Shtjefën Gjeçovi (Mëhill Konstandin Gjeçi Kryeziu), writer, publicist, translator, cleric, ethnographer, archaeologist, was born in Janjevë, Kosovo. He completed his primary education in his hometown. In 1884, he entered the Franciscan College in Troshan (Vilayet of Shkodra). In 1888, after completing college, he went to the convent of Fojnica (Bosnia). He continued his studies in Derventa, in Banja Luka. He completed theological studies in Kresheva. In 1896, he was appointed a priest in Troshan. There he took the new name Stefan-Kostandin. He served in Rubik and in 1897, he was transferred to the parish of Zllakuqan in Klina. He was a teacher at the first Albanian school in Zllakuqan. He continued to work in other areas: in Laç of Kurbini (reopened the Albanian school), in Gomsiqe of Mirdita, in Durrës, in Vlorë, in Shkodra, and as an Albanian language teacher in Arbënesh of Zara (1905). In the last years of his life, he returned to work in Zym of Has. In 1929, due to his patriotic, educational, and cultural activities, he was killed by Serbs in Kodra Rrezin of Dry Has. Shtjefën Gjeçovi’s activity includes many published works and manuscripts. His published works include: “Kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit ner Malcina t’Mdhaa” (The Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini in the Highlands of Dibra), published in the Albania magazine (1898-1899); “Dashtunia e atdheut” (Love for the Homeland) (drama, 1901); “Agimet e Gjytetniis,” a moral didactic work (1910); “Princi i dy Dibrave apo Mojsi Golemi” (The Prince of the Two Dibras or Mojsi Golemi) (1904); ” Tradhti gjaksore (Vrasja e Mark Kulit” (Betrayal of Blood (The Murder of Mark Kuli) (1906); “Përkrenarja e Skënderbeut” (1914). He collected the popular treasure of material and spiritual culture, numerous archaeological objects, and established the Franciscan museum, where he exhibited important museum exhibits, weapons, clothing, and other rare items. (In the photo: Shtjefën Gjeçovi)
Text: Encyclopedic Dictionary of Kosovo – Vol. I , Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo, Prishtina, 2018, page 539–540.
Photo: © https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shtjef%C3%ABn_Gje%C3%A7ovi
Graphic processing: AHCF
