Xhafer Sylejmani


Xhafer Sylejmani was an Albanian doctor and the mayor of Tetovo under the Italian protectorate of Albania.

Early life and education

Sylejmani was born in the Përmet, Albania. After completing high school in Salonika, Sylejmani studied medical science at Istanbul University.
Sylejmani started his 2-year internship in Janina, where he met his future wife, Safija.

Political career

In 1926, Sylejmani's eldest son, Reshat, died at the age of 16.

Kingdom of Albania

In 1941, the Axis forces occupied Yugoslavia and Tetovo came under the influence of the Kingdom of Albania. In May 1941, he was appointed as the mayor of Tetovo. During his tenure, he opened Albanian language schools.

Later life and death

After the end of the Second World War, Sylejmani was sentenced to 6 years in Idrizovo, a political prison.

Legacy

Under the Ministry of Culture in North Macedonia, Xhafer Sylemani's former house is heritage listed.