Albanian tribes


Albanian tribes. The Turkish traveler Evlia Celebi (1611-1685), who traveled through northern Albania in 1662, mentions the Klemente or Kelmend tribe as a religionless tribe on several occasions. Apr 24, 2015 · Northern Albania and Montenegro are the only regions in Europe to have retained a true tribal society up to the mid-twentieth century. Oral traditions claim that the Reçi stem from a village located around the Bojana river called Reç and that they supposedly fled to Malesi and came under the protection of the Shkreli. Xhani is a historical Albanian tribe (fis) and ethnographic region located on the western side of the upper Kir river in the wider region of Pulti, northern Albania. It is an integral part of the national identity, strongly influenced by the country's The Udi are considered to be one of the 26 tribes of the Caucasian Albania of late antiquity. The two main subgroups of Albanians are the Gegs (Ghegs) in the north and the A common trend for the Albanian tribes. May 20, 2022 · Smoking And Coffee. Albania is one of the smallest European countries–smaller than the U. The Arbëreshë ( pronounced [aɾbəˈɾɛʃ]; Albanian: Arbëreshët e Italisë; Italian: Albanesi d'Italia ), also known as Albanians of Italy or Italo-Albanians, are an Albanian ethnolinguistic group minority historically settled in Southern and Insular Italy (in the regions of Abruzzo, Apulia, Basilicata, Campania, Molise, mostly . It has no relationship to the modern nation of Albania above Greece. Nov 29, 2023 · One thing Albania does have in common with its Balkan compatriots is the proclivity for alcohol. Has ( Albanian definite form: Hasi) is a region in north eastern Albania and south western Kosovo . Many Ghegs live outside Albania, particularly in Kosovo, Montenegro, and Croatia. Skanderbeg’s citadel at Krujë has been rebuilt and now houses a museum. Albanian society, its people and protocol. From the introduction of Christianity in Caucasian Albania, the ideology persisted until the shift to Islam in the mid-7 th century. By Quinn Hargitai,Features correspondent. Reviews There are no A short-lived monarchical state known as the Principality of Albania (1914–1925) was succeeded by an even shorter-lived first Albanian Republic (1925-1928). Of the 2,097,319 total population in the 2021 census (including self-enumerated Albanian literature. In the late fourth century they acquired from Armenia the territory that now comprises the southern half of the republic. Albanian chiefs and their tribes settled in Durres, Arta, and other towns in the beginning of the fourteenth century. They trace their ancestry to the territories with a large Albanian population in the Balkans and southern Europe, including Albania, Italy, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Archaeological site, Bazaar. [1] It is inhabited by a majority of ethnic Albanians. Classical antiquity in Albania was marked by the presence of several Illyrian tribes such as the Albanoi, Ardiaei, and Taulantii, alongside Greek colonies like Epidamnos-Dyrrhachium and Apollonia. What can Albania teach us about trust? 24 February 2022. 20 c. Albanians. Albanian territories were inhabited since 100,000 years ago. The league had two main goals, one Aug 20, 2023 · The Ghegs are a northern Albanian tribe that has historically been associated with the region of Berat. Albanian culture is unique and diverse. ), the Albanians were a federation of twenty-six tribes, each Albanians in North Macedonia ( Albanian: Shqiptarët në Maqedoninë e Veriut, Macedonian: Албанци од Северна Македонија, romanized :Albanci od Severna Makedonija) are the second largest ethnic group in North Macedonia, forming 446,245 individuals or 24. The traditional Albanian clothing ( Albanian: Veshjet Tradicionale Shqiptare; Veshjet Kombëtare; Veshjet Popullore or Kostumet Kombëtare) includes more than 500 different varieties of clothing in all Albania and the Albanian-speaking territories and communities (including the Arbëreshë in Italy, Arvanites in Kuči ( Cyrillic: Кучи, Albanian: Kuçi; pronounced [kût͡ʃi] [a]) is a historical tribe ( pleme) of Albanian origin and a region in central and eastern Montenegro ( Brda region), north-east of Podgorica, extending along the border with Albania. Jan 4, 2024 · The first waves of Albanian barbarian nomads entered Central Greece via Epirus. As far as I know Reçi was usually considered to be one of the smaller tribes of Malesi e Madhe. Albanian bayraks as of 1918. Albanians live in ethnically compact settlements in large areas, primarily in Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia, but also in Montenegro and Greece. The largest minorities are Vlachs; Greeks, concentrated mainly in the southeast; and Macedonians, living