Ardian Muhaj
Universidade de Lisboa, History, Post-Doc
- Economic History, History of the Mediterranean, Early Modern History, Maritime History, Early Modern Europe, History of European Expansion, and 66 moreMediterranean Studies, Medieval Europe, Medieval urban history, Late Middle Ages, Medieval Italy, Early Modern Italy, History of the Portuguese Empire, Ottoman Empire, Medieval Warfare, early modern Mediterranean, Medieval Dubrovnik (Ragusa), Medieval Balkans, Medieval Croatian History, Ottoman Balkans, Venetian History, Early modern Ottoman History, Albanian Studies, Economic and Social History of the Ottoman Empire, Balkan History, Atlantic history, Medieval History, Early Medieval Archaeology, Early modern Spain, Medieval Studies, Atlantic World, Catalan Studies, Romanian History, Central European history, History of Venice, Byzantine Studies, Late Antiquity, Atlántico, Renaissance Studies, Albanian archaeology, Ottoman History, Balkan Studies, Nationalism, Medieval Spain, Illyrian Archaeology, Portuguese History, History of Piracy, Merchant networks, Trade Routes, Late Medieval History, Slave Trade, Western Balkans, The Hundred Years War, Brazilian History, Early Medieval History, Late Antique and Byzantine History, Medieval Poland, Late Medieval Bohemia and Central Europe, Medieval Hungary, Medieval Church History, Barbarians and Romans in Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages, Great Migration period, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, 15th Century Florence, 15th Century Burgundy, Portuguese Studies, Medieval Iberian History, Landscape History, Dalmatian history, History of Slavery, Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages, and Historyedit
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PROJEKTE KUNDËROSMANE NË SHEK. XVI-XVII MES FANTAZISË, INTERESIT DHE REALITETIT, Instituti i Historise, Tirana, 2022.
Research Interests:
From the Balkans to the Mediterranean. The Albanians between the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Age.
Book published by the Insitute of History, Tirana, 2019. (In Albanian)
Book published by the Insitute of History, Tirana, 2019. (In Albanian)
Research Interests:
Abstract The Hundred Years War has had a profound impact on the history of France and England. Yet its impact and importance on the history of other European countries and of Europe in general has been overlooked and much less studied.... more
Abstract
The Hundred Years War has had a profound impact on the history of France and England. Yet its impact and importance on the history of other European countries and of Europe in general has been overlooked and much less studied. Even the supporters of the so-called “late medieval crisis”, have not shown any interest in establishing any kind of relationship between the “crisis” of the Late Middle Ages, and the Hundred Years War, although both match perfectly in chronological terms. We aim to establish a relation between the anglo-french conflict of the Late Middle Ages and the difficulties and/or the decline of some European countries and regions during the same time span. Before the war France was the commercial hub of Europe, but during the course of the war became its main battlefield. It was a conflict between England and France, fought and decided entirely in French territories and dependencies. So, how this transformation of the biggest, the richest, the most central and the most important kingdom of Europe, from a commercial hub to a battlefield, influenced the economic landscape of the continent, is a central question to answer? Instead of focusing the attention on the movements and itineraries of the fighting or ravaging armies, we aim to focus on the itineraries of the traders and on the shifting geography of the trade routes. Through her transformation in a battlefield France, once a paradise for the traders, became a paradise for the chivalry and the soldiers, but a hell for the traders. Thus, many countries and regions better suited to serve as an alternative choice for the commerce and the traders, increased their share of the commercial traffic, or better said, of the wealth available.
Portugal became one of these commercial paradises that helped the stream of goods and wealth to flow. At the same time this shifting geography of the trade routes, not only helped these new commercial paradises to strengthen their economies, but it increased the costs of transactions and maintenance of the commerce. Goods and wealth flowed easily through the new routes, but these new trade routes were expensive alternatives of the old French-centred routes. With the end of the Hundred Years War, ended the need to avoid the French routes, and the flow of commerce shifted back to France, but the new geography of the expanded commerce and the wealth accumulated during the war continued for some time to foster the development of the these countries during the time that France was retaking its centrality in the commercial routes of the continent.
Portugal’s economic outlook during the Hundred Years War has been traditionally linked by the historians to the French pattern, widely accepted as negative, depressionist and in deep crisis. The broad framework for this relation is the “late medieval crisis”, or the Malthusian interpretation of the history of Late Middle Ages. According to this interpretation, the “late medieval crisis” was general to the whole of Europe, and even beyond, although recognizing some insignificant exceptions. In fact, focusing on the broad picture, except the generalized effect of the Black Death, most parts of Europe did not go through a “late medieval crisis”. Portugal had all the conditions to gain from the shift of the trade routes, and was one of the most important countries that served the economic system of the continent to continue to run smoothly even with the significant obstacle of the war. During the supposed “crisis”, Portugal went from strength to strength in economic terms. The Black Death took its toll and the money was devalued, but commerce expanded, the area under cultivation increased, its political and geographical boundaries expanded, technological advance was one of the greatest in the continent, its international projection increased, its independence was assured, its towns increased at the time that agriculture boomed and the wealth and the welfare of its people increased.
The Hundred Years War has had a profound impact on the history of France and England. Yet its impact and importance on the history of other European countries and of Europe in general has been overlooked and much less studied. Even the supporters of the so-called “late medieval crisis”, have not shown any interest in establishing any kind of relationship between the “crisis” of the Late Middle Ages, and the Hundred Years War, although both match perfectly in chronological terms. We aim to establish a relation between the anglo-french conflict of the Late Middle Ages and the difficulties and/or the decline of some European countries and regions during the same time span. Before the war France was the commercial hub of Europe, but during the course of the war became its main battlefield. It was a conflict between England and France, fought and decided entirely in French territories and dependencies. So, how this transformation of the biggest, the richest, the most central and the most important kingdom of Europe, from a commercial hub to a battlefield, influenced the economic landscape of the continent, is a central question to answer? Instead of focusing the attention on the movements and itineraries of the fighting or ravaging armies, we aim to focus on the itineraries of the traders and on the shifting geography of the trade routes. Through her transformation in a battlefield France, once a paradise for the traders, became a paradise for the chivalry and the soldiers, but a hell for the traders. Thus, many countries and regions better suited to serve as an alternative choice for the commerce and the traders, increased their share of the commercial traffic, or better said, of the wealth available.
Portugal became one of these commercial paradises that helped the stream of goods and wealth to flow. At the same time this shifting geography of the trade routes, not only helped these new commercial paradises to strengthen their economies, but it increased the costs of transactions and maintenance of the commerce. Goods and wealth flowed easily through the new routes, but these new trade routes were expensive alternatives of the old French-centred routes. With the end of the Hundred Years War, ended the need to avoid the French routes, and the flow of commerce shifted back to France, but the new geography of the expanded commerce and the wealth accumulated during the war continued for some time to foster the development of the these countries during the time that France was retaking its centrality in the commercial routes of the continent.
