
- a defender of Albania during its most vulnerable moments,
- and a symbol of Albanian‑American civic patriotism.