along the eastern border. Albanians enjoy long walks in the city streets, drinking coffee, and among the younger generations, participating in nightlife activities such as cafe lounging and dancing. The Bob (or Bop) tribe is more clearly distinguishable from other anas tribes of the region. Oct 31, 2023 · Embark on a journey of cultural exploration as we delve into the captivating world of Albania’s rich and vibrant culture. Berisha is numbered 16. Apr 19, 2022 · Once in town, don’t miss the BunkArt, a majestic coveted bunker built in the outskirts of the town in the 70s by the former dictator Enver Hoxha. The mountain chieftains retained much authority over their clans. S. Illyrian tribes in the 1st-2nd centuries CE. Foreign commerce flourished to such an extent that leading Albanian merchants had their own agencies in Venice, Ragusa (modern Dubrovnik, Croatia), and Thessalonica (now Thessaloníki, Greece). Albanian bajraks (1918). However, many Albanians can also speak foreign languages as Italian, Greek, French Jul 2, 2019 · The Tribes of Albania (Library of Balkan Studies) Paperback – July 2, 2019. move to sidebar hide hide Islam and Ottoman cultures have had a significant impact on the Albanian culture from the 15th century to the present. Those traditions have influenced daily life in Albania for centuries and are still practiced throughout Albania, Balkans, and Diaspora. Caucasian Albania. With these 29 informative facts about Albania, let’s learn more about its history, geography, people, culture, economy, and traditions. Other Albanians are found in different countries such as Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Greece, Croatia Jan 22, 2015 · According to Greek geographer and philosopher Strabo, the populations of ancient Caucasian Albania consisted of many tribes speaking 26 languages. [1] It includes the village with the same name, Lumë, which is located in Albania. Islam has also been a shield that protects Albanian culture from Slavic and Greek Apr 9, 2024 · t. The Albanians have a unique culture, which progressed over the centuries Jan 18, 2024 · Albanian wedding traditions showcase some of the most poignant parts of the nation's culture, including family, hospitality and honor. Around 400 BCE, King Bardylis, the first known Jun 14, 2023 · 8. 3% of the resident population. Northern Albania and Montenegro are the only regions in Europe to have retained a true tribal society up to the mid-twentieth century. The Albanoi ( Ancient Greek: Ἀλβανοί, Albanoi; Latin: Albani) were an Illyrian tribe. Historically they were one of the most widespread tribes, and placenames related to them are found throughout Albania: examples include Mazrek of Shkodër, or Mazrek in Tiranë. You can travel to Albania with children, with a loved one or by yourself (women included Albanian tribes. rules or decrees of ecclesiastical law. Situated on the eastern coast of the Adriatic, Durrës was the first Greek settlement established in Illyria. Bektashism in Albania The Tribes of AlbaniaHistory, Society and Culture "The Crescent and the Eagle" examines the awakening of Albanian national identity from the end of the 19th century to the outbreak of the First World War - a period of intense nationalism in the Balkans - from an Ottoman perspective. The Tribe of Kryezinjë. Ancient tribes in Albania‎ (2 C, 22 P) S. Piperi is located between the Morača and Zeta rivers up to the northern suburbs of the Montenegrin capital Podgorica . They were the anas (older, indigenous) tribe of the Shala valley, being gradually expelled by the modern Shala. comment. Commercial versions are up to 45% proof, but homemade raki is much, much stronger. The Tribes of Northern Albaniais, admittedly, a motley collection of information and texts with many lacunae of which the author is painfully aware. Name [ edit ] Xhani derives its name from the anthroponym Iohannes and is attested in various forms such as: Xhaj , Xhovani , Gjani , Joani , Ghoanni , Giovagni , Gioagni , Huan Albanian Americans ( Albanian: shqiptaro-amerikanët) are Americans of full or partial Albanian ancestry and heritage in the United States. 1 Historical Development. When the Roman Empire was divided into East and West in 395, the territories of modern Albania became part of the Byzantine Empire. 