Portugal’s economic outlook during the Hundred Years War has been traditionally linked by the historians to the French pattern, widely accepted as negative, depressionist and in deep crisis. The broad framework for this relation is the “late medieval crisis”, or the Malthusian interpretation of the history of Late Middle Ages. According to this interpretation, the “late medieval crisis” was general to the whole of Europe, and even beyond, although recognizing some insignificant exceptions. In fact, focusing on the broad picture, except the generalized effect of the Black Death, most parts of Europe did not go through a “late medieval crisis”. Portugal had all the conditions to gain from the shift of the trade routes, and was one of the most important countries that served the economic system of the continent to continue to run smoothly even with the significant obstacle of the war. During the supposed “crisis”, Portugal went from strength to strength in economic terms. The Black Death took its toll and the money was devalued, but commerce expanded, the area under cultivation increased, its political and geographical boundaries expanded, technological advance was one of the greatest in the continent, its international projection increased, its independence was assured, its towns increased at the time that agriculture boomed and the wealth and the welfare of its people increased.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
CIEPO 25
Comité International des Études Pré-Ottomanes et Ottomanes
June 21-25, 2024
TIRANA, ALBANIA
Comité International des Études Pré-Ottomanes et Ottomanes
June 21-25, 2024
TIRANA, ALBANIA
Research Interests:
The necessity for interdisciplinary studies in historical research is increasingly emphasized with the accumulation of available scientific data, leading to a more accurate synthesis of historical phenomena. In this study, we chose the... more
The necessity for interdisciplinary studies in historical research is
increasingly emphasized with the accumulation of available scientific
data, leading to a more accurate synthesis of historical phenomena. In
this study, we chose the Krasniqe and Nikaj clans, two of the largest
Albanian clans, from which we collected 23 samples for genetic
sequencing. Genetic data support a variety of other historical,
ethnographic, and anthropological information and simultaneously
serve to further enrich the history of these clans and complement the
mosaic of data on populations or clans constituting the Albanian
ethnicity. The results indicate that the main lineages of both clans have
a common origin in the Adriatic line and that the Krasniqe lineages are
closer to each other than to those of the Nikaj. Additionally, members
of both clans inherited a characteristic haplo group for Northern
Albanians, which is also linked to some ancient results from the region. Genetic data, when treated and used as a historical source, serve to
historicize data that are obscured by time and unforeseeable through
traditional historiographic methods.
Keywords: Krasniqe, Nikaj, Gashi, Albanian clans, genetic
analysis, history, origin, autochthony, antiquity.
increasingly emphasized with the accumulation of available scientific
data, leading to a more accurate synthesis of historical phenomena. In
this study, we chose the Krasniqe and Nikaj clans, two of the largest
Albanian clans, from which we collected 23 samples for genetic
sequencing. Genetic data support a variety of other historical,
ethnographic, and anthropological information and simultaneously
serve to further enrich the history of these clans and complement the
mosaic of data on populations or clans constituting the Albanian
ethnicity. The results indicate that the main lineages of both clans have
a common origin in the Adriatic line and that the Krasniqe lineages are
closer to each other than to those of the Nikaj. Additionally, members
of both clans inherited a characteristic haplo group for Northern
Albanians, which is also linked to some ancient results from the region. Genetic data, when treated and used as a historical source, serve to
historicize data that are obscured by time and unforeseeable through
traditional historiographic methods.
Keywords: Krasniqe, Nikaj, Gashi, Albanian clans, genetic
analysis, history, origin, autochthony, antiquity.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Ancient History, Ottoman History, Early Modern History, Balkan Studies, Mediterranean Studies, and 15 moreEarly Modern Europe, Turkish History, Ottoman Empire, Venetian History, Early modern Ottoman History, Ottoman Balkans, Early Modern economic and social history, Ottoman Navy, Venetian possessions in the Eastern Mediterranean, Western Balkans, History of Venice, Peace Treaty, Unrest, Tarih dergisi, and League
Libri i historianit turk Abdulhamit Kirmizi, mbi jetën dhe veprën e Ferid pashë Vlorës, është një vepër shkencore e klasit të parë dhe njëkohësisht tregimi më i detajuar dhe më i rëndësishëm i shkruar deri më sot për këtë figurë me... more
Libri i historianit turk Abdulhamit Kirmizi, mbi jetën dhe veprën e Ferid pashë Vlorës, është një vepër shkencore e klasit të parë dhe njëkohësisht tregimi më i detajuar dhe më i rëndësishëm i shkruar deri më sot për këtë figurë me përmasa dhe rëndësi në Shqipëri, Evropë dhe botë. Nëpër faqet e librit voluminoz, autori na shoqëron me mjeshtëri në madhështinë dhe peripecitë e jetës së një prej figurave më të rëndësishme të Lëvizjes Kombëtare Shqiptare, e njohur tradicionalisht si Rilindja Kombëtare. Në këtë prezantim, autori duket qartë se është i njohur jo vetëm me historinë e shqiptarëve në këtë periudhë, por edhe me historinë e familjes Vlora, pasi ky është studimi i tij i dytë madhor mbi historinë e këtij oxhaku të shquar, pas tij botimit të tij në turqisht.
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The aim is to provide a platform of a high scholarly level that will promote the knowledge and sustain the memory of Ottoman history. The symposium will include four days of sessions at a designated conference center in Tirana (21-24... more
The aim is to provide a platform of a high scholarly level that will promote the knowledge and sustain the memory of Ottoman history. The symposium will include four days of sessions at a designated conference center in Tirana (21-24 June). An excursion is scheduled for the last day (25 June), during which participants will have the chance to visit Ottoman sites in the surrounding areas.
Research Interests:
Prania e arbëreshëve të Italisë në jetën e shoqërisë shqiptare merr një kthesë drastike me vendosjen e regjimit diktatorial në Shqipëri. Marrdhëniet e tyre me shtetin shqiptar shkëputen pothuajse tërësisht dhe krejt historia e kultura... more
Prania e arbëreshëve të Italisë në jetën e shoqërisë shqiptare merr një kthesë drastike me vendosjen e regjimit diktatorial në Shqipëri. Marrdhëniet e tyre me shtetin shqiptar shkëputen pothuajse tërësisht dhe krejt historia e kultura arbëreshe kthehet në relike. Arbëreshët u shndërruan në një imazh të largët dhe në një ilustrim të thjeshtë të ngjarjeve historike të shekujve të kaluar. Hipoteza që shtrohet në këtë punim është se nëse bëhet një analizë e marrdhënieve të arbëreshëve me Shqipërinë qoftë në periudhën osmane, qoftë në periudhën shtetërore shqiptare, diktatura komuniste përbën periudhën e shkëputjes dhe ndërprerjes së lidhjeve më të theksuar se në cilëndo periudhë tjetër
Research Interests:
The sixteenth century is considered as the last golden age of the Mediterranean. This splendor of the Mediterranean was shared by the people inhabiting this "Great Sea". In this century the Mediterranean is seen as a maritime space... more
The sixteenth century is considered as the last golden age of the Mediterranean. This splendor of the Mediterranean was shared by the people inhabiting this "Great Sea". In this century the Mediterranean is seen as a maritime space contested between two rival powers: the Habsburg Empire and the Ottoman Empire. The rivalry between the Habsburgs and the Ottomans developed in the Western fringe of the Mediterranean, while the eastern and central part of the Great Sea remained uncontested dominions of the Ottoman state. In this Mediterranean splendor and rivalry, the role and agency of many people and local communities should not be undervalued. The aim of this paper is to highlight the presence of the Albanian and Dalmatian sailors, soldiers, and traders in Algiers, which was undoubtedly one of the most important centers of the Mediterranean, with a vibrant trade and an important place of political, cultural, and commercial links and impact. People from the Eastern Adriatic shore, especially Albanians and Dalmatians (i.e., Croats, Bosnians, etc.) were increasingly present in Algiers as well as in North African Mediterranean in a scale never documented before. Apart from the increase in numbers, in the 16 th century also changes the quality of their presence in the Western Mediterranean.
