On 28 November 1912, now 95 years ago, Albanians gained their independence from the Ottoman Turks who had occupied the country for close to five centuries.
This day is also called the Day of the Flag and it is celebrated by all people of Albanian origin or ethnicity, in and outside the territory of the country of Albania.
This is a short history leading to the country’s independence:
The Illyrians, who are believed to have evolved directly from the Stone Age, occupied the western area of the Balkans, from modern Slovenia to approximately half of the way through modern Greece. Shkodra, now the most important city of northern Albania, was the capital. The Illyrians were sociable and hospitable people, much like Albanians today. They were also daring fighters and known for their bravery in war. Around eight to six century B.C., the neighboring Greeks began to create a string of colonies along the Albanian borders. Closer now to the more advanced Greeks, the Illyrians were greatly influenced and began to evolve politically and economically.
Albania was attacked by more foreign powers. The Bulgarians, Norman crusaders, Serbs and Venetians all wreaked havoc on the Albanians until the conquest by the Ottoman Turks in 1388. In 1443, an Albanian military genius, Gjergj Kastrioti(Skanderberg), rallied the Albanians together and drove out the Turks. Although Kastrioti’s death meant the eventual return of the Turks in 1468, the 25 years of resilience gained two accomplishments for the Albanians.
The drive for independence was still strong within the Albanians. Throughout the 19th Century, resisting the Turks attempts at assimilation, leaders led their country with the rallying cry,”The religion of Albanians is Albanianism!” The leaders formed the Albanian League in 1878 to unite the country and develop the native language, literature, education and to adopt a new alphabet. In 1908, the Albanians fought again, and by 1912, they succeeded in making the Turks agree to their demands for autonomy.
Here are some additional links you may find of interest in digging further about Albania’s History:
