# Korçë Crisis (1916–1920)

The Korçë crisis (in Albanian: Kriza e Korçës) was a period of political and military crisis in the region of Korçë, located in Southern Albania, during and shortly after World War I. The crisis involved competing territorial claims and occupations by various powers, including France and Greece, as well as resistance efforts by the local Albanian population.

## Background

Prior to World War I, the Balkans were a region of significant tension and conflict, with various nationalist movements and territorial disputes. Albania had declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but its borders and sovereignty were not fully established or recognized. In 1916, during World War I, the region of Korçë was occupied by French forces. This occupation was part of the broader Entente (Allied) strategy to secure the southern Balkans against the Central Powers. The French established the Autonomous Province of Korçë, a self-governing entity under French protection, which sought to maintain order and stability in the area.

## Autonomous Province of Korçë

The French administration, led by Colonel Henri Descoins and later by General Maurice Sarrail, implemented various reforms and established local governance structures. This period saw relative stability and attempts to balance the interests of different ethnic and religious groups in the region.

## Conflict

When the French forces that had occupied Korçë and the surrounding regions supported the demands of Eleftherios Venizelos and the Greeks for the partition of southern Albania, Sali Butka, accompanied by Themistokli Gërmenji led 1,500 men towards Korçë and surrounded the city. These Albanian bands had previously burned Moscopole in reaction to the Greek administration and threatened that Korcë would share the same fate. Meanwhile, the Venizelos Movement of National Defence was unable to dispatch reinforcements to the region, and French General Sarrail strategically demanded the withdrawal of the local Greek garrison. Butka, Gërmenji and the Albanians sent their demands to the French, which ultimately culminated in the creation of the pro-Albanian Autonomous Province of Korçë; the French eventually reneged on the Albanians, arrested and executed Gërmenji in late 1917 and sought to hand Korçë over to the Greeks. In response, Sali Butka gathered a force of 20,000, surrounded Korçë yet again and sent the French forces an ultimatum. Korçë was once again handed over to the Albanians and the borders of the Albanian state were confirmed by the International Boundary Commission.

## French Influence

The period of French occupation and administration left a lasting impact on the region, influencing local governance, infrastructure, and cultural relations. The Autonomous Province of Korçë is often cited as an example of early 20th-century international administration and intervention.
The French introduced various reforms to improve local governance. They established a framework for a modern administrative system, which included the creation of municipal councils and the implementation of new laws and regulations aimed at ensuring justice and order. This helped to lay the foundations for a more structured and efficient local government, which continued to influence the region even after the French departure.
In terms of infrastructure, the French occupation brought significant developments. The French authorities invested in the construction and improvement of roads, bridges, and public buildings. These infrastructure projects not only facilitated better communication and transportation within the region but also contributed to its economic development. Improved infrastructure helped to integrate Korçë more closely with other parts of Albania and neighboring regions, promoting trade and mobility.
Cultural relations also saw substantial changes during the French administration. The presence of French troops and officials introduced Western European cultural influences to Korçë. The French promoted education and cultural exchange, supporting the establishment of schools and cultural institutions. French language and culture gained prominence, fostering a sense of connection with Western Europe. This period also saw the introduction of modern healthcare practices and public health initiatives, which improved the overall well-being of the local population.

## Greek Occupation

In 1919, Greek forces occupied Korçë, seeking to incorporate the region into Greece as part of broader territorial ambitions in the post-war settlement. The Greek government aimed to expand its territory by claiming regions with significant Greek populations or strategic importance, a policy influenced by the concept of the "Megali Idea," which envisioned the restoration of the Byzantine Empire under Greek rule.
The occupation of Korçë was not merely a military maneuver but also a political statement intended to strengthen Greece's position in the complex diplomatic negotiations following World War I. However, this occupation was met with substantial resistance from the local Albanian population, who were determined to maintain their sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Albanian inhabitants of Korçë and surrounding areas organized and mobilized various forms of resistance, including guerrilla warfare, civil disobedience, and diplomatic efforts to gain international support.

## Resolution

In 1920, the situation began to stabilize with the withdrawal of Greek forces and the recognition of Albanian sovereignty over Korçë. This was part of the broader process of establishing Albania's borders and sovereignty, which continued to face challenges in subsequent years