Ismail Bej Qemali (1844-1919) was born in Vlorė, Albania. He was a principal figure in the Declaration of Independence and the formation of an independent government of Albania in November 28, 1912. This signaled the end of almost 500 years of Ottoman rule in Albania. Together with Isa Boletini, he raised the flag on the balcony of two-story building in Vlorė.