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" 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 Bujar Nishani, politician and former President 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 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,