Ahmet Zenel Gjonbalaj
Quick Facts
Biography
Ahmet Zeneli Gjonbalaj (1803–1893) was an Albanian commander during the Albanian Renaissance in the 18th century who fought against the Montenegrin annexation of Plav-Gusinje. He was from the Gjonbalaj family, from the village of Vuthaj, known for patriotism and for defending the Albanian-Montenegrin-border. (Back then Ottoman Empire). His father, Gjon Balaj, fought all his life and a village named after him exists in Plava. During the fight of Plava and Gusinje, in the 1850s, Ahmet Zeneli fought under Ali Pashe of Gusinje.
His son, Mal Ahmeti, fought against Montenegrin invaders in 1879-1880 and continued to fight for in the Battle of Shkodra in 1912. He died at the age of 60, while Ahmet Zeneli died peacefully in his home at the age of 90.