Rexhep Krasniqi

Rexhep Krasniqi was born on 24 April 1906 in Gjakova, Ottoman Empire (modern day Albania). He came from a Bektashi family and was the son of Hoxhë Dedë, a prominent politician and diplomat who participated in the Congress of Manastir, the Congress of Elbasan, and was a deputy in the National Assembly. He attended a Greek high school in Korçë and received a scholarship from the Ottoman government to study geophysics in Moscow, where he graduated in 1933. He worked as a geophysical engineer and later as a chief geologist in the Albanian Ministry of Industry and Mines. He was also involved in the National Liberation Movement and the Congress of Lushnje, where he advocated for the independence and sovereignty of Albania. He was arrested in 1947 and sentenced to 20 years in prison for alleged sabotage and propaganda against the communist regime. He was released in 1988 and rehabilitated in 1991. He resumed his scientific activity and became a member and president of the Academy of Sciences of Albania. He also became a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. He was a prolific writer and editor, publishing several books and articles on the history, culture, and politics of Albania. He also translated works from Russian, French, and English into Albanian. He died on 12 February 1999 in Tirana, Albania. He was a patriot, historian, and publicist who devoted his life to the cause of Albania and its people. [1](^1^) [2](^2^)