On December 7, 2025, the dedicated scholar and historian, "Grand Master", Fatos Daci, passed away, leaving behind a valuable legacy in the field of Albanian history. His many years of activity focused on illuminating, protecting and promoting the figure of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, making important contributions to the study of his life and origins, but above all in determining the date of birth of the National Hero - an achievement that today finds increasing acceptance in the collective memory.
Fatos Daci's work was not simply academic. It was a continuous mission to bring forgotten values back to the public's attention, to stimulate scientific debate and to strengthen the historical memory of the most representative figure of Albanian identity. With rare dedication and without institutional support, he managed to create a rich fund of studies, activities and initiatives that today constitute an important reference for current and future generations.
One of his most special contributions was precisely the determination of the date of Skanderbeg's birth, an issue that had remained unclear and the subject of debate for decades. Through his persistent research and analysis of historical sources, Daci managed to articulate an argumentative thesis, which was not only widely disseminated, but was embraced by the community and became a point of reference for public commemorations. Today, every May 6, this date is marked by many Albanians at home and abroad, often without knowing that behind it lies a long research work and an extraordinary individual dedication.
In addition to this contribution, Fatos Daci played a decisive role in bringing Skanderbeg's Dibrani origins back to attention and in revitalizing the Kastriot Museum in Sina. This museum, neglected for more than two decades, became a center of historical activities and memory thanks to his initiatives. In 2008, he organized the first public activity there in many years, opening a new chapter for this institution.
He also took concrete initiatives to improve the museum's conditions, contributing with personal funds and mobilizing the community. Every activity he organized in this space served not only as a commemorative event, but also as a call for institutional and social awareness.
In the field of study, he is the author of four books dedicated to Skanderbeg: “The Real Skanderbeg”, “The Kastriots of Çidhnës”, “Çidhnë of the Kastriots” and “All Roads Lead to Dibër”. These works constitute an important contribution to the enrichment of historical literature and to the promotion of scientific debate on the figure of the hero.
He also produced documentaries, organized scientific sessions and commemorative activities, among which the annual May 6 spectacles in Sina stand out. The culmination of this activity was the organization of a grand spectacle in November 2018, within the framework of the Year of Skanderbeg, where one of the most important moments of his history was artistically recreated.
Fatos Daci was also an active voice in public debates, defending with arguments the figure of Skanderbeg and opposing interpretations that, in his opinion, violated historical truth. He also took this debate to the international arena, with speeches given in the United States and Italy.
The legacy he leaves behind is evidence of an extraordinary individual dedication to the service of history and national identity. Without financial support from the state, without structures and without institutional means, he managed to significantly influence the way the figure of Skanderbeg is remembered and experienced today.
At a time when historical values often remain in the shadows, Fatos Daci's contribution serves as a rare model of civic engagement and responsibility. His memory remains closely linked to one of the most significant recent achievements in Albanian historiography: the return of Skanderbeg's birthday to a common point of reference for Albanians everywhere.
