Autonomous Province of Korçë
The Autonomous Province of Korçë (Albanian: Krahina Autonome e Korçës), sometimes referred to as Republic of Korçë (French: République de Koritza), was an autonomous legal entity established in 27/10 December 1916, by the local French forces after the city of Korçë fell under their control during World War I, and which lasted until 1920.
Autonomous Province of Korçë | |||||||||
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| 1916–1920 | |||||||||
Flag | |||||||||
Albania after its fragmentation in 1916 | |||||||||
| Status | Protectorate of France | ||||||||
| Capital | Korçë | ||||||||
| Common languages | Albanian, French | ||||||||
| Government | 14-member local government | ||||||||
| Prefect of Police | |||||||||
• 1916-1920 | Themistokli Gërmenji | ||||||||
| Historical era | World War I | ||||||||
• Protocol signed | December 10, 1916 | ||||||||
• French Army depart | June 15, 1920 | ||||||||
| Currency | Korçë frange | ||||||||
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Due to developments in the Macedonian Front of World War I the city of Korçë came under French control (1916–20). During this time 14 representatives of Korçë and French Colonel Descoins signed a protocol that proclaimed the Autonomous Albanian Province of Korçë under the military protection of the French army and with Themistokli Gërmenji as Prefect of Police.
The new authorities introduced Albanian and French as the official language and replaced Greek schools with Albanian ones, which were forbidden during the Greek administration of the city. There was also a French school in Korçë and one of its many students, and later teachers, was Enver Hoxha, the future leader of communist Albania.