Familja e Kapidan Gjon Marka Gjonit

I adored my grandfather, whom I affectionately referred to as Baba Gjon. From the marriage of my parents in 1957 to his death in 1966, he resided with us in Rome, Italy. He was a kind and considerate man. I grew up hearing stories of his amazing bravery and accomplishments, and while I was incredibly proud, I adored him most as a grandfather. He was my Baba. I would sit on his knee as grandfather told me stories from the “old country.” He would join me on walks through the streets of our beloved Rome. He would try to teach me Albanian, a language I regret not having learned but am currently pursuing.

I wish to tell you about my father, aunts, and uncles, some of whom sadly passed away at a young age and others of whom endured tremendous suffering for nearly half a century as a result of communism that engulfed the country from 1944 to 1991.

It wasn’t until 2010 that I finally visited Albania, the birthplace of my father, his father, and their ancestors before them. I was elated to meet my uncle Dede, aunt Bardha (my namesake), my cousins Kristina and Celestina, and many others, all of whom welcomed me with open arms and loved me as if I had known them all my life. I was astounded by their resiliency when I looked into their eyes and saw only happiness, optimism, strength, and endurance. Some of them suffered in internment camps and prisons from 1945 to 1991, when they were released. They witnessed their loved ones perish before their eyes and suffered alongside them. They witnessed the complete destruction of their home in Mirdita, and takeover of their residence in Shkodra. They endured unfathomable suffering and torture. These were my people, and I was so proud to have finally met them and to call myself Gjomarkaj. I finally comprehended everything my father attempted to convey to me as a child regarding the tribulations of the “old world” that I, as a self-absorbed adolescent, could not comprehend nor care to hear about. I finally comprehended all the suffering this family endured, not only for their beloved country but also for their name and for all of us who followed, so that we could inherit the name and be proud to belong to such a great family.

I moved to Shkoder to be closer to my family and now live in my grandfather’s house. My husband and I have been here since November 2012, and in this short period of time, we have had great days and made some wonderful new memories. I was very blessed to have been able to make the transfer at that point and time in our lives because it gave us the opportunity to live near my dear aunt Bardha for the last four months of her life. It was with great sadness that we lost her on March 19, 2013, only a couple of weeks after her 86th birthday. I know that our being here made her very happy, and that comforts me every day. We miss her terribly.

Two years later, we suffered the loss of my uncle Dede at the age of 92. Another great loss.

Today we are still living in my home, and through these last 11 years we have managed to assimilate into the culture and Albanian way of life. My grandfather and father would be proud.

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This video was created by noted Albanian folklore singer Paulin Gega in honor of the House of Gjomarku. It was shot on location at the historical Kulla Markagjoni in Shkoder. This Kulla or Tower is the private residence the legal heirs of Kapidan Gjon Markagjoni. Enjoy!

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This is the only official site endorsed by the direct descendants of
Kapidan Gjon Marka Gjoni (Gjomarkaj)

Site designed by Bianca Maria Gjomarkaj