Xhafer Sylejmani

Xhafer Sylejmani was an Albanian doctor and the mayor of Tetovo under the Italian protectorate of Albania.

Early life and education
Sylejmani was born in the Përmet, Albania. After completing high school in Salonika, Sylejmani studied medical science at Istanbul University.

Sylejmani started his 2-year intership in Janina (Present day Ioannina), where he met his future wife, Safija.

Political career
In 1926, Sylejmani's eldest son, Reshat, died at the age of 16.

Kingdom of Albania
In 1941, the Axis forces occupied Yugoslavia and Tetovo came under the influence of the Kingdom of Albania. In May 1941, he was appointed as the mayor of Tetovo. During his tenure, he opened Albanian language schools.

Later life and death
After the end of the Second World War, Sylejmani was sentenced to 6 years in Idrizovo, a political prison.

Legacy
Under the Ministry of Culture in North Macedonia, Xhafer Sylemani's former house is heritage listed.