3,000 members and 700 households. Beginning in the first decades of Byzantine rule (until 461), the region suffered devastating raids by Visigoths, Huns, and Ostrogoths. Albanian national clothing. Dec 5, 2019 · Want to know more about Albanian Food and Cuisine? Here are 15 Traditional dishes from Albania that you should try while visiting! Apr 13, 2019 · Albania, officially known as the Republic of Albania, is a country and parliamentary republic in Southeastern Europe. There was also province of the Kingdom of Armenia, Utikʻ (later annexed by Caucasian Albania), which likely bore the name Albanians are an ancient people of southeastern Caucasia who originally inhabited the area of the modern republic of Azerbaijan north of the River Kur. Their central settlement Mirdita is a region of northern Albania whose territory is synonymous with the historic Albanian tribe of the same name. The Muslim northern Albanian tribes participated in the Ottoman campaigns against Christian Albanian tribes, such as in 1876 when they devastated the territory populated by the Mirditë Catholics. Albania - Nationalism, Ethnicity, Culture: By the mid-19th century Turkey was in the throes of the “Eastern Question,” as the peoples of the Balkans, including Albanians, sought to realize their national aspirations. About 40% of Albanian people are smokers, and it is part of everyday Albanian life. It has two distinct dialects: Tosk, spoken in the south, and Gheg, spoken in the north. From its ancient roots to its modern-day traditions, this article uncovers the hidden treasures and unique aspects that make Albania’s cultural landscape truly one-of-a-kind. Chad Case/Alamy. Albanians place a large value on families and their ethnic heritage. It may also refer to literature written by Albanians in Albania, Kosovo and the Albanian diaspora particularly in Italy. Moreover, Albanian dialects are traditional local varieties and are traced back to the different Albanian tribes. History of Albania. [1] The locations of Illyrian tribes/peoples prior to the Roman The Malësors (Albanian highlanders) live within northern Albania and historically Malësia e Madhe (great highlands) contained seven large tribes with six ( Hoti, Kelmendi, Trieshi, Koja, Shkreli, Kastrati) having a Catholic majority and Muslim minority with Gruda evenly split between both religions. Kruja Highlands Region – Kurbin Tribe. The Northern Albanian tribes were known for their rich culture and abundant numbers. There are two cultural groups in… The legend of the founding of the Hoti and Triepshi tribes in the mountains of northern Albania and Montenegro is preserved, in one version, by the German scholar Johann Georg von Hahn who heard it from a Father Gabriel in Shkodra in 1850. Albanian bayraks as of 1918 from Franz Seiner. [1] It is inhabited by a majority of ethnic Albanians . Albania has a turbulent past, with many influences incorporated into art and culture from invading countries. Hoti and Gruda on the far left side. What could be one of the most creepy facts about Albania – but is instead among the coolest facts about Albanian history – is Enver Hoxha’s weird obsession with bunkers. The Sopa or Sopi tribe is a historical Albanian tribe ( fis) originating from the Sharr Mountains of today's Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. The ancient hospitality code of besa is the Albanian way (Credit: Chad Case Apr 30, 2015 · Overview. To defend and promote their national interests, Albanians met in Prizren, a town in Kosovo, in 1878 and founded the Albanian League. Berisha is one of the oldest documented Albanian tribes, first recorded in 1242 in Dulcigno. Albanian culture adores good health, so they love to take a chill pill in stressful times. Albania - Ethnic Groups, Language, Religion: Albania has one of the most homogeneous populations in Europe, with non-Albanians accounting for less than one-tenth of the total population. Bobi was an Albanian tribe that lived in the Middle Ages. Luma is surrounded by Has region (north and northwest), Fan May 7, 2023 · One of the most interesting facts about Albania is the number of bunkers spread around the country! 5. Cities like Saranda are more affected by the heat than Tirana. Nevertheless the Albanian tribes, isolated by mountains, lakes and swamps, were never fully subdued by their many conquerors. The music of Albania ( Albanian: Muzika Shqiptare) is associated with the country of Albania and Albanian communities. The mountains still bear the ruined walls of fortresses that once garrisoned Roman legions, Byzantine armies, and Venetian crusaders. Bankeq is recorded again in the following Ottoman defter of 1582 where mixed Albanian-Slavic anthroponyms now dominated over typical Albanian personal names, an indication of increasing Slavic influence in the greater region. Lumë ( Albanian definite form: Luma) is a region that extends itself in northeastern Albania and southwest Kosovo whose territory is synonymous with the historic Albanian tribe ( fis) of the same name. The area was settled at the end of the 7th century BCE by people from Corinth and Corcyra (modern-day Corfu ). Albania - Medieval Culture, Illyrian Tribes, Balkan Region: In the latter