11 Facts About Mirash Ivanaj

Mirash Ivanaj was an Albanian politician, minister and school director, famous for his role in reforming education system in Albania.

Mirash Ivanaj was born on 12 March 1891, in Podgorica, Principality of Montenegro, in an Albanian family which had migrated there from Begaj-Triesh region.

In 1923 he came back to Albania where together with his cousin Nikolle Mirash Ivanaj, published the newspaper "Bashkimi".

Mirash Ivanaj came back in the end of 1924 when Ahmet Zog returned to power.

Mirash Ivanaj was appointed director of Shkoder High School and due to his growing reputation he became Minister of Education in 1933.

Mirash Ivanaj began nationalizing foreign schools and Albanian government was put under pressure for his policy, especially from Italian fascist government.

The "Education Law", nicknamed "Mirash Ivanaj's Law" was the most important and complete law of Albania in that period.

Mirash Ivanaj was appointed head of Council of State, a post he kept until the occupation of Albania from Italy in April 1939.

At first he was welcomed by Enver Hoxha and he was appointed teacher at Tirana High School, an institute created by Mirash Ivanaj itself when he was a Minister.

Mirash Ivanaj died on 22 September 1953 in Tirana Hospital during a simple operation, a few days from his release date.

In 1995 a foundation named after him and his brother, the "Martin and Mirash Ivanaj Foundation", was created with the intention to promote education among Albanian youth.