Sefë Kosharja

Sefë Mahmut Kosharja, known as Sefë Qorri, was an Albanian military during the Albanian National Awakening. Born around 1830 in Koshare, a village in-between Shtime and Ferizaj in Kosovo. He was recruited around 1860 in the Ottoman army where he served for 5 years. After his service and due to graduated merits, he was sent to a formation of reserves which were obliged to respond if needed. He served 2 years in Istanbul.[1] About 1867 he returned home, got married and created a family.[2][3]

Sefë Kosharja
Bornc. 1830
Koshare, Kosovo, Ottoman Empire
Died1881
Kosovo
NationalityAlbanian
Other namesSefë Qorri
OccupationMilitary
Years active1860-1881
Known forSiege of Plevna
Participation in the League of Prizren
Battle of Slivova

Ottoman Army

In 1876, together with other Albanians who were called to serve in Istanbul for Osman Pasha, he was ordered to the front in Bulgaria, Plevne, where a battle had developed, turning it to one of the most fierce battles in Europe at that time. He led a battery of men granted to him by Osman Pasha.[4] During the fierce fighting against the Russians, Bulgarians, Moldovans, and Romanians at the battle of Plevna, Sefe was injured and lost one eye. After that he was nicknamed Sefe Qorri meaning "Sefe the blind". After the fighting, he was granted passage home in Koshare, close to Ferizaj is modern day Kosovo. As a veteran of war, Sefe enjoyed the respect of Osman Pasha who had used Sefe's courage as an inspiring figure.[3][5]

Battle of Slivova

Sefe fought alongside Mic Sokoli, Sulejman Vokshi, Smajl Hyseni, Ali Bira, Januz Qupi and others fighters from the League of Prizren. While serving in the Turkish army, he was a gunner and had managed to seize Turkish cannons which he had placed in front of the village on the hill of Kosher. Along with several other gunners Sefe build two catapults which hit Dervish Pashas army from behind, enabling fighters like Mic Sokoli to penetrate the batteries of the cannons.[6] After Mic Sokoli sacrificed himself by pressing his body towards a Turkish cannon, Sefe Qorri was seriously wounded in the leg and in one hand. He was captured alive by the Turks and a military trial quickly sentenced him to death by hanging. The Turks warned Sefes family that there would be consequences if they tried to take his body down before 7 days. After his hanging, 3 days later, his nephews Aslan, Shaban, and Emin Hysiqi released the rope and buried his body in a secret location.[1] Afterwards they contacted their uncles and showed them where they had buried him. He was given the title of Sefe Kosova for his bravery during his lifetime.[3][7]

Hero

Sefe Qorri is remembered today as an Albanian National Hero.[4]

References
  1. Studime filologjike. Akademia e Shkencave e RPSSH, Instituti i Gjuhësisë dhe i Letërsisë. 1980.
  2. "Sefë Mahmut Kosharja (1830-1881)". Radiokosovaelire.com. Retrieved 2016-01-29.
  3. Gjurmime albanologjike: Folklor dhe etnologji. Instituti Albanologjik i Prishtinës. 1985.
  4. Kultura popullore. Akademia e Shkencave e RSH, Instituti i Kulturës Popullore. 1991.
  5. Gravitas MEDIA, info@gravitasmedia.net. "Sefë Mahmut Kosharja (1830-1881)". Radiokosovaelire.com. Retrieved 2016-01-29.
  6. Ramiz Alia (1978). The Albanian League of Prizren: a brilliant page of our history written in blood : speech on the centenary of the Albanian League of Prizren, Tirana, June 10, 1978. "8 Nëntori" Publishing House.
  7. Gravitas MEDIA, info@gravitasmedia.net. "Sefë Mahmut Kosharja (1830-1881)". Radiokosovaelire.com. Retrieved 2016-01-29.
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