Iljas Mirahori

Iljaz Bej Mirahori (; 1408–1511) was an Ottoman Albanian military commander and governor, who served sultan Bayezid II. He founded the town of Korçë in Albania in the 15th century, participated in the Conquest of Constantinople and built the Monastery of St John the Studite there as a mosque.

Biography

Iljaz was born in Panarit, Korçë District and entered janissary service probably during the reign of Murad II. He had three sons: Muhammed, Inebey and Sefershah.

He was one of the most loyal subjects of the young Ottoman emperor Mehmet II, and dedicated his life to the service of the Emperor against Skanderbeg and his forces. In the year 1453, Iljaz Hoxha's role in the Siege of Constantinople earned him the title Mirahor (General of Cavalry). Later he received the Mirahor Evel title (Head General). He constructed its first mosque, the Mirahori Mosque.

The Frashëri brothers Abdul (1839-1892), Naim (1846-1900) and Sami (1850-1904) were descendants of Iljaz Bej through their mother Emine who was from Korçë. Sami Frashëri in his publications wrote about his ancestor Iljaz Bej, His türbe was destroyed by the Greek invading forces on 7 December 1912.