The Fani Family Turbeh represents one of the most significant historical monuments in the city. Located near the small beach in Rana neighborhood, on the southeast side of the old city, it preserves the history of two spiritual figures, Sheh Hyseini and Lutfi Fani, who, according to legend, played a heroic role in defending the city from the Venetians in 1719.
Legend has it that these two negotiated with the Venetians, but when the negotiations failed, the Venetians beheaded them. Then, as the legend says, the brothers, with severed heads, crossed the sea towards the shore and fell at the place where the turbeh is today. This event is said to have forced the Venetians to retreat, never to return.
Although the legend has its charm, historical data prove that the Fani family did in fact exist and live in Ulqin. Their bravery and sacrifice is said to have resulted in rough seas that prevented the Venetians from returning to their ships, leading to their defeat.
The Fani Turbeh was under the supervision of Caf Fani, a descendant of the family, until about a hundred years ago when he moved to Durrës. Today, the turbeh is taken care of by members of Maksut Pek’s family. The graves are covered with tuff, and towels are placed over them, which is the traditional way of marking graves in a turbeh, but without any inscribed gravestones.
This turbeh not only represents an important historical monument but also symbolizes a deep-rooted tradition and respect for those who dedicated their lives to the protection and prosperity of their community. The Fani Turbeh is an example of how, through architecture and folk legends, the memory of the past is preserved and transmitted to future generations.
