Fan Noli

2.1. Birthplace and Ethnic Heritage

Fan Noli was born Theofanis Stylianos Mavromatis in 1882 in İbriktepe, a small village located in the Thracian Ottoman Vilayet of Adrianople, which is part of modern-day Turkey. The village was originally settled by Albanians who hailed from Qytezë, a village in the County of Kolonjë in what is now southern Albania. Local inhabitants at the time also referred to İbriktepe as Qyteza.

Noli was an Albanian by ethnic heritage and belonged to the Eastern Orthodox faith. His family were descendants of Orthodox Christian Albanian settlers who had migrated from southern Albania and resettled in Thrace. This migration occurred due to regional conflicts that had depopulated areas of Thrace, leading to a mass exodus from villages in Kolonjë, such as Gostvisht, Peras, Qafëzez, Vithkuq, and Qyteza, in the 18th century. Oral tradition passed down through generations recounted that Noli's ancestors had come to İbriktepe from Kolonjë in Epirus, leaving behind their old Qyteza village at the foot of the Rodoni mountains.

2.2. Education and Early Travels

During his formative years, Noli received his education in Greek elementary and secondary schools. As a young man, he embarked on extensive travels throughout the Mediterranean Basin, residing in various cities including Athens in Greece, Alexandria in Egypt, and Odessa in Russia. To support himself during these travels, he worked as an actor and translator.

Noli was a polyglot, fluent not only in his native Albanian but also proficient in several other languages, including Greek, English, French, Turkish, and Arabic. He initially went to Athens with the intention of becoming a teacher, where he used the name Theofanis Mavromattis. Subsequently, in 1903, he moved to Egypt, working as a teacher in a Greek school in Alexandria and also engaging in theater. It was through his contacts with the Albanian expatriate movement in Egypt that he became an ardent supporter of his country's nationalist aspirations.

2.3. Emigration to the United States

Driven by his growing nationalist sentiments, Fan Noli made the decision to emigrate to the United States in 1906. Upon his arrival, he initially found employment in a lumber mill in Buffalo, New York. He later relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, where he worked as an operator on a machine that stamped labels on cans. During this period, the Young Turks (CUP) held a hostile view of Albanian leaders like Fan Noli, particularly those who engaged in political activities with the assistance of outside powers, reflecting the complex geopolitical landscape of the time.

3.1. The Hudson Incident and Church Founding

The earliest Orthodox Christian Albanian immigrants in Boston were adherents of the Greek Orthodox Church. However, the leadership of this church was strongly opposed to the Albanian nationalist cause, creating a significant point of contention. A pivotal event that catalyzed the movement for an independent Albanian Church was the "Hudson Incident." When Kristaq Dishnica, a young factory worker who had died of influenza in Hudson, Massachusetts, was refused burial by the Greek Orthodox Church, it was on the grounds that, as an Orthodox Christian who identified as an Albanian nationalist, he was considered excommunicated.

This refusal deeply offended the Albanian community. In response, Fan Noli, along with a group of Albanian émigrés in New England, began to lay the groundwork for an independent, autocephalous Albanian Orthodox Church. The Hudson Incident became a seminal moment in fostering an independent Albanian Orthodox Christian religious consciousness among the diaspora.

3.2. Ordination and Ecclesiastical Leadership

Fan Noli became the new church's first clergyman. He was ordained as a priest in 1908 by Archbishop Platon (Rozhdestvensky) of the Russian Church in the United States. His commitment to the Albanian Orthodox Church was further solidified at the Congress of Berat in 1922. This congress was convened to formally establish the foundations of an Albanian Orthodox Church within Albania itself. During this event, Noli was consecrated as Bishop of Korçë and primate of all Albania. The establishment of this independent church was widely seen as crucial for maintaining Albanian national unity, transcending religious divides.

Noli was a staunch advocate for Albanian patriotic unity and believed in the separation of religion from the state. He emphasized the importance of religious offices being held by clergy who were fluent in Albanian and possessed Albanian citizenship, aiming to localize and nationalize the church's leadership.

3.3. Theological Writings and Translations

Beyond his leadership roles, Noli made significant scholarly contributions to religious texts. He worked towards achieving Patriarchal recognition for the autocephaly of the Albanian Orthodox Church. A key part of his efforts involved the full translation of the Orthodox liturgy from its original Greek text into Tosk Albanian.

