Dora d'Istria

Dora d'Istria, pen name of Duchess Helena Koltsova-Massalskaya, born Elena Ghica (Gjika) (22 January 1828 in Bucharest – 17 November 1888 in Florence), was a Romanian Romantic writer and feminist of Albanian origin. She was an advocate for the Albanian national cause of the 19th century, and promoted the Albanian struggle for independence in Western Europe, despite not knowing the Albanian language herself. Her writings and efforts gained recognition among Albanian nationalist circles, and her name was used to garner support for the cause.