List of people from Durrës explained

The following are notable people who were either born, raised or have lived for a significant period of time in Durrës:

Historical figure

• Anastasius I, Emperor of the Byzantine Empire
• Aretes of Dyrrachium, natural philosopher.
• Jahja Ballhysa, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
• Pietro Bianco, pirate from Durrës who lived in the 1450s
• Bruti family, Medieval family which ruled in Durres.
• Abaz Efendi Çelkupa, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
• Mustafa Hanxhiu, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
• Karl Topia, Prince of Albania
• Nikollë Mekajshi, early 17th century Albanian patriot.

Politics and public office

• Pjetër Arbnori, "the Mandela of the Balkans"
• Bujar Nishani, politician and former President of Albania
• Vangjush Dako, Mayor of Durrës
• Namik Dokle, politician and former Chairman of the Parliament of Albania from September 2001 to April 2002
• Grida Duma, female politician
• Lefter Koka, former Mayor of Durrës, politician, and former minister
• Fatmir Mediu, politician, leader of Republican Party of Albania
• Gazmend Oketa, politician, former minister
• Sokol Olldashi, politician, former minister
• Nako Spiru, high-ranking official of the Communist Party of Albania and Minister of Economy and Industry from 1946 to 1947
• Ferdinand Xhaferraj, former Minister of Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Youth and Sports

Athletics, sports and recreation

Football

A - H

• Arbër Aliu
• Artan Jazxhi, professional footballer
• Dritan Babamusta
• Haxhi Ballgjini
• Shyqyri Ballgjini
• Gentian Begeja
• Fabian Beqja
• Safet Berisha
• Niko Bespalla
• Mario Dajsinani
• Alfred Deliallisi
• Arbër Deliu
• Ardit Deliu
• Enkeleid Dobi
• Niko Dovana
• Bajram Fraholli
• Jurgen Goxha
• Nazmi Gripshi
• Fatmir Hima
• Bledar Hodo
• Altin Hoxha
• Fabio Hoxha
• Rustem Hoxha
• Sulejman Hoxha
• Klejdi Hyka

I - R

• Skënder Jareci
• Elvis Kabashi
• Dejvid Kapllani
• Edmond Kapllani
• Xhevahir Kapllani
• Artan Karapici
• Elton Koça
• Bledar Mançaku
• Gentian Manuka
• Kristi Marku
• Rexhep Memini
• Mikaela Metalla
• Agim Murati
• Stavri Nica
• Alfred Osmani
• Panajot Pano
• Armand Pasha
• Ermir Rezi
• Bledjan Rizvani

S - Z

• Arlis Shala
• Klaidi Shala
• Orges Shehi
• Shaqir Stafa
• Guido Tepshi
• Mario Teqja
• Edlir Tetova
• Rejnaldo Troplini
• Artan Vila
• Emiljano Vila
• Lorenco Vila
• Andi Xhixha

Other

• Mirela Manjani, athlete
• Kreshnik Qato, boxer
• Erald Dervishi, chess player
• Shkëlqim Troplini, wrestler

Art, photography, architecture

• Andrea Alessi, architect
• Ibrahim Kodra, painter
• John Koukouzelis or Jan Kukuzeli, Byzantine music composer
• Kristaq Rama, sculptor, art educator and the father of the Albanian PM, Edi Rama
• Helidon Xhixha, sculptor

Literature, journalism, filmography

• Avni Resuli, actor and director.
• Elvira Dones, novelist, screenwriter, and documentary film producer.
• Moikom Zeqo, writer, archaeologist.

Scholars, science, academicians

• Jera Kruja, Professor of Neurology, Rector of the University of Medicine, Tirana
• Leonik Tomeu, professor of Nicholas Copernicus at the University of Padova

Religion and clergy

• Saint Astius of Durrës, martyr and Bishop of Dyrrhachium
• Pal Engjëlli, cardinal, clergyman, scholar, and Archbishop of Durrës
• Dom Nikollë Kaçorri, signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence
• Nikollë Mekajshi, Franciscan Roman Catholic, bishop of Stephanium
• Jan Kukuzeli, Medieval Albanian Christian composer

Others

• Ilir Hoti, economist and banker.
• Ina Rama, Magistrate, former Chief Prosecutor
• Hygerta Sako, former Miss Albania