Through these translations and the establishment of an independent church, Noli aimed to peacefully neutralize and dismantle the ideological platform of Greek irredentism, particularly the Megali Idea, which was promoted by reactionary elements within the Orthodox Church in Albania. His goal was to defend the right of Orthodox Christian Albanians to coexist peacefully with their Greek neighbors within a secular Republic, free from sectarian influences. He specifically hoped to diminish Greek nationalist influence within the Orthodox Church hierarchy of Albania, considering the translation of liturgy and the independent church vital for Albania's development into a unified European nation. Noli also produced a notable English translation of the New Testament, titled The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from the approved Greek text of the Church of Constantinople and the Church of Greece, published in 1961.

4.1. Writings in Albanian and English

Noli is highly regarded in Albania as a champion of literature, history, theology, diplomacy, journalism, and music. He wrote extensively in both Albanian and English. As a scholar and author, his English publications included significant works on historical figures such as Skanderbeg, literary giants like William Shakespeare, and musical masters like Ludwig van Beethoven. He also produced various religious texts and translations.

The Albanian leader Enver Hoxha, writing in his diary shortly after Noli's death, praised his original works and translations, particularly those of Shakespeare, Omar Khayyám, and Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, describing them as "immortal." Hoxha also highlighted Noli's "anti-Zogist, anti-feudal elegies and poems" as "beautiful jewels that have inspired and will inspire our youth, especially in creativity."

4.2. Translations of World Literature

A crucial aspect of Noli's literary contribution was his instrumental role in the consolidation of Albanian as the national language of Albania. He achieved this in part through his dedicated efforts to translate numerous masterpieces of world literature into Albanian. These translations not only made global literary heritage accessible to Albanian speakers but also significantly contributed to the standardization and enrichment of the national language, helping to solidify its modern form and vocabulary.

4.3. Academic Degrees and Scholarly Work

Noli pursued a rigorous academic path throughout his life. He began his studies at Harvard University in 1908, completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1912. Decades later, he continued his advanced studies, earning a Ph.D. in history from Boston University in 1945. His doctoral dissertation focused on the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg, reflecting his deep interest in Albanian history and identity. In addition to his historical research, Noli conducted studies at the Boston University Music Department, which led to the publication of a biography on the renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

4.4. Musical Contributions

Noli's artistic talents extended to music. He pursued formal musical education at the New England Conservatory of Music, from which he earned a degree in 1938. Even during his period of exile, he continued his musical pursuits, studying and later teaching Byzantine music. Demonstrating his creative and artistic breadth, he also composed a one-movement symphony titled Scanderbeg in 1947, further intertwining his passions for history, music, and Albanian national identity.

5.1. Diaspora Activism and Diplomatic Efforts

Noli's political engagement began with his leadership within the Albanian diaspora. In April 1912, he co-founded Vatra (Hearth), a prominent Albanian American diaspora organization, alongside Faik Konica. Vatra was dedicated to advocating for Albanian sociopolitical self-determination within the Ottoman Empire.

After Albania's declaration of independence in 1912, Noli returned to Europe to promote the newly independent state, setting foot in Albania for the first time in 1913. During World War I, he returned to the United States and served as the head of the Vatra organization, effectively making him the leader of the Albanian diaspora. His tireless diplomatic efforts in the United States and Geneva were instrumental in securing the support of US President Woodrow Wilson for an independent Albania. These efforts culminated in 1920 when Albania gained membership in the fledgling League of Nations, a crucial achievement that provided the country with the international recognition it had struggled to obtain since its declaration of independence.

5.2. Entry into Albanian Politics

In 1921, Fan Noli transitioned from diaspora activism to direct involvement in Albanian parliamentary politics. He entered the Albanian Parliament as a representative of the liberal, pro-British "People's Party" (Partia e Popullit^Albanian), which was the leading liberal movement in the country. The political landscape in Albania at this time was characterized by intense rivalry between various factions. Other significant parties included the conservative, pro-Italian "Progressive Party" (Partia Përparimtare^Albanian), founded by Mehdi Frashëri and led by Ahmet Zogu, and the "Popular Party" (Partia Popullore^Albanian) led by Xhafer Ypi. The conservatives under Zogu largely dominated the political scene during this period. Noli briefly served as Foreign Minister in the government led by Xhafer Ypi, a time marked by significant turmoil between the liberal and conservative factions.

