Kryeziu is an Albanian surname. The name derives from the Albanian words krye ("head") and zi ("black"), meaning "blackhead." It is most notably associated with the Kryeziu family, a powerful and influential Albanian Muslim clan from Gjakova in western Kosovo (the Dukagjin region) during the late Ottoman period and into the 20th century.
Kryeziu Family
The Kryeziu family were part of the Ottoman notable class and wielded considerable regional influence. Key figures include:
- Riza Bey Kryeziu (1847–1917) – An Albanian nationalist and guerrilla fighter active during the Albanian Revolt of 1912 and one of the organizers of the League of Junik.
- Ceno Bey Kryeziu (1895–1927) – An Albanian political figure who became the brother-in-law of King Ahmet Zogu. He was assassinated in Prague in 1927 after Yugoslav intelligence connections were discovered.
- Gani Bey Kryeziu – A Kosovo Albanian anti-communist resistance fighter.
- Said Bey Kryeziu (1911–1993) – A Kosovo Albanian anti-communist resistance fighter.
- Hasan Bey Kryeziu – Another brother active in the family's political and military affairs.
During World War II, the Kryeziu brothers led anti-fascist partisan guerrillas in Albania and Kosovo, fighting against Italian and German forces, and later against the communist National Liberation Movement. They maintained relationships with Yugoslav secret services and Allied Headquarters, collaborating with American and British officers. Enver Hoxha later referred to them disparagingly as "British and Yugoslav agents."
Notable Individuals with the Surname Kryeziu
- Albulena Kryeziu (born 1986) – Albanian actress
- Almir Kryeziu (born 1998) – Kosovan footballer
- Altin Kryeziu (born 2002) – Slovenian-Kosovan footballer
- Clirim Kryeziu (born 1989) – Swiss footballer
- Egzon Kryeziu (born 2000) – Slovenian footballer
- Hekuran Kryeziu (born 1993) – Kosovan footballer
- Kiana Kryeziu (born 2004) – Kosovan alpine skier
- Leotrim Kryeziu (born 1999) – Kosovan footballer
- Mirlind Kryeziu (born 1997) – Footballer
- Naim Kryeziu (1918–2010) – Kosovar football player
- Vijona Kryeziu (born 1997) – Kosovan footballer
See Also
- Kryezezi, a tribe in the Mat District, Albania
- Kryezi, Tirana
- Kryezi, Kavajë
- Kriezis, a Greek surname of Arvanite origin