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This paper examines the recent history of religious development in Albania during the post-communist period. Second, it identifies patterns in the differentiated development of material and spiritual religious life among the region's... more
This paper examines the recent history of religious development in Albania during the post-communist period. Second, it identifies patterns in the differentiated development of material and spiritual religious life among the region's religions, and the institutional and political reasons behind them. Third, it analyses the positions of Albanian Cham, Albanian Kosovar and Bosniak Sunni communities as they confront the post-communist pressures of proselytisation and de-Sunnification. Through historical and discourse analysis and unstructured interviews with individuals of different religious, ethnic and local affiliation, the paper reveals that religious, ethnic and local feelings are strong among all three communities. Attitudes toward proselytization attempts among Bosniaks, Cham and Kosovar Albanians, however, are more resilient than those of local Sunnis toward de-Sunnification. The weakening of religiosity among local Sunnis is in conjunction with an organised movement to construct a distinct Bektashi identity, although most Bektashis still identify as Muslim.
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Emërtimi i Dukagjinit, si një nga toponimet më të rëndësishme dhe të gjalla në historinë dhe kulturën shqiptare, ka qenë kryesisht objekt legjendash e gojëdhënash të lidhura me kodin zakonor të njohur si kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit.... more
Emërtimi i Dukagjinit, si një nga toponimet më të rëndësishme dhe të gjalla në historinë dhe kulturën shqiptare, ka qenë kryesisht objekt legjendash e gojëdhënash të lidhura me kodin zakonor të njohur si kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit. Hulumtimet e fundit të kryera prej nesh dëshmojnë se emërtimi Dukagjin në fakt është shumë shekuj më i lashtë sesa periudha e supozuar e kodifikimit të kanunit. Në këtë kumtesë përmes sjelljes së argumenteve historike, arkeologjike e gjuhësore do të përpiqemi të argumentojmë se zanafilla e emërtimit Dukagjin është i njëkohshëm me etnogjenezën e shqiptarëve si pasojë e tronditjes që sollën dyndjet e popujve sllavë në kapërcyellin nga antikiteti në fillimin e mesjetës. Në këtë aspekt edhe emërtimi i kanunit të Lekë Dukagjinit rezulton të jetë shekuj më i hershëm se sa personazhi historik i shek. XV.
Research Interests:
Nevoja e ndërmarrjes së studimeve ndërdisiplinore në hulumtimin historik bëhet gjithnjë e më e theksuar me shtimin e të dhënave shkencore të disponueshme të cilat shpien në sinteza gjithnjë e më të sakta të dukurive historike. Në këtë... more
Nevoja e ndërmarrjes së studimeve ndërdisiplinore në hulumtimin historik bëhet gjithnjë e më e theksuar me shtimin e të dhënave shkencore të disponueshme të cilat shpien në sinteza gjithnjë e më të sakta të dukurive historike. Në këtë punim, si rast studimi kemi zgjedhur fiset Krasniqe dhe Nikaj si dy ndër fiset më të mëdha shqiptare, prej të cilave kemi mbledhur 23 mostra për sekuencim gjenetik. Të dhënat gjenetike mbështesin një sërë të dhënash të tjera të karakterit historik, etnografik, antropologjik dhe njëkohësisht shërbejnë si pasurim i mëtejshëm i historisë së këtyre fiseve dhe si plotësim i mozaikut të të dhënave mbi popullatat apo fiset që përbëjnë etninë shqiptare. Rezultatet tregojnë se vëllazëritë kryesore të të dy fiseve kanë prejardhje të përbashkët në vijë atërore, dhe se vëllazëritë e Krasniqes lidhen më afër mes tyre se me ato të Nikajve. Gjithashtu, anëtarë të të dy fiseve trashëgojnë një haplogrup karakteristik për shqiptarët e Veriut, i cili lidhet edhe me disa rezultate të lashta nga rajoni. Të dhënat gjenetike duke u trajtuar dhe përdorur në cilësinë e burimit historik, shërbejnë për historicizimin e të dhënave të mjegulluara nga koha dhe të parikthyeshme përmes metodave tradicionale historiografike.
Research Interests:
The sixteenth century was a time when projects against Ottoman power were diminishing. This sixteenth century trend changed dramatically after the battle of Lepanto on 7 October 1571, when the Holy League coalition forces inflicted a... more
The sixteenth century was a time when projects against Ottoman power were diminishing. This sixteenth century trend changed dramatically after the battle of Lepanto on 7 October 1571, when the Holy League coalition forces inflicted a significant defeat on the Ottoman fleet. This study investigates how Venice responded to the growing anti-Ottoman projects and movements in the Balkans in order to keep a long lasting peace with the Ottomans that characterized the period from the peace treaty between Venice and the Ottoman Empire in 1573 until the war of Crete in 1644. Venice's struggle for peace in this period, was of crucial importance in the relatively quiet situation in Rumelia during this period compared to the disquiet and social unrest that characterized Anatolia, especially during the Celali revolts.
Research Interests: Ottoman History, Early Modern History, Balkan Studies, Mediterranean Studies, Early Modern Europe, and 11 moreOttoman Empire, Venetian History, Early modern Ottoman History, Ottoman Balkans, Ottoman-Venetian relations, Early Modern economic and social history, Ottoman Navy, Venetian possessions in the Eastern Mediterranean, Western Balkans, 16th century Venice, and History of Venice
The slavery constitutes a historic phenomenon that has affected all the continents, sometimes at the same time or one after another. The question of slavery among the Illyrians has occupied little space in the studies of different... more
The slavery constitutes a historic phenomenon that has affected all the
continents, sometimes at the same time or one after another. The question of slavery among the Illyrians has occupied little space in the studies of different authors within the ancient Albanian territories, nonetheless the slavery in antiquity has been one of the most important social phenomena directly connected with the production relations. Usually the slavery drastically and forever changed the people's life, but the bad luck chased the slaves even after gaining the much dreamed freedom. Thus, in Rome, the liberated slaves were seen with disbelief and contempt. They after being liberated never became free men, but liberated. The hard conditions of slavery, and the low social status of the slaves, made that many of them dream and try to escape to achieve the freedom not only through liberation from their owners, but even through escape or organized rebellions.
continents, sometimes at the same time or one after another. The question of slavery among the Illyrians has occupied little space in the studies of different authors within the ancient Albanian territories, nonetheless the slavery in antiquity has been one of the most important social phenomena directly connected with the production relations. Usually the slavery drastically and forever changed the people's life, but the bad luck chased the slaves even after gaining the much dreamed freedom. Thus, in Rome, the liberated slaves were seen with disbelief and contempt. They after being liberated never became free men, but liberated. The hard conditions of slavery, and the low social status of the slaves, made that many of them dream and try to escape to achieve the freedom not only through liberation from their owners, but even through escape or organized rebellions.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Is it possible to have an economic outlook of Portugal, at the end of the fourteenth and beginning of the fifteenth centuries, with the data available, which we know are very few? Has the Portuguese economy being growing or falling during... more
Is it possible to have an economic outlook of Portugal, at the end of the
fourteenth and beginning of the fifteenth centuries, with the data available, which we know are very few? Has the Portuguese economy being growing or falling during this period?