part of the Middle Ages, Albanian urban society reached a high point of development. Mazreku (archaic forms: Masarecu, Masareccu, Meserechus, Mânzaraku, Mazaraki or Mazarek) is an Albanian tribe [1] or fis from the Dukagjin highlands. Name does not appear on the map, but inside the legend. In traditional Albanian culture, Gjakmarrja ( English: "blood-taking", i. Albanians will unwind and take a break at this time to rest or do nothing at all. Toplana located in section 62, between Dushmani, Shkreli, Mërturi, and Berisha. Mystery enshrouds the exact origins of today's Albanians. The Ghegs are known for their distinctive dialect of the Albanian language, different from the Tosk dialect spoken in southern Albania. Aug 13, 2022 · Albanian Tribes of the Lezha Highlands Region. As a foreigner visiting Albania for the first time, a basic understanding of the Albanian culture and lifestyle will make your visit more pleasing. "blood feud") or hakmarrja ("revenge") is the social obligation to kill an offender or a member of their family in order to salvage one's honor. This is a list of ancient tribes in the ancient territory of Illyria ( Greek: Ἰλλυρία; Latin: Illyria ). Albanian blood feud. state of Maryland! The terrain is mostly mountainous, with rustic castles and white-sand beaches luring an increasing number of tourists each year. It is one of the four traditional bajraks of the Highlands of Lezha ( Malësia e Lezhës ), alongside the Bulgëri , Kryezezi and Manatia . The word Kanun, taken from Turkish and originally derived from Greek, simply meaning “statute” or “code of law” and is related to the English word “cannon,” i. e. Members of the tribe can be found in many Albanian-inhabited regions of Kosovo and North Macedonia, specifically in and around Prizren . Sipping spirits in particular is a huge part of the culture. 58% of the population. The name Kelmendi was first recorded in an Ottoman tax register, in 1497, as Klemente and as Nahiye Klementa (Kelmendi district). They trace their ancestry to the territories with a large Albanian population in the Balkans among others to Albania, Italy, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro. The term Kanun means 'pole' or 'rule' and has its origins in the Greek word 'canon'. Another monarchy, the Kingdom of Albania (1928–1939), replaced the republic. The famous King Zog was purported to smoke 200 cigarettes a day! Smoking often goes hand in hand with coffee (smoking is not illegal indoors in Albania). [2] The concept is synonymous, and, according to Hofmann, Treimer and Schmidt, etymologically related, to the Classical Latin word fides, which in Late Ancient and Medieval Latin took on the May 28, 2023 · Kelmendasi Aug 11, 2019, 9:31 AM. Smoking rates in Albania are sky-high. Gruda is a Northern Albanian tribe and historical tribal region in southeastern Montenegro, just north of Lake Skadar, which includes the small town of Tuzi, in Podgorica. Feb 3, 2023 · The most important Albanian Tribe. Its geography is mostly mountainous, but some of its villages are on flat terrain near the banks of Lake of Shkodër. It has only a few households that still exist in the Nicaj neighborhood of Shala. + The script of the Caucasian Albanian language is all researchers have left of the Caucasian Albanian culture, but remnants of the language can be found with the Udi people in modern-day Shqip (ë)tar and Shqyptar (in northern Albanian dialects) is the contemporary endonym used by Albanians for themselves while Shqipëria and Shqypnia/Shqipnia are native toponyms used by Albanians to name their country. A part of Illyria in ancient times and later of the Roman Empire, Albania was ruled by the Byzantine Empire for seven centuries. The genesis of Albanian nationality apparently occurred at this time as the Albanian people became aware that they shared a common territory, name, language, and cultural heritage. Albanian groups had begun to infiltrate areas of Thessaly during a period of presence there of several semi-independent Byzantine lords. The Byzantines gained Durrës in 1256 but lost it in 1257 to Manfred, the king of the Two Sicilies, who also acquired Vlorë and Berat in 1268. Hoti is a historical Albanian tribe ( fis) and sub-region of Malësia, a divided area located in northern Albania and southern Montenegro. In our previous discussion, we covered the five Kosovo tribes, including the Hoti tribe and the various epithets Mar 13, 2020 · Durrës. According to the UK Foreign Office, public safety is generally good, and there are very few reports of crime aimed at foreigners or tourists, although pickpocketing does happen. Berisha is a historical Albanian tribe ( fis) and region in Pukë, northern Albania. Exploring Albanian Culture. t. Music has a long