Zog I of Albania for such modernization was high, though. Although nominally a constitutional monarch, in practice Zog retained the dictatorial powers he had enjoyed as president. Thus, in effect, Albania remained a military dictatorship. In 1938, Zog opened the borders of Albania to Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Nazi Germany. Although born as an aristocrat and hereditary Bey, King Zog was somewhat ignored by other monarchs in Europe because he was a self-proclaimed monarch who had no links to any other European royal families. Nonetheless, he did have strong connections with Muslim royal families in the Arab World, particularly Egypt, whose ruling dynasty
SS Monarch (1885) SS Monarch (1885) SS "Monarch" No. 90117 was a tramp steamer which was operated by Alexander King Ltd, Belfast. She was involved in a collision with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company steamer RMS "Peveril," off Douglas, Isle of Man in the early hours of 17 September 1899, resulting in the sinking of the "Peveril." The "Monarch" was built by Mollwaine, Lewis & Co., Belfast in 1885, and was owned and operated by Alexander King Ltd, Belfast. Length 155'; beam 22'; depth 11'; with an i.h.p. of 600. "Monarch" had a design speed of approximately 10 knots. On the