List of people from Durrës

The following are notable people who were either born, raised or have lived for a significant period of time in Durrës:

Historical figure

 * Anastasius I, Emperor of the Byzantine Empire
 * Aretes of Dyrrachium, natural philosopher.
 * Jahja Ballhysa, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
 * Pietro Bianco, pirate from Durrës who lived in the 1450s
 * Bruti family, Medieval family which ruled in Durres.
 * Abaz Efendi Çelkupa, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
 * Mustafa Hanxhiu, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
 * Karl Topia, Prince of Albania
 * Nikollë Mekajshi, early 17th century Albanian patriot.

Politics and public office

 * Pjetër Arbnori, "the Mandela of the Balkans"
 * Bujar Nishani, politician and former President of Albania
 * Vangjush Dako, Mayor of Durrës
 * Namik Dokle, politician and former Chairman of the Parliament of Albania from September 2001 to April 2002
 * Grida Duma, female politician
 * Lefter Koka, former Mayor of Durrës, politician, and former minister
 * Fatmir Mediu, politician, leader of Republican Party of Albania
 * Gazmend Oketa, politician, former minister
 * Sokol Olldashi, politician, former minister
 * Nako Spiru, high-ranking official of the Communist Party of Albania and Minister of Economy and Industry from 1946 to 1947
 * Ferdinand Xhaferraj, former Minister of Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Youth and Sports

Football

 * A–H


 * Arbër Aliu
 * Artan Jazxhi, professional footballer
 * Dritan Babamusta
 * Haxhi Ballgjini
 * Shyqyri Ballgjini
 * Gentian Begeja
 * Fabian Beqja
 * Safet Berisha
 * Niko Bespalla
 * Mario Dajsinani
 * Alfred Deliallisi
 * Arbër Deliu
 * Ardit Deliu
 * Enkeleid Dobi
 * Niko Dovana
 * Bajram Fraholli
 * Jurgen Goxha
 * Nazmi Gripshi
 * Fatmir Hima
 * Bledar Hodo
 * Altin Hoxha
 * Fabio Hoxha
 * Rustem Hoxha
 * Sulejman Hoxha
 * Klejdi Hyka


 * I–R


 * Skënder Jareci
 * Elvis Kabashi
 * Dejvid Kapllani
 * Edmond Kapllani
 * Xhevahir Kapllani
 * Artan Karapici
 * Elton Koça
 * Bledar Mançaku
 * Gentian Manuka
 * Kristi Marku
 * Rexhep Memini
 * Mikaela Metalla
 * Agim Murati
 * Stavri Nica
 * Alfred Osmani
 * Panajot Pano
 * Armand Pasha
 * Ermir Rezi
 * Bledjan Rizvani


 * S–Z


 * Arlis Shala
 * Klaidi Shala
 * Orges Shehi
 * Shaqir Stafa
 * Guido Tepshi
 * Mario Teqja
 * Edlir Tetova
 * Rejnaldo Troplini
 * Artan Vila
 * Emiljano Vila
 * Lorenco Vila
 * Andi Xhixha

Other

 * Mirela Manjani, athlete
 * Kreshnik Qato, boxer
 * Erald Dervishi, chess player
 * Shkëlqim Troplini, wrestler

Art, photography, architecture

 * Andrea Alessi, architect
 * Ibrahim Kodra, painter
 * John Koukouzelis or Jan Kukuzeli, Byzantine music composer
 * Kristaq Rama, sculptor, art educator and the father of the Albanian PM, Edi Rama
 * Helidon Xhixha, sculptor

Literature, journalism, filmography

 * Avni Resuli, actor and director.
 * Elvira Dones, novelist, screenwriter, and documentary film producer.
 * Moikom Zeqo, writer, archaeologist.

Scholars, science, academicians

 * Jera Kruja, Professor of Neurology, Rector of the University of Medicine, Tirana
 * Leonik Tomeu, professor of Nicholas Copernicus at the University of Padova

Religion and clergy

 * Saint Astius of Durrës, martyr and Bishop of Dyrrhachium
 * Pal Engjëlli, cardinal, clergyman, scholar, and Archbishop of Durrës
 * Dom Nikollë Kaçorri, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
 * Nikollë Mekajshi, Franciscan Roman Catholic, bishop of Stephanium
 * Jan Kukuzeli, Medieval Albanian Christian composer

Others

 * Ilir Hoti, economist and banker.
 * Ina Rama, Magistrate, former Chief Prosecutor
 * Hygerta Sako, former Miss Albania