Has Portugal accompanied the events in Europe from his corner of
Finisterre? Or, on the contrary, has had its role in the economic geography and political life of the continent? So, how to reconcile the overall crisis and general decline in the Europe of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries with the Atlantic expansion?
fourteenth and beginning of the fifteenth centuries, with the data available, which we know are very few? Has the Portuguese economy being growing or falling during this period?
Has Portugal accompanied the events in Europe from his corner of
Finisterre? Or, on the contrary, has had its role in the economic geography and political life of the continent? So, how to reconcile the overall crisis and general decline in the Europe of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries with the Atlantic expansion?
Research Interests:
ANTI-OTTOMAN PROJECTS IN THE 16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES AMIDST FANTASY, INTEREST AND REALITY. The projects of different nationalities for liberation from Ottoman rule cannot be perceived separated from the measures taken by the imperial... more
ANTI-OTTOMAN PROJECTS IN THE 16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES AMIDST FANTASY, INTEREST AND REALITY.
The projects of different nationalities for liberation from Ottoman rule cannot be perceived separated from the measures taken by the imperial government against potential rebellions and uprisings. For the Ottomans, as for every political rule, self-preservation and continuity were of major concern. The attempts to undermine the stability of the central power were dealt with great attention. The challenge to Ottoman rule came at times from the imperial state structures as well as from within the Ottoman ruling class itself. As in other similar cases, the rule’s structure and negotiation in Albanian territories evolved through the centuries we are referring to in this study, due to several factors. Firstly, the evolvement of the central power contributed to such a change; secondly, the dynamics of social development in Albanian territories; and thirdly, the shift in international balance of power. Thus, the dynamics and frequency of anti-Ottoman endeavours in general was closely related with the international situation and its influence in the Albanian territories. The uncertainty to rely on a firm support from the Spanish or the Venetians, and later on from the Austrians and Russians, made the local population aware that foreign backing was temporary and shaky. This was one of the reasons that made the secular and religious leaders to act cautiously and avoid becoming part of adventurous local enterprises or ambiguous foreign projects. In contrast to Venice which was interested in maintaining peace with the Ottomans rather than fighting them, Spain as the centre of the Habsburg dynasty, was clearly positioned as the Ottomans’ foe. However, although a perpetual adversary of the Ottomans, Spain was situated very far away to threaten the Ottoman rule, at least in the Balkans. This is a central element in understanding the history and dynamics of the Albanians’ anti-Ottoman attempts and projects.
The projects of different nationalities for liberation from Ottoman rule cannot be perceived separated from the measures taken by the imperial government against potential rebellions and uprisings. For the Ottomans, as for every political rule, self-preservation and continuity were of major concern. The attempts to undermine the stability of the central power were dealt with great attention. The challenge to Ottoman rule came at times from the imperial state structures as well as from within the Ottoman ruling class itself. As in other similar cases, the rule’s structure and negotiation in Albanian territories evolved through the centuries we are referring to in this study, due to several factors. Firstly, the evolvement of the central power contributed to such a change; secondly, the dynamics of social development in Albanian territories; and thirdly, the shift in international balance of power. Thus, the dynamics and frequency of anti-Ottoman endeavours in general was closely related with the international situation and its influence in the Albanian territories. The uncertainty to rely on a firm support from the Spanish or the Venetians, and later on from the Austrians and Russians, made the local population aware that foreign backing was temporary and shaky. This was one of the reasons that made the secular and religious leaders to act cautiously and avoid becoming part of adventurous local enterprises or ambiguous foreign projects. In contrast to Venice which was interested in maintaining peace with the Ottomans rather than fighting them, Spain as the centre of the Habsburg dynasty, was clearly positioned as the Ottomans’ foe. However, although a perpetual adversary of the Ottomans, Spain was situated very far away to threaten the Ottoman rule, at least in the Balkans. This is a central element in understanding the history and dynamics of the Albanians’ anti-Ottoman attempts and projects.
Research Interests:
Ardian Muhaj, “Albanian Captives, Pirates and privateers in the Mediterranean. Captivity and redemption of captives as an economic activity during the 16th-17th centuries”, in The Role of Money in Wartime. II Conference of the Museum of... more
Ardian Muhaj, “Albanian Captives, Pirates and privateers in the Mediterranean. Captivity and redemption of captives as an economic activity during the 16th-17th centuries”, in The Role of Money in Wartime. II Conference of the Museum of the Bank of Albania, Tirana: Bank of Albania, 2019, pp. 93-103
Research Interests:
The aim of this paper is to analyze the economic role that the maritime activity of Ulcinj navy (Turkish-Ülgün, Albanian-Ulqin) had for the regional economy of the Sancak of Shkodra. Through the analyzes of the Venetian and Albanian... more
The aim of this paper is to analyze the economic role that the maritime activity of Ulcinj navy (Turkish-Ülgün, Albanian-Ulqin) had for the regional economy of the Sancak of Shkodra. Through the analyzes of the Venetian and Albanian documentation we will try to show that the Venetians used the rhetoric in order to present the mariners of Ulcinj mainly as pirates. This kind of labeling the trade rivals sometimes led to long inquiries from Ottoman authorities in order to determine the veracity of Venetian claims.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Albanian intelligence throughout the twentieth century, and even through the beginning of this 21st century, has generally seen the homeland as the periphery of that Europe, in which geographically occupies one of the most central and... more
Albanian intelligence throughout the twentieth century, and even through the beginning of this 21st century, has generally seen the homeland as the periphery of that Europe, in which geographically occupies one of the most central and strategic positions. This unnatural, peripheralization has led to a paradox, where a people geographically centrally situated, with indisputable historic role in this geographical space, is presented by its own elites as peripheral, external and foreign in the real geography where it is located. How does this dominant alocentric view inflluences the representation of the historical past, in our case the autocentric Skannderbeg?
