Sali Jaha

Sali Jaha
Born	c. 1803 Rugova, Ottoman Empire
Died	1883 Plava
Nationality	Albanian
Occupation	Bayraktar, tribal leader
Years active	1817-1880
Known for	Defending Plava and Gucia against Montenegro

Sali Jaha (born 1803 in Rugova, died 1883) was an Albanian military and freedom fighter^[1] within in the League of Prizren in Kosovo during the 18th century.^[2]

Jaha fought as a 14-year old and defended his country against Montenegro during the 1817 Battle of Bukovik. During the fight, he attacked two Montenegrin soldiers and cut off their heads. He brought with him the flag which the soldiers were carrying and was given the title of Bayraktar (flag bearer).^[3][4]

Jaha graduated from the Ottoman military as a Major (Binbashi) and continued his struggle against Montenegro. During a battle near Berane, both his sons were killed and he was forced to leave their bodies. In 1878, the League of Prizren was formed, with 110 Albanian chieftains and soldiers gathering to resist the annexation of Plav and Gusinje which the Congress of Berlin had given Montenegro. In 1879, Jaha fought under the Albanian general Ali Pasha of Gusinje. He continued to fight until his death in 1883. He is buried near his comrade Sak Faslia in Qafë Vranicë.

Jaha is recorded in the epic songs of the Albanian folklore.^[5]

See also

• Battle of Novšiće
• Zhuj Selmani

References

1. Gjurmime albanologjike, Instituti Albanologjik i Prishtinës, 1979, p. 40
2. Rugova, Veton. "These Sacrificed Themselves For The Freedom Of Kosovo". Rugova Update. Retrieved 31 October 2005.
3. Rugovasit, Rugovasit. "Sali Jaha". Facebook. Rugovasit. Retrieved 29 April 2009.
4. Rugova, Rugova. "Rugova". Dardania.de. Rugova. Retrieved 7 April 2007.
5. Qemal Haxhihasani; Agron Xhagolli (1985), Folklor kosovar, 1, Instituti i Kulturës Popullore (Akademia e Shkencave e RPS të Shqipërisë), p. 139, OCLC 17209644