Nikolla Naço

Nikolla Naço (1843 - 1913) was a figure involved in the Albanian National Awakening.

Biography

Naço originated from Korçë and in Egypt was involved in the Albanian National movement. At Bucharest in 1884 Naço joined the Albanian society Drita. It was composed of a few Aromanian and Albanian members. Former allies Lakçe and Naço emerged as rivals and people supporting the former accused individuals around the latter of being spies. At the time of its formation Sami Frashëri backed Dituria and cost Naço political influence that weakened Drita in Romania.

Naço opposed the Albanian Istanbul alphabet and preferred a Latin only alphabet which he thought was important for uniting Albanians. In Shqiptari Naço accused Aladro Castriota, a pretender to the Albanian throne of being a proxy for Russia. Politically Naço's Drita was unsuccessful and in the cultural sphere its achievements were small. Due to the efforts of Naço, the director of Drita, there were also relations by the Bashkimi Society with an Aromanian (Kutzo Vlach) organisation that was fighting in Macedonia against the Greeks. The Society of the Albanians "Drita" would remain synonymous with Naço and his activities until he died.

Naço died in Bucharest and is buried at the Sfânta Vineri Cemetery.