Research Interests:
SOME REMARKS ON THE UNTOLD MARITIME HISTORY OF THE ALBANIANS Although the Albanians are one of the peoples that have been living on the Mediterranean for thousands of years, we are probably the only Mediterraneans that have almost never... more
SOME REMARKS ON THE UNTOLD
MARITIME HISTORY OF THE ALBANIANS
Although the Albanians are one of the peoples that have
been living on the Mediterranean for thousands of years, we are probably the only Mediterraneans that have almost never given any importance to the developement of maritime history studies. It seems in fact unbelievable how few studies about the sea are undertaken by Albanian scientis in general and from historians in the particular. The Albanians are a Mediterranean people that enjoy a key strategic position in the Central Mediterranean, bordering two of the most important maritime spaces of this great sea, i.e. the Adriatic and the Ionian sea, they have had a limited role in the naval history of the Middle Ages. Until the 15th century, the Adriatic Sea was a maritime space dominated exclusively by the Venetians. The Hungarian influence in Dalmatia and the Ottoman presence in Albania eventually ended the Venetian monopoly on the Adriatic Sea. The new situation that would last for four centuries gave new opportunities to the Croats and the Albanians, but also to the Anconitans on the Italian coast. The growth of maritime trade in the Adriatic sparked the developement of the economy of the eastern Adriatic coast and the interaction of Albanians with the sea and the Mediterranean world reached the highest levels in our entire history during this period, namely the central centuries of Ottoman rule (16th - 18th centuries) when the Adriatic was transformed from a Venetian “lake” into a sea exploited by various actors also, such as Croats, Albanians, and Spaniards. In the comparative aspect, the sixteenth century is not only the golden age of the Ottomans, but also of the Spaniards, the Portuguese, the Algerians, the Venetians, the Ragusans, and the French. In general, it is the golden age of the Mediterranean. Thus, the participation and involvement of the Albanians in this Mediterranean civilization awakening, in this revival of the Mediterranean, is neither shameful nor unnatural. It is the expected and inherent consequence of a comprehensive, panMediterranean trend.
MARITIME HISTORY OF THE ALBANIANS
Although the Albanians are one of the peoples that have
been living on the Mediterranean for thousands of years, we are probably the only Mediterraneans that have almost never given any importance to the developement of maritime history studies. It seems in fact unbelievable how few studies about the sea are undertaken by Albanian scientis in general and from historians in the particular. The Albanians are a Mediterranean people that enjoy a key strategic position in the Central Mediterranean, bordering two of the most important maritime spaces of this great sea, i.e. the Adriatic and the Ionian sea, they have had a limited role in the naval history of the Middle Ages. Until the 15th century, the Adriatic Sea was a maritime space dominated exclusively by the Venetians. The Hungarian influence in Dalmatia and the Ottoman presence in Albania eventually ended the Venetian monopoly on the Adriatic Sea. The new situation that would last for four centuries gave new opportunities to the Croats and the Albanians, but also to the Anconitans on the Italian coast. The growth of maritime trade in the Adriatic sparked the developement of the economy of the eastern Adriatic coast and the interaction of Albanians with the sea and the Mediterranean world reached the highest levels in our entire history during this period, namely the central centuries of Ottoman rule (16th - 18th centuries) when the Adriatic was transformed from a Venetian “lake” into a sea exploited by various actors also, such as Croats, Albanians, and Spaniards. In the comparative aspect, the sixteenth century is not only the golden age of the Ottomans, but also of the Spaniards, the Portuguese, the Algerians, the Venetians, the Ragusans, and the French. In general, it is the golden age of the Mediterranean. Thus, the participation and involvement of the Albanians in this Mediterranean civilization awakening, in this revival of the Mediterranean, is neither shameful nor unnatural. It is the expected and inherent consequence of a comprehensive, panMediterranean trend.
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THE ESTABLISHMENT OF VENETIAN-OTTOMAN BORDER IN THE SHKODRA SANJAK AT THE END OF THE XV CENTURY ACCORDING TO THE INTERNATIONAL TREATIES OF THE TIME. In this article we analyse the negotiations and delineation process of political borders... more
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF VENETIAN-OTTOMAN BORDER IN THE SHKODRA SANJAK AT THE END OF THE XV CENTURY ACCORDING TO THE INTERNATIONAL TREATIES OF THE TIME.
In this article we analyse the negotiations and delineation process of political borders between the Ottoman State and the Republic of Venice at the end of the fifteenth century, according to the international peace treaties of the time. The analysis shows that the borders between these two states, that will share this political space for centuries, are clearly set in the last decade of the fourteenth century and will stay formally unchanged until the end of the sixteenth century. The only change resulting from the war between Venice and the Ottomans in the years 1463-1479, has to do with the change of the status of the territories involved in the borders established since the 1390s, rather than with any substantial changes in the borderline. The Balsha territories constitute the most important political nucleus where the relations and rivalries between the Ottomans and the Venetians were more explicitly disclosed in the fifteenth century. From the onset of their presence in the region, these territories were divided into two parts. One part taken by the Ottomans in 1393, with the capital of Shkodra, remains de jure ever as an Ottoman domination zone, while de facto from 1396 to 1479 was a Venetian rule zone. In 1479, the Ottomans took de facto this part of Balsha's former possessions. The rest of these possessions, which the Ottomans never took from the Balshas, the coastal part of Ulcinj, Budva and Tivar, was taken in 1405 by the Venetians directly from the Balshas. The Ottomans recognized the possession of this part by Venice de jure and de
facto and consequently these territories were excluded from the conflict of 1463-1479 and from the peace arrangements that followed. Thus, the boundary between the two parts of the fragmented Balsha's possessions was transformed into general boundaries between the Venetians and the Ottomans in Northern Albania for two centuries, from the separation of the 1393-1396 and the 1405 to the year 1571
In this article we analyse the negotiations and delineation process of political borders between the Ottoman State and the Republic of Venice at the end of the fifteenth century, according to the international peace treaties of the time. The analysis shows that the borders between these two states, that will share this political space for centuries, are clearly set in the last decade of the fourteenth century and will stay formally unchanged until the end of the sixteenth century. The only change resulting from the war between Venice and the Ottomans in the years 1463-1479, has to do with the change of the status of the territories involved in the borders established since the 1390s, rather than with any substantial changes in the borderline. The Balsha territories constitute the most important political nucleus where the relations and rivalries between the Ottomans and the Venetians were more explicitly disclosed in the fifteenth century. From the onset of their presence in the region, these territories were divided into two parts. One part taken by the Ottomans in 1393, with the capital of Shkodra, remains de jure ever as an Ottoman domination zone, while de facto from 1396 to 1479 was a Venetian rule zone. In 1479, the Ottomans took de facto this part of Balsha's former possessions. The rest of these possessions, which the Ottomans never took from the Balshas, the coastal part of Ulcinj, Budva and Tivar, was taken in 1405 by the Venetians directly from the Balshas. The Ottomans recognized the possession of this part by Venice de jure and de
facto and consequently these territories were excluded from the conflict of 1463-1479 and from the peace arrangements that followed. Thus, the boundary between the two parts of the fragmented Balsha's possessions was transformed into general boundaries between the Venetians and the Ottomans in Northern Albania for two centuries, from the separation of the 1393-1396 and the 1405 to the year 1571
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Being a medievalist in the Western Balkans, a place overcrowded with medieval documents and monuments (and competing modern explanations of such documents and monuments), can lead a scholar to feel trapped in the midst of plenty. Te... more
Being a medievalist in the Western Balkans, a place overcrowded with medieval documents and monuments (and competing modern explanations of such documents and monuments), can lead a scholar to feel trapped in the midst of plenty. Te feeling of isolation this causes is somewhat like the social isolation and loneliness many people experience in modern cities. Te feeling is only heightened by the political determinism and interference that medievalists experience in places like the Western Balkans, where almost every site and monument of medieval signifcance is reclaimed from different countries. Te medievalist often faces a politically imposed isolation or alienation, wherein even historians of neighboring countries try to avoid cooperation. How does this politically-imposed isolation compare to the geographically imposed isolation of a place like Brasil? In other words, how does a socio-politically created “lone” medievalist compare to the experience of a medievalist in a place far removed from the historical context she studies?
