Prof. Dr. Eqrem M. Zenelaj

Paris Memaj – Dardania

Historian, International Lawyer, Author

Prof. Dr. Eqrem M. Zenelaj has devoted his life to Europe's archives – to retell the history of the Albanians from the original sources.

Prof. Dr. Eqrem M. Zenelaj
Prof. Dr. Eqrem M. ZenelajPrizren · Vjenë

Prof. Dr. Eqrem M. Zenelaj, born in 1956 in the Prizren region, is a historian, a scholar of international law and one of the most persistent archival researchers of Albanian history.

„I work for a history without falsifications.“
— Prof. Dr. Eqrem M. Zenelaj in an interview, 2010
01Studies & doctorate

After studying philosophy and sociology as well as law in Prishtina, he earned his doctorate in international law with distinction from the University of Vienna in 2002. This was followed by a specialisation in European law at the Danube University Krems and a placement at the Austrian Supreme Court.

02Archival research

Since 1997 he has searched some 20 archives and libraries across Europe for original sources. His books have grown out of more than 5,000 documents, photographs and engravings.

ViennaVaticanRomeBerlinParisLondonPragueBudapestIstanbul

03Teaching & exhibitions

As a university lecturer at the “Ukshin Hoti” University in Prizren, he teaches the history of state and law as well as diplomatic and consular law. In six exhibitions – including at the National History Museum in Tirana – he has presented rare archival finds to the public.

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archival documents studied

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Books & albums

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European archives

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exhibitions

  1. 1956

    Born in the Prizren region

    His love of history begins with the epic songs he hears – and sings himself – as a boy.

  2. 1982 · 1994

    Degrees in Prishtina

    1982 philosophy and sociology, 1994 Master of Laws. Until 1996 a teacher of sociology, philosophy and law in Suhareka.

  3. 2002

    Doctorate at the University of Vienna

    Dr. iur. in international law – with distinction.

  4. 2009 – 2015

    The first eight books

    From the Albani family and Pope Clement XI to Austro-Hungarian diplomacy, Ismail Kemal Bey Vlora and the independence of 1912.

  5. 2012

    Exhibition at the National History Museum, Tirana

    240 engravings and documents marking the centenary of Albania's independence.

  6. 2015

    “Ukshin Hoti” University, Prizren

    Teaching at the Faculty of Law.

  7. 2018

    National album “Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu”

    For the 550th anniversary of Skanderbeg's death – portraits and documents from some 20 European archives.

  8. 2021

    Knight of the Order of Skanderbeg

    Awarded on 14 October 2021 in Tirana by President Ilir Meta.

  9. 2022

    “Historia e popullit shqiptar” in four volumes

    A history of the Albanian people – from the Pelasgians to King Zog’s Albania in 1939.

  10. 2026

    Academy of Sciences of Albania

    Presentation of “Epirus hodie vulgo Albania” and a Skanderbeg photo exhibition in Tirana.

The Order of Skanderbeg

Kalorës i Urdhrit të Skënderbeut

Knight of the Order of Skanderbeg – awarded on 14 October 2021 in Tirana by Albania's President Ilir Meta for his studies and publications on the history of the Albanian people and its origins, and for his contribution to Albanology. He is the first scholar from Kosovo to receive this honour.

Honorary citizen – Bashkia Pukë

Honorary citizen

Bashkia Pukë

Honorary citizen of the Municipality of Pukë, Albania

Honorary citizen – Bashkia Fushë-Arrëz

Honorary citizen

Bashkia Fushë-Arrëz

Honorary citizen of the Municipality of Fushë-Arrëz, Albania


All titles are available directly from the author. Orders and advice by phone.