tradition in the country and is known for its regional diversity, from the Ghegs in the North to the Tosks in the South. Albania - Cultural Institutions: Tirana is the home of a number of cultural institutions, including the National Library, the National Theatre, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, the National Museum of History, and the National Museum. The UNESCO town of Gjirokastër. The first inhabitants of the present day Albania were Illyrians tribes, a group of I ndo-European people. Uncover the stories that shape this fascinating nation. There are also numerous city orchestras throughout the country. Albanian literature stretches back to the Middle Ages and comprises those literary texts and works written in Albanian. Processes of Slavicisation during the Ottoman era and onwards facilitated ethno-linguistic shifts within much of the community. It is the perfect place to visit if you want to learn more about the Communist history of Albania. Jul 10, 2019 · Albanians are an ethnic group native to the Balkan region, and they are identified by their common culture, ancestry, language, and history. This book provides the first scholarly investigation of this tribal society, a pioneer work that offers a detailed survey of all the Are you travelling to Albania? Are you a foodie? Make sure you check out these 39 traditional Albanian food options while you're there! A restored Byzantine Empire smashed Bulgaria in 1246 and pushed to the north Albanian coast, where the Albanian tribes were briefly weaned away from their alliance with the Despotate of Epirus. Over half of the brotherhoods of Trieshi trace their ancestry back to the Bankeqi. It is centred along the basin of the Greater Fan River and extends southwards to the Lesser Fan River. Hasi area is located in north-eastern part Traditional Albanian culture honors the role and person of the guest. Kushneni tribal territory is situated in the Mirditë municipality, County of Lezhë, north central Albania. Explore Albania's rich history and culture, from ancient Illyria to modern-day arts and traditions. The name Illyrians seems to be the name of a single Illyrian tribe that was the first to come into contact with the ancient Greeks, causing the name Illyrians to be applied to all people of similar language and customs. Every part of their culture from their food and dressing to their sport and music can be traced back to a period predating modern Albania. Robert Elsie provides comprehensive material on the 69 Enhance your travel experience and earn respect. For other uses, see Grude (disambiguation). The country endured occupation by Italy just prior to World War II (1939–1945). Jun 22, 2023 · The Kanun, also known as the Code of Lekë Dukagjini, holds a prominent place in the historical and cultural fabric of Albania. The Vela are a historical Albanian tribe (fis) and tribal region in the districts of Lezha and Mirdita of northern Albania. The modern endonyms for the area are Aghwank and Aluank, among the Udi people, who regard themselves as descended from the inhabitants of Caucasian Albania. Gruda Albanians, 1913. Over the centuries the Albanian culture has been influenced by the Romans, Greeks, Turks and Italians. According to the Greek geographer Strabo (died c. Mar 20, 2024 · Albania has been a nation long subjected to foreign domination. In the Middle Ages, it was widely spread across northern Albania, southern Montenegro and Kosovo. Albanian tribes. [3] All terms share the same Albanian root shqipoj that is derived from the Latin excipere with both terms carrying the We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Similar to how wedding traditions vary greatly around the world, Albanian customs look different depending on what part of the country the couple is from and what religion they follow. Passed down… Languages of Albania. As such, people Albanian tribes. A large part of the population accepted Islam, yet this did not Sep 14, 2022 · Author provides details on Albanian tribes Addeddate 2022-09-14 14:33:19 Identifier Albtriibes Year 2015 . At the end of the 19th century the tribe was Catholic and had c. This book provides the first scholarly investigation of this tribal society, a pioneer work that offers a detailed survey of all the major Albanian-speaking tribes in Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. [6] Within Malësia e Madhe there were an From a single tribe the name spread to include the rest of the country as Arbëri and, finally, Albania. Learn about Albanian culture, customs & etiquette. Apr 24, 2024 · Main menu. The Mystery of Caucasian Albania Fast Facts+ Caucasian Albania was an ancient state located west of the Caspian Sea in the Caucasus. Large numbers of Tosks emigrated to join