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The historiographical approach on the position and situation of the Albanians during the Ottoman rule has been undermined by the ideological directives and orientations. These ideological orientations have been persistent from the... more
The historiographical approach on the position and situation of the Albanians during the Ottoman rule has been undermined by the ideological directives and orientations. These ideological orientations have been persistent from the orientalist approach of the first half of the 20th century, to the communist approach of the period 1945-1990 and also to the neo-orientalist approach after the 1990’s. These ideological concerns have overshadowed the historiographical ones, interfering and obstructing the construction of the historical narrative. From the ideological perspective, during the 25 centuries of the history of Albanians, starting from the Illyrians there were only two periods of occupation: five centuries of the Ottoman Empire (15th -20th centuries) and five years of the fascist rule (1939-1944). We intend to go beyond these ideological limitations and directives and to compare the historical evolution of the territories inhabited by the Albanians between two main periods: Te Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire.
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An important document from Ottoman Archives in İstanbul reveals that the Congress of Vlore and Independece decalaration of 28 November 1912 was with knowledge and approval of Ottoman Cabinet of Ministers. The following document is from... more
An important document from Ottoman Archives in İstanbul reveals that the Congress of Vlore and Independece decalaration of 28 November 1912 was with knowledge and approval of Ottoman Cabinet of Ministers.
The following document is from the Ottoman archives and holds the date 27 November 1912. It is a decision of the Ottoman government cabinet (Meclisi Vükela) signed by the members of this cabinet. The document is a clear answer to some clarifications demanded by the Ottoman commander of the South Albania area and the Cameria based in Ioannina, the chief commander of Ioannina Vilayet, Esat Pasha Janina. He requests from the Istanbul government an instruction on what to do with Ismail Qemali and his associates who left Durrës and were expected from the moment to arrive in Vlora to hold an assembly on the issue of Albania. Istanbul's official answer is clear and cut in order not to obstruct the holding of that assembly, since Ismail Qemali had already approved the Ottoman government to organize an Albanian assembly where the highest autonomy of Albania was declared, with the exception of detachment from the Ottoman state. As it is known on November 28, 1912, the delegates gathered from all the Albanian lands that had been able to arrive in Vlora agreed
Unanimously after numerous discussions to declare the full independence of Albania from the Ottoman state. In view of this, despite the importance of the Ottoman government's support for holding the Assembly and its approval of the expected high-level autonomy demand for Albania, the Assembly delegation's decision was a major act of political apprehension and discernment.
In the document it is stated that Ismail Qemal has been sent to Albania with knowledge and consent of Ottoman Cabinet and that the declaration of the Congress should not be hindered or blocked by Local Commanders. Albanıan Independence declaration of 28 November 1912 was written in Turkish and ALbanian language and signed by the 41 Congress members (attached)
The following document is from the Ottoman archives and holds the date 27 November 1912. It is a decision of the Ottoman government cabinet (Meclisi Vükela) signed by the members of this cabinet. The document is a clear answer to some clarifications demanded by the Ottoman commander of the South Albania area and the Cameria based in Ioannina, the chief commander of Ioannina Vilayet, Esat Pasha Janina. He requests from the Istanbul government an instruction on what to do with Ismail Qemali and his associates who left Durrës and were expected from the moment to arrive in Vlora to hold an assembly on the issue of Albania. Istanbul's official answer is clear and cut in order not to obstruct the holding of that assembly, since Ismail Qemali had already approved the Ottoman government to organize an Albanian assembly where the highest autonomy of Albania was declared, with the exception of detachment from the Ottoman state. As it is known on November 28, 1912, the delegates gathered from all the Albanian lands that had been able to arrive in Vlora agreed
Unanimously after numerous discussions to declare the full independence of Albania from the Ottoman state. In view of this, despite the importance of the Ottoman government's support for holding the Assembly and its approval of the expected high-level autonomy demand for Albania, the Assembly delegation's decision was a major act of political apprehension and discernment.
In the document it is stated that Ismail Qemal has been sent to Albania with knowledge and consent of Ottoman Cabinet and that the declaration of the Congress should not be hindered or blocked by Local Commanders. Albanıan Independence declaration of 28 November 1912 was written in Turkish and ALbanian language and signed by the 41 Congress members (attached)
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Paraja dhe Bankingu ne Shqiperi, nga Antikiteti ne ditet tona. Punimet e Konferences se Pare te Muzeut te Bankes se Shqiperise, Tirane, 14-15 qershor 2017, pp. 87-92.
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"Jogaila converts Lithuania to Christianity", in Great Events in Religion, An Encyclopedia of Pivotal Events in Religious History, edited by Florin Curta and Andrew Holt, Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio, 2017, vol. 2, pp. 644-646.
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"Avignon Papacy", in Great Events in Religion: An Encyclopedia of Pivotal Events in Religious History, edited by Florin Curta and Andrew Holt, Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio, 2017, vol. 2, pp. 631-632.
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SLAVE TRADE AMONG ALBANIANS DURING THE MIDDLE AGES Slavery as a social phenomenon that was omnipresent in the Middle Ages, affected strongly also the areas inhabited by Albanians. As a consequence of the troubled situation in the Balkans,... more
SLAVE TRADE AMONG ALBANIANS DURING THE MIDDLE AGES
Slavery as a social phenomenon that was omnipresent in the Middle Ages, affected strongly also the areas inhabited by Albanians. As a consequence of the troubled situation in the Balkans, especially after the beginning of the 13th century and the collapse of Byzantine power, the Albanian and Balkan lands became one of the most important areas for the powers involved in the slave trade. Although slavery was a common phenomenon and it is increasingly being present in historical studies, it is an issue untreated genuinely by Albanian authors, although t,he phenomenon of slavery is documented in the legislation of the time. The most typical example to understand how widespread this phenomenon was in the area of Shkodra is the statute of this city, which is thought to have been compiled in the first part of the 14th century, when the phenomenon of slavery on the East Adriatic coast was taking its fullest development. Obvoiusly the most important trading place becomes Venice. The presence of Albanians in Venice becomes increasingly important especially since the second half of the 14th century because of the consequences of the demographic crisis after the Black Death. Some of these Albanians went to Venice to seek work, though often after arriving they fell to the status of slaves or servants. However, there are plenty of them that were bought as slaves in the Albanian lands and obviously were aware of their slave status once arriving in Venice. With the beginning of the emigration of Albanians towards Sicily by the end of the 14th century, the possibility of enslavement was quite obvious while the overwhelming majority of those who came as immigrants on the island were poor and armed workers. Ragusa was the main center for the passage of Bogomil and orthodox slaves to Italy. Apart from being an attractive emigration place for a number of Albanian workers, craftsmen and soldiers, Ragusa continues to be a supplying market in Albanian slaves well into the 15th century especially toward Puglia and the Marche.
