The following are notable people who were either born, raised or have lived for a significant period of time in Durrës:
Historical figure
Anastasius I, Emperor of the Byzantine Empire Aretes of Dyrrachium, natural philosopher Jahja Ballhysa, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence Pietro Bianco, pirate from Durrës who lived in the 1450s Bruti family, Medieval family who ruled in Durres Abaz Efendi Çelkupa, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence Mustafa Hanxhiu, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence Nikollë Mekajshi, early 17th century Albanian patriot Karl Topia, Prince of Albania
Politics and public office
Pjetër Arbnori, "the Mandela of the Balkans" Vangjush Dako, Mayor of Durrës Namik Dokle, politician and former Chairman of the Parliament of Albania September 2001 – April 2002 Grida Duma, female politician Lefter Koka,KOKA, Lefter Haki , Parliament of Albania former mayor of Durrës, politician, and former minister Fatmir Mediu, politician, leader of Republican Party of Albania Bujar Nishani, politician and former President of Albania Gazmend Oketa, politician, former minister Sokol Olldashi, politician, former minister Nako Spiru, high-ranking official of the Communist Party of Albania and Minister of Economy and Industry 1946–1947 Ferdinand Xhaferraj, former Minister of Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Youth and Sports
Athletics, sports and recreation Football A–H
Arbër Aliu Dritan Babamusta Haxhi Ballgjini Shyqyri Ballgjini Gentian Begeja Fabian Beqja Safet Berisha Niko Bespalla Mario Dajsinani Alfred Deliallisi Ardit Deliu Enkeleid Dobi Niko Dovana Bajram Fraholli Jurgen Goxha Nazmi Gripshi Fatmir Hima Bledar Hodo Altin Hoxha Fabio Hoxha Rustem Hoxha Sulejman Hoxha
I–R
Skënder Jareci Artan Jazxhi Elvis Kabashi Dejvid Kapllani Edmond Kapllani Xhevahir Kapllani Artan Karapici Elton Koça Bledar Mançaku Gentian Manuka Kristi Marku Rexhep Memini Mikaela Metalla Agim Murati Stavri Nica Alfred Osmani Panajot Pano Armand Pasha Ermir Rezi Bledjan Rizvani
S–Z
Arlis Shala Klaidi Shala Orges Shehi Shaqir Stafa Guido Tepshi Edlir Tetova Rejnaldo Troplini Artan Vila Emiljano Vila Lorenco Vila Andi Xhixha
Other Erald Dervishi, chess player Mirela Manjani, athlete Kreshnik Qato, boxer Shkëlqim Troplini, wrestler
Art, photography, architecture Andrea Alessi, architect Ibrahim Kodra, painter John Koukouzelis or Jan Kukuzeli, Byzantine music composer Kristaq Rama, sculptor, art educator and the father of the Albanian PM, Edi Rama Helidon Xhixha, sculptor
Literature, journalism, filmography Elvira Dones, novelist, screenwriter, and documentary film producer
Scholars, science, academicians Leonik Tomeu, professor of Nicholas Copernicus at the University of Padova
Religion and clergy
Saint Astius of Durrës, martyr and Bishop of Dyrrhachium Pal Engjëlli, cardinal, clergyman, scholar, and Archbishop of Durrës Dom Nikollë Kaçorri, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence Jan Kukuzeli, Medieval Albanian Christian composer Nikollë Mekajshi, Franciscan Roman Catholic, bishop of Stephanium
Others Ilir Hoti, economist and banker Ina Rama, Magistrate, former Chief Prosecutor Hygerta Sako, former Miss Albania
References