Xhemal Pasha Zogu ([dʒɛ'mal pa'ʃa 'zɔɡu];[stress?]

Born at Burgajet Castle, Mati (or Constantinople), in 1860, he was the third son of Xhelal Pasha Zogolli and Ruhije Alltuni, from the wealthy Alltuni family of Kavajë.

He was educated privately and became Hereditary Governor of Mati upon the death of his older brother, Riza.

During the Great Eastern Crisis, a meeting held in Debar (1880) by Albanian notables deciding on the course of action regarding the Ottoman cessation of Ulcinj to Montenegro, Xhemal was in the pro-government group advocating no action be taken and was against a declaration of Albanian autonomy in the Balkans.

Her title was later changed to Nëna Mbretëreshë i Shqiptarëvet ("Queen Mother of the Albanians").