In the framework of Catalan activity in the Mediterranean, can also be included their highly documented slave trade from the Greek areas that had fallen into the hands of the Great Catalan Company. As a slave-supplying area, either through purchase or through capture, Teba is distinguished, while the role of Crete role is mainly that of a trading place. This trade culminates until the 1330s, though it continues even until the end of the 15th century. In the Albanian lands, the Catalan presence has also been important, especially from the second decade of the 14th century to the middle of the 15th century.
Slavery as a social phenomenon that was omnipresent in the Middle Ages, affected strongly also the areas inhabited by Albanians. As a consequence of the troubled situation in the Balkans, especially after the beginning of the 13th century and the collapse of Byzantine power, the Albanian and Balkan lands became one of the most important areas for the powers involved in the slave trade. Although slavery was a common phenomenon and it is increasingly being present in historical studies, it is an issue untreated genuinely by Albanian authors, although t,he phenomenon of slavery is documented in the legislation of the time. The most typical example to understand how widespread this phenomenon was in the area of Shkodra is the statute of this city, which is thought to have been compiled in the first part of the 14th century, when the phenomenon of slavery on the East Adriatic coast was taking its fullest development. Obvoiusly the most important trading place becomes Venice. The presence of Albanians in Venice becomes increasingly important especially since the second half of the 14th century because of the consequences of the demographic crisis after the Black Death. Some of these Albanians went to Venice to seek work, though often after arriving they fell to the status of slaves or servants. However, there are plenty of them that were bought as slaves in the Albanian lands and obviously were aware of their slave status once arriving in Venice. With the beginning of the emigration of Albanians towards Sicily by the end of the 14th century, the possibility of enslavement was quite obvious while the overwhelming majority of those who came as immigrants on the island were poor and armed workers. Ragusa was the main center for the passage of Bogomil and orthodox slaves to Italy. Apart from being an attractive emigration place for a number of Albanian workers, craftsmen and soldiers, Ragusa continues to be a supplying market in Albanian slaves well into the 15th century especially toward Puglia and the Marche.
In the framework of Catalan activity in the Mediterranean, can also be included their highly documented slave trade from the Greek areas that had fallen into the hands of the Great Catalan Company. As a slave-supplying area, either through purchase or through capture, Teba is distinguished, while the role of Crete role is mainly that of a trading place. This trade culminates until the 1330s, though it continues even until the end of the 15th century. In the Albanian lands, the Catalan presence has also been important, especially from the second decade of the 14th century to the middle of the 15th century.
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Ekonomia e trojeve shqiptare në shekujt XVI-XVIII. Zhvillimi i qëndrueshëm i një ekonomie rajonale në mesin e dy botëve në ngritje e rënie: Venedikut dhe Perandorisë Osmane. Dr. Ardian Muhaj Në këtë artikull synohet të paraqitet zhvillimi... more
Ekonomia e trojeve shqiptare në shekujt XVI-XVIII. Zhvillimi i qëndrueshëm i një ekonomie rajonale në mesin e dy botëve në ngritje e rënie: Venedikut dhe Perandorisë Osmane. Dr. Ardian Muhaj Në këtë artikull synohet të paraqitet zhvillimi i rajonit ekonomik të trojeve shqiptare në sundimin osman përmes hulumtimit të pikëtakimeve dhe dallimeve në dinamikën e zhvillimit ekonomik të Ballkanit jugperëndimor në krahasim me dy ekonomitë e mëdha mesdhetare me të cilat tregu rajonal shqiptar bashkëvepronte apo përfshihej. Studimi krahasues i dinamikave të zhvillimit të Perandorisë Osmane në tërësi dhe Republikës së Venedikut, nxjerr në pah se trojet shqiptare edhe pse politikisht ishin pjesë e shtetit osman, në aspektin ekonomik përbënin një nënsistem ekonomik me veçoritë e veta dalluese. Kjo diktohej nga pozita gjeografike si zonë e ndërmjetme në shkëmbimet tregtare mes Mesdheut Lindor dhe Adriatikut, nga pikënisja e ndryshme e zhvillimit ekonomik krahasuar me tërësinë e shtetit osman dhe me Venedikun, si edhe me shfrytëzimin më intensiv të resurseve ekonomike lokale krahasuar me periudhën e mëparshme dhe me atë të mëvonshme (respektivisht shek. XV dhe XIX si kufij kohor). Dinamika e këtij zhvillimi ekonomik që përvijohet përmes kësaj qasje krahasuese, tregon se ekonomia e Ballkanit jugperëndimor që në vija të trasha i korrespondon trojeve shqiptare, në pikënisje të periudhës në studim, pra shek. XVI dhe deri në gjysmën e shekullit XVII është më pak e zhvilluar se sa ekonomia e tërësisë së Perandorisë Osmane dhe Venedikut, edhe pse ritmi i zhvillimit gjatë gjithë kësaj periudhe është i qëndrueshëm. Në mesin e shekullit XVII, ndërkohë që Republika e Venedikut njeh një dekadencë ekonomike të shpejtuar, dhe tërësia e Perandorisë Osmane nis të njëjtën kurbë rënie në gjysmën e dytë të shekullit XVII, përkundrazi ekonomia shqiptare jo vetëm vazhdon dinamikën e zhvillimit, por edhe njeh një ritëm më të vrullshëm të zhvillimit ekonomik krahasuar me periudhën e mëparshme, deri sa arrin pikën kulmore të zhvillimit ekonomik për periudhën osmane në fundin e shekullit XVIII dhe fillimi i shek. XIX, në periudhën e autonomizimit politik të pashallëqeve të Shkodrës e Janinës. Rënia e këtyre autonomive politike shënon edhe fillimin e dekadencës së përshpejtuar ekonomike të trojeve shqiptare, mbas tre shekujsh të zhvillimit të qëndrueshëm, moment që shënon edhe cakun kohor të shqyrtimit tonë.
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Studia Albanica, 2/2015, pp. 71-90
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The Role and Presence of the Albanian Light Cavalry in Northern Europe in the 16th century Evidences on the presence and role of Albanians in northern European countries, especially the Netherlands and England can be traced from the... more
The Role and Presence of the Albanian Light Cavalry in Northern Europe in the 16th century
Evidences on the presence and role of Albanians in northern European countries, especially the Netherlands and England can be traced from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Especially during the fifteenth century the Albanians are documented as sailors and rowers, mostly on board of Venetian ships.