5.3. The June Revolution and Premiership

The volatile political climate escalated following a botched assassination attempt against Ahmet Zogu. In retaliation, conservatives assassinated Avni Rustemi, a popular liberal politician. Fan Noli's powerful and impassioned speech at Rustemi's funeral ignited widespread outrage among liberal supporters, leading them to rise up against Zogu. This uprising forced Zogu to flee to the Yugoslavia in March 1924.

Following Zogu's departure, his father-in-law, Shefqet Vërlaci, briefly succeeded him, followed by the liberal politician Iliaz Vrioni. On June 16, 1924, Fan Noli was named Prime Minister and regent. His government introduced a "Twenty Point Program" aimed at modernizing and reforming Albania, reflecting his commitment to democratic principles and social progress. This period, known as the June Revolution, represented a significant, albeit brief, attempt to establish a more democratic and equitable system in Albania.

6.1. Overthrow of Government

Despite Fan Noli's earnest efforts to reform Albania through his "Twenty Point Program," his government faced considerable unpopularity. This unpopularity, combined with the determined opposition of forces loyal to Ahmet Zogu, led to the downfall of his administration. On Christmas Eve of 1924, Noli's revolutionary government was overthrown. Just two weeks later, Zogu returned to Albania, consolidating his power. Faced with a death sentence, Noli was forced to flee the country, seeking refuge in Italy. In the aftermath of his return, Zogu took drastic measures to solidify his control, resulting in the assassination of two prominent opposition leaders, Bajram Curri and Luigj Gurakuqi, while many others were imprisoned.

6.2. Exile and Political Opposition

During his exile, Fan Noli remained politically active. He founded the "National Committee" (Komiteti Nacional Revolucionar^Albanian), also known as KONARE, in Vienna. This committee published a periodical titled "National Freedom" (Liria Kombëtare^Albanian), serving as a platform for their political views. Early Albanian communists, such as Halim Xhelo and Riza Cerova, began their publishing activities through this committee. KONARE's primary objective was to overthrow Zogu's regime and restore democracy in Albania. However, the committee's access and influence within Albania remained limited. Through the intervention of Kosta Boshnjaku, an old communist and KONARE member, the organization received unconditional monetary support from the Comintern. Noli and Boshnjaku also facilitated similar financial support for exiled members of the Committee for the National Defence of Kosovo, an organization that had been outlawed by Zogu.

In 1928, KONARE changed its name to the "Committee of National Liberation" (Komiteti i Çlirimit Kombëtar^Albanian). Meanwhile, in Albania, after three years of a republican regime, the "National Council" declared Albania a Constitutional Monarchy, and Ahmet Zogu proclaimed himself "King Zog I."

7.1. Return to the United States

In 1932, Fan Noli moved back to the United States, where he formed a republican opposition to Ahmet Zogu, who had by then proclaimed himself "King Zog I." However, by the 1930s, Noli permanently settled in the United States, acquiring US citizenship. At this point, he agreed to end his direct political involvement in Albania's internal affairs, shifting his focus away from the turbulent political landscape of his homeland.

7.2. Continued Academic and Religious Work

Despite stepping back from direct Albanian politics, Noli continued his intellectual and spiritual pursuits. He dedicated himself to further education, studying and later teaching Byzantine music. Concurrently, he continued to develop and promote the autocephalous Albanian Orthodox Church, which he had been instrumental in founding. The remainder of his life was spent as a dedicated academician, religious leader, and prolific writer.

In 1945, Noli earned a Ph.D. in history from Boston University, where he wrote his doctoral dissertation on the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg. His academic interests also extended to music; he conducted research at the Boston University Music Department and published a biography of the renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Further demonstrating his artistic and scholarly range, he composed a one-movement symphony titled Scanderbeg in 1947.

The Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America, which Noli founded, later joined the Orthodox Church in America. Today, this archdiocese is led by Metropolitan Tikhon Mollard as the Albanian Archdiocese, with Interim Chancellor Igumen Nikodhim Preston currently at its head. It comprises eleven urban and suburban parishes primarily located in the urban centers of the Northeastern United States and the Midwestern United States. The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, where Noli served in Albania, is presided over by Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, headquartered in the Albanian capital city of Tirana, and is a member of the World Council of Churches. Additionally, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America oversees two Albanian Orthodox parishes in Boston and Chicago. All Albanian Orthodox parishes are currently in full communion with one another and with the broader worldwide body of the Orthodox Church, fully recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

7.3. Post-War Relations and Investigations

After World War II, Fan Noli established some cautious ties with the communist government of Enver Hoxha, which had seized power in Albania in 1944. He unsuccessfully urged the U.S. government to recognize the new regime. However, Hoxha's increasing persecution of all religions within Albania eventually prevented Noli's church from maintaining its ties with the Orthodox hierarchy in Albania. Despite the Hoxha regime's anticlerical stance, Noli's ardent Albanian nationalism brought him to the attention of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI's Boston office kept the bishop under investigation for more than a decade, though the probe ultimately concluded without a final outcome.

7.4. Death and Burial

Toward the end of his life, Fan Noli retired to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he passed away in 1965 at the age of 83. He is interred in Forest Hills Cemetery, located in the southern part of Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood.

7.5. Legacy and Commemoration

Fan Noli's legacy is profound and enduring, impacting Albanian language, culture, and national identity. He is venerated in Albania as a champion of literature, history, theology, diplomacy, journalism, music, national unity, and ecumenism. His role in consolidating the Albanian language as the national language through numerous translations of world literature masterpieces is particularly significant.

Even Enver Hoxha, the communist leader of Albania, acknowledged Noli's immense contributions. In his diary, two days after Noli's death, Hoxha described Noli as "one of the prominent political and literary figures of the beginning of this century," stating that "the balance sheet of his life was positive." Hoxha praised Noli as a deserving literary translator and music critic, and a prominent promoter of the Albanian language. He specifically lauded Noli's original works and translations, especially those of Shakespeare, Omar Khayyám, and Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, calling them "immortal." Hoxha also noted Noli's "anti-Zogist, anti-feudal elegies and poems" as "beautiful jewels that have inspired and will inspire our youth, especially in creativity." He further respected Noli as a "realistic politician" and a "revolutionary democrat in ideology and politics," indicating that the ruling Party of Labour of Albania had assessed Noli's figure and felt it a patriotic duty to highlight his significant merits in literature, arts history, while also acknowledging his political strengths and weaknesses. Hoxha even expressed a desire to bring Noli's body back to Albania, believing this distinguished son of the people deserved to rest in his homeland, which he loved and fought for his entire life.

As a testament to his lasting impact, Fan S. Noli is depicted on the obverse of the Albanian 100 ALL banknote, which was issued in 1996 and remained in circulation until 2008 when it was replaced by a coin.

8.1. Poetry

Fan Noli's poetic works are considered significant contributions to Albanian literature and national consciousness. His notable poems include:

• Hymni i Flamurit
• Thomsoni dhe Kuçedra
• Jepni për Nënën
• Moisiu në mal
• Marshi i Krishtit
• Krishti me kamçikun
• Shën Pjetrin në Mangall
• Marshi i Barabbajt
• Marshi i Kryqësmit
• Kirenari
• Kryqësmi
• Kënga e Salep-Sulltanit
• Syrgjyn-vdekur
• Shpell' e Dragobisë
• Rent, or Marathonomak!
• Anës lumejve
• Plak, topall dhe ashik
• Sofokliu
• Tallja përpara Kryqit
• Sulltani dhe kabineti
• Saga e Sermajesë
• Lidhje e paçkëputur
• Çepelitja
• Vdekja e Sulltanit

8.2. Other Literary and Scholarly Works

Beyond his original poetry, Fan Noli made substantial contributions through his scholarly writings and translations. He completed an English translation of the New Testament, published in 1961, titled The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from the approved Greek text of the Church of Constantinople and the Church of Greece. His academic achievements include a doctoral dissertation on Skanderbeg from 1945. He also authored a biography of Ludwig van Beethoven and composed a one-movement symphony, also titled Scanderbeg, in 1947. Furthermore, his efforts to translate masterpieces of world literature into Albanian, including works by William Shakespeare, Omar Khayyám, and Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, were crucial for the development and enrichment of the Albanian language.