Babai Kombit Ismail Qemali | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, c. 1918 or earlier | |
| 1st Prime Minister of Albania | |
| In office 4 December 1912 – 22 January 1914 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Turhan Përmeti |
| 1st Foreign Minister of Albania | |
| In office 4 December 1912 – June 1913 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Mufid Libohova |
| Member of the Chamber of Deputies | |
| In office 23 December 1908 – 17 January 1912 | |
| Sultan |
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| Constituency | Sanjak of Avlona |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 January 1844 Vlorë, Janina vilayet, Ottoman Empire (modern-day Albania) |
| Died | 26 January 1919 (aged 75) Perugia, Kingdom of Italy |
| Spouse(s) | Nasipe Hanami Kleoniki Sourmeli |
| Children | 10 (1 died during birth) |
| Parent(s) | Mahmud bey Vlora (father) Hedije Libohova (mother) |
| Alma mater | Zosimaia School Istanbul Law School |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Awards |  Hero of the People |
| Signature | .svg) |
Ismail Qemali, or Ismail Kemal, (Albanian: [ismail cɛmal] ; 16 January 1844 – 26 January 1919), was an Albanian politician and statesman who is regarded as the founder of modern Albania. He served as the first prime minister of Albania from December 1912 until his resignation in January 1914.
Born in Vlorë to an Albanian noble family, Qemali developed an early interest in languages and later studied law in Istanbul. He travelled across Europe and returned to Albania after the Young Turk Revolution. He took part in the Congress of Ottoman Opposition. He played a major role in the Albanian revolt of 1912.
The principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Qemali was elected leader of the Provisional Government of Albania by the All-Albanian Congress in November 1912. He became prime minister and foreign minister of Albania. He died in exile in Italy in 1919. He is often known as Babai Kombit ("Father of the Nation") in Albania.