Ramo Haxhi Hiri – The Noble Man and Wise Leader of the People of Lazarat in the Struggle for Freedom
An Example of Self-Sacrifice for the National Cause
Ramo Hiri is one of the most prominent figures in the history of the village of Lazarat, renowned for his bravery, patriotism, and wisdom. Until the end of his life, he never spared himself for the national cause; he was always at the forefront, both as a fighter and as a leader, in every battle where the need of the Fatherland called.
He was born in Lazarat into a family distinguished by strong patriotic traditions and a deep sense of Albanian identity. His father, Haxhiu, was a fighter in the armed bands of Lazarat and an active participant in various assemblies held in support of the national cause. Among the most significant were the Assembly of Picari in 1846 and the Assembly of Preveza in 1879, which he attended alongside well-known patriotic figures such as Çelo Picari, Zenel Gjoleka, and Hodo Nivica. For many years, Xha Haxhiu represented the village as kryeplak (chief elder), guiding its affairs with prudence and wisdom, always consulting trusted companions such as Mustafa Boci, Karafil Gaba, Tare Mato, Dalan Sulo, and Guce Sehiti.
Raised in such an exemplary family environment, Ramo Hiri worthily inherited his father’s qualities. Throughout his life, he never failed to take part in the struggles for independence and freedom. In 1912, with only twelve people, he went to Vlora, where he participated in the proclamation of Albania’s independence and the raising of the national flag. In Lazarat itself, the flag had been raised three days earlier. During those historic days, the armed band of Lazarat, consisting of 64 men, was deployed on the front to defend Ioannina, following the orders of Ismail Qemali, prior to the declaration of independence.
When Greek forces occupied southern Albania and advanced with the intent of burning Lazarat, Ramo, together with the men of the village, organized resistance and successfully repelled them. In 1916, when Greek sympathizers proclaimed the autonomy of Northern Epirus under General Zografos, a fighting unit was formed in Lazarat under the leadership of Ramo Hiri. This unit took part in the battle fought at Cepo of Manastir and, following orders from the organizing штаб, was assigned to strike the Greek army from behind.
Meanwhile, other Albanian forces had taken up positions along the front line stretching through the villages of Shtëpëz, Medar, Picari, Kolonjë, and Golem. The armed bands of Nivica, Progonat, Salari, and Sinanaj, led by Selam Musai, launched an attack from Lekli and Hormova toward Labova. The Greek army had positioned itself along Çepunë, the Bridge of Kardhiq, Palokastër, Hundëkuq, and as far as Labova of Zhapë.
When the fighting intensified, the Lazarat unit struck the Greek forces from behind. Surrounded and disoriented, the Greek army was forced to retreat along the only remaining route, toward Lunxhëria, until it crossed back into its own territory. The men of Lazarat, with Ramo Hiri as their commander, made a decisive contribution to this victory. The people immortalized this act of heroism in song:
At Cepo of Manastir,
The dance begins, the horn resounds,
Ramo Hiri’s rifle thundered,
And below him, Sulo Beqiri.
During the War of Vlora in May 1920, Sami Karagjozi arrived in Lazarat to organize a volunteer fighting force. The council of elders gathered 72 young men, and once again Ramo Hiri was chosen as commander. The Lazarat unit began combat operations in Tepelenë, where an Italian garrison was stationed in the fortress. After three days of fierce fighting, the garrison surrendered, leaving behind prisoners along with a large quantity of weapons and ammunition. In this battle, Dushan Kazma was wounded.
Together with the units from Salari and Kurvelesh, the force advanced toward Vlora. Along the way, they attacked the garrison at Kotë, capturing, among other things, ten cannons. Italian prisoners and several men from Lazarat who had previously fought on the front of Ioannina were assigned to operate the artillery. On September 3, 1920, the Lazarat unit, under the command of Ramo Hiri, entered Vlora triumphantly alongside all the other Albanian forces.
During the period of King Zog I’s reign, Ramo suffered severe personal losses: his son, nephew, and son-in-law were all killed at a young age. As a result, he withdrew from active participation in national affairs. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that he was invited to and attended King Zog’s wedding, enjoying the distinction of being a guest of the royal family.
Ramo Hiri passed away in 1954, leaving behind for future generations of Lazarat the enduring example of self-sacrifice for the national cause—the legacy of a noble, brave, and wise man, and of a capable and farsighted leader in the struggle for freedom.
Bilo Birbili
Hodo Çelo
Posted by SHOQATA LAZERATIat 2004. Labels: GAZETA