sizable Albanian émigré communities in Romania, Egypt, Bulgaria , Constantinople, southern Italy, and Oct 10, 2023 · It is a safe country. Albania is one of the least dangerous places in Europe. According to the classical authors, the Udi inhabited the area of the eastern Caucasus along the coast of the Caspian Sea, in a territory extending to the Kura River in the north. They are the largest ethnic groups in Albania and account for 82. In the 6th and 7th centuries, the region experienced an influx of Slavs . e. This practice is generally seen as in line with the social code known as the Canon of Lekë Dukagjini Albanian Canadians ( Albanian: shqiptaro-kanadezët; French: albanais-canadien) are Canadians of full or partial Albanian ancestry and heritage in Canada. Piperi ( Cyrillic: Пипери) is a historical tribe ( pleme) of Albanian origin and a region in northeastern Montenegro. Shala is a historical tribe and region of northern Albania in the valley of the river Shalë, in the Dukagjin highlands. Albanian Culture Albanians are a native Balkan people who live in Southern Europe. Feb 24, 2023 · The Albanian Kanun is a set of traditional laws and customs that were followed by Albanian tribes for centuries, with its roots in ancient Greek and Arabic traditions. Caucasian Albania is a modern exonym for a former state located in ancient times in the Caucasus, mostly in what is now Azerbaijan (where both of its capitals were located). It was later adopted by the Ottoman Empire and eventually became part of Albanian culture. Toplana is a historical Albanian tribe ( fis) and ethnographic region located on the northern banks of the River Drin in northern Albania . The traditional sporting In addition, Çabej analyzed the morphology of some tribal names and pointed out that the Illyrian suffix -at appeared in the names of Illyrian tribes, such as Docleatae, Labeatae, Autariates, Delmatae correspondends to the suffix -at appeared in the 15th century Albanian tribes names like Bakirat and Demat; in Albania today, the suffixes of Sep 16, 2023 · The Albanian culture is diverse and rich in history. Albanian is an Indo-European language and occupies an independent branch within this family. There were Over 750,000 Bunkers Scattered around the Country. The ancient polis ( city-state) known at the time as Epidamnos, flourished during the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE and The Traditions of Albania refers to the traditions, beliefs, values and customs that belong within the culture of the Albanian people. Nonetheless, it is to be hoped that this presentation will stimulate further interest in this very particular, indeed unique European society and in northern Albanian history and culture in general. Feb 15, 2024 · 1. plus-circle Add Review. Albania is an ethnically homogeneous country, where the overwhelming majority of the population speaks Albanian, which is also the official language. Jan 29, 2019 · Updated on January 29, 2019. Mirdita and its constituent tribes. Hasi is an ethno-geographic area with well-defined borders, surrounded by river Black Drin to its West and south west in Albania and by the White Drin river on its south, east and north east in Kosovo. In return for this place of honor, respect is expected from the guest. It is bordered by Kthella to the south, Oroshi to the southeast, Spaçi to the north and east, and Dibrri to the west. The customary law of the northern Albanian mountains was codified in a statute that is traditionally known as the Kanun. “Highland Landscape” by Zef Kolombi, 1948-1949, National Art Gallery, Tirana. The drink of choice in Albania is raki or rakia, a potent clear spirit distilled from grapes. Most historians of the Balkans believe the Albanian people are in large part descendants of the ancient Illyrians, who, like other Balkan peoples, were subdivided into tribes and clans. Shops are closed in the middle of the day. They were possibly first mentioned by Hecataeus of Miletus (550-476 BCE) under the name Abroi. 2. Shala (tribe)‎ (11 P) Pages in category "Tribes of Albania" The following 57 pages are in this category, out of 57 total. Ptolemy (100–170 CE) is the first author who mentions them under the name Albanoi. Besa (pledge of honor) [1] is an Albanian cultural precept, usually translated as "faith" or "oath", that means "to keep the promise" and "word of honor". An alliance of Albanian chiefs in the mid-fifteenth century failed to halt the advance of the Ottoman Discover Ottoman Albania’s journey from conquest to independence, a tale of resilience, cultural fusion, and the forging of national identity. The earliest notable Illyrian polity was centered around the Enchele tribe. They call themselves Shqiptarë. ee uy vj kl vk ng dc ok bo hf