THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE QIRIAZI SISTERS TO THE EMANCIPATION OF ALBANIAN WOMEN

“Two Albanian heroines” were named by Hester Donaldson, the sisters Sevasti and Parashqevi Qiriazi. They stood out among the first Albanian women in the foreign world and were considered unusual in their eyes. The success achieved by the Qiriazi sisters in the college of Constantinople was first of all a continuation of a family inspiration, but also of preparation in the American school. This is what Sevastia herself says: "The foundations of my education were laid at the American Mission School in Manastir". The Qiriazi sisters, without a doubt, occupy one of the places of honor for their struggle and commitment, both in education and even more so in diplomacy, distinguishing their attitude in the fact that they devoted their whole lives to the issue of the homeland. They make known, in front of the foreign opinion, the goal and the just fight that the Albanian people fought for freedom and independence, for education and their national language. The Qiriazi sisters, in addition to opening a school for girls, also founded a society called Yll'i Mêngjezit with Parashqevi Qiriazi as president. According to the statute, the goals of the Association were efforts to educate women and improve their position in the family and society. This activity influenced the strengthening of the national feeling among the women of Korça and its surroundings.

Keywords: Qiriazi Sisters, Hester Donaldson, Sevasti, Parashqevi, school diplomacy, Manastir, Korça, Gjerasim.