[3] According to Albanian official historiography, he was born in the village of Zavalan of Dangëlli region, today's Frashër, in the outskirts of the Kolonjë area.

In 1896, along with Sabri Frashëri and Shefqet Frashëri, his brothers-in-law,[1] he founded the patriotic Secret Association of the Albanians of Manastir (Albanian: Organizata e Fshehtë e Shqiptareve të Manastirit)[5] In 1905/1906, along with Gjergj Qiriazi and Bajo Topulli he founded the Secret Committee for the Liberation of Albania, one of the first çetë (armed guerilla groups) in Monastir (modern Bitola).

[2][3] Reflecting on guerilla activity during 1906–08, Zavalani felt that "no useful and desirable results could be obtained through written and verbal propaganda" and that preparing the public "to accept the idea of an armed revolt" was the course of action to pursue.

[6] Ottoman authorities crippled the committee for months after learning of its activities in 1906 by removing all its leaders from Monastir, except for Zavalani.

[5] By July 23–28, 1909 he was one of main participants and the leader of the Albanian faction of the Congress of Dibra, organized in Debar by the Young Turk association Union and Progress.