The Central Committee for Defending Albanian Rights was formed in the city of Istanbul, Turkey, then Ottoman Empire in December 18, 1877 by an influential group of Albanian intellectuals, patriots, and politicians, such as Hasan Tahsini, Abdyl Frashëri, Vesel Dino Iljaz Pashê Dibra, Ymer Prizreni, Sami Frashëri, Zija Prishtina, Ahmet Koronica, Mehmet Ali Vrioni, Seid Toptani, Mustafa Nuri Vlora, Pashko Vasa, Jani Vreto, Mihal Harito, Pandeli Sotiri, Koto Hoxhi, and Mane Tahiri.