Mulla Jusuf Baftjari | |
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Born | 1883 Lipovica, Gjilan, Ottoman Empire |
Died | 17 July 1948 Gjilan |
Allegiance | Italian protectorate of Albania Albania (German client) |
Service/ | Balli Kombëtar |
Years of service | 1941–1947 |
Rank | Major |
Unit | Karadak battalion |
Battles/wars | Insurgency in Karadak–Gollak |
Awards | Order of Freedom (posthumously) |
Mulla Jusuf Baftjari, also known as Hoxhë Lipovica, was a prominent Albanian Imam, later Mullah, Kachak and Ballist commander during the Insurgency in Karadak in World War II, a region predominantly inhabited by Muslim Albanians.[1] He participated in the popular resistance against the Bulgarian fascists, Yugoslav Partisans and Chetniks in the Karadak region.[1] Jusuf Baftjari, was renowned for his wisdom and religious leadership and emerged as a prominent figure among the Albanians of Karadak.[1][2] Jusuf Baftjari led significant battles in Karadak, Anamorava and Gollak including the one in Rainca of Presheva.[2][3] On Eid al-Adha in 1944, Jusuf Baftjari organized and led the fighting during the First Battle of Preševo.[3][2][4] Even after the end of World War II, Jusuf Baftjari continued the armed resistance against Yugoslavia, being one of the last Ballist leaders in Kosovo to do so.[2][5]
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