What Happened to Hafiz Ali Korça?

Hafiz Ali Korça was born on April 5, 1873, in Korçë, Ottoman Empire, into a religious family. His intellectual journey began early, as he memorized the Quran by the age of 12, earning him the title of Hafiz. He pursued further education at the University of Istanbul, a vital center for Albanian intellectuals, where he delved into Islamic studies, Arabic, Persian, and Turkish, and also studied French.

Korça's career was marked by significant religious and educational leadership. He was appointed Grand Mufti of the Upper Sharia Council in 1916, a position he held until 1924. During this period, he also served as the director of education for Tirana, Durrës, and Central Albania. A notable achievement was his translation of parts of the Quran into Albanian, which was published in 1926, making sacred texts more accessible to the Albanian-speaking population.

A key turning point in his life and legacy was his outspoken opposition to communism. Hafiz Ali Korça authored 'Bolshevism: The Destruction of Humanity,' becoming the first Albanian to publicly condemn communist ideology. This stance, coupled with his religious influence, led to severe consequences under the subsequent communist regime in Albania. He faced significant persecution, including internment in Kavajë, and was under constant surveillance by the Sigurimi, the state security service, until his death at the age of 84 on December 31, 1957.

His support for the Albanian Latin alphabet, earning him the nickname 'Hoxhë Latinxhi' (Imam of the Latin Alphabet) from Ottoman critics, further underscored his commitment to Albanian national identity and cultural development. Today, Hafiz Ali Korça is remembered as a pivotal figure in Albanian religious and intellectual history, whose courage in critiquing totalitarian ideologies and dedication to national cultural and religious enlightenment continue to be recognized.