In the sixteenth century the Albanian presence in Northern Europe will continue to be important, but now not as sailors and rowers, but primarily as combatants, or stratiotes. Although the stratiotes are mentioned since the beginning of the fifteenth century in Greece, their involvement in Italy begins in the late fifteenth century. It can be said that the golden century of presence and importance of stratiotes as well as the culmination of their geographical presence was in the sixteenth century. Their commitment was important not only during conflicts, but also as peacekeepers in peacetime. Despite the fact that in the sixteenth century they can be found in the farthest corners of Europe, from Italy and Spain to the distant Scotland, the gate of entry into Europe was undoubtedly through Italy, especially Venice and the Spanish possessions of Southern Italy.
Evidences on the presence and role of Albanians in northern European countries, especially the Netherlands and England can be traced from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Especially during the fifteenth century the Albanians are documented as sailors and rowers, mostly on board of Venetian ships.
In the sixteenth century the Albanian presence in Northern Europe will continue to be important, but now not as sailors and rowers, but primarily as combatants, or stratiotes. Although the stratiotes are mentioned since the beginning of the fifteenth century in Greece, their involvement in Italy begins in the late fifteenth century. It can be said that the golden century of presence and importance of stratiotes as well as the culmination of their geographical presence was in the sixteenth century. Their commitment was important not only during conflicts, but also as peacekeepers in peacetime. Despite the fact that in the sixteenth century they can be found in the farthest corners of Europe, from Italy and Spain to the distant Scotland, the gate of entry into Europe was undoubtedly through Italy, especially Venice and the Spanish possessions of Southern Italy.
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The Albanian language is being left neglected; it is not being updated, improved and enriched as it happens with other languages. On the one hand we see clearly an increasing use of the dialects in daily communication, in speech but also... more
The Albanian language is being left neglected; it is not being updated, improved and enriched as it happens with other languages. On the one hand we see clearly an increasing use of the dialects in daily communication, in speech but also in writing, especially on social networks. On the other hand can be seen that the care and maintenance of the standard language is minimal and looks more of a tendency to defend the standard set 45 years, than to enrich and update it. Clearly it seems that this stalemate that is being damaging the Albanian standardized language has to do with the fear that if we open the language toward the inclusion of new words and forms, would bring to the agenda the issue of the forced removal of Gheg dialect from representation in the official standard. However, new words have flooded the Albanian language, and the worst is that because of the impact of the Gheg inconvenience, are more easily accepted and welcomed in the official language dictionary, foreign words from other languages rather than from the infinitely rich lexical fund of Gheg Albanian.
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In this article we bring evidence about the historical relationship between the Albanians and the sea. This is illustrated from their contribution to the Great Geographical Discoveries, through their active participation in the maritime... more
In this article we bring evidence about the historical relationship between the Albanians and the sea. This is illustrated from their contribution to the Great Geographical Discoveries, through their active participation in the maritime history of the Mediterranean as well of the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Tracing the life at sea of four great sea admirals of Albanian origin, we bring to light their role in the framework of the French Monarchy and of the Ottoman State. It is not by accident that the role of the of the Albanians in the maritime history of the Mediterranean and beyond increased from the very start of the 16th century. This was due to the fact that the influence of Venice in the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas decreased, bringing to an end Venetian hegemony in these seas. The geography of the presence of Albanian seamen stretched in these two centuries from the Canary Islands in the Atlantic to the Western Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and even to the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.
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An attempt to clarify the historical origins of the status of the Albanian territories in the framework of the Ottoman Empire. Kumtese e mbajtur ne Konferencen me rastin e 129 vjetorit te Lidhjes Shqiptare te Prizrenit, Prizren, 10... more
An attempt to clarify the historical origins of the status of the Albanian territories in the framework of the Ottoman Empire. Kumtese e mbajtur ne Konferencen me rastin e 129 vjetorit te Lidhjes Shqiptare te Prizrenit, Prizren, 10 qershor, 2007.
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Emathia, nr. 2(34), 2015.
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Abstract On the Presence of Albanian Seamen in England during the Middle Ages The evidences presented in this paper are part of a broader study about the presence of the Albanians in England during the Middle Ages. Our goal here is... more
Abstract
On the Presence of Albanian Seamen in England during the Middle Ages
The evidences presented in this paper are part of a broader study about the presence of the Albanians in England during the Middle Ages. Our goal here is that in general terms to give an overview about the presence of Albanians in England in the Middle Ages, and at the same time to serve as a modest contribution to correctly identify many persons, who in the works of some scholars, are presented without proper argumentation as Italians, Dalmatians, Slavs, Greeks and even as Spanish, Portuguese, French, or as unidentified.
The evidences about the presence and the role of the Albanians in northern European countries, especially the Low Countries and England in the 14th and 15th centuries, though few in number, are important because they shed light on little known or unknown aspects of the history of the Albanians in this period. The way and the means of arrival of these Albanians in northern Europe were nautical, on board of Italian merchant vessels, mostly Venetian, in their journeys of the Flanders fleet. The Flanders galleys constituted the most remarkable trading fleet of the Venetian Republic, because their journey was the most dangerous and difficult, in the geography of the maritime history of the medieval Venice. Their itinerary involved an intermediate trade with the principal ports of Sicily, Balearic Islands, Southern Spain and Portugal.
The employment of the Albanians as oarsmen in the Flanders galleys can be traced even earlier than the inclusion of the Albanian coastal cities in the Venetian territorial extension. Although being part of a sea-going proletariat recruited from the eastern shores of the Adriatic, many Albanian oarsmen and sailors acted also as small scale entrepreneurs, carrying with them in these long voyages a limited number of wares and products, which they traded in the port-cities of Northern Europe, namely, London, Southampton and Bruges. Most part of the Albanians employed in these galleys, came from the Shkodra basin (Scutari, Drivasto, Dagno and the villages on the shores of Shkodra Lake), Lezha (Alessio) and Durrazzo. The Albanians like the other sailors, shared not only the profits of this trade, but also the inherent dangers and difficulties that faced these galleys.
On the Presence of Albanian Seamen in England during the Middle Ages
The evidences presented in this paper are part of a broader study about the presence of the Albanians in England during the Middle Ages. Our goal here is that in general terms to give an overview about the presence of Albanians in England in the Middle Ages, and at the same time to serve as a modest contribution to correctly identify many persons, who in the works of some scholars, are presented without proper argumentation as Italians, Dalmatians, Slavs, Greeks and even as Spanish, Portuguese, French, or as unidentified.
The evidences about the presence and the role of the Albanians in northern European countries, especially the Low Countries and England in the 14th and 15th centuries, though few in number, are important because they shed light on little known or unknown aspects of the history of the Albanians in this period. The way and the means of arrival of these Albanians in northern Europe were nautical, on board of Italian merchant vessels, mostly Venetian, in their journeys of the Flanders fleet. The Flanders galleys constituted the most remarkable trading fleet of the Venetian Republic, because their journey was the most dangerous and difficult, in the geography of the maritime history of the medieval Venice. Their itinerary involved an intermediate trade with the principal ports of Sicily, Balearic Islands, Southern Spain and Portugal.
The employment of the Albanians as oarsmen in the Flanders galleys can be traced even earlier than the inclusion of the Albanian coastal cities in the Venetian territorial extension. Although being part of a sea-going proletariat recruited from the eastern shores of the Adriatic, many Albanian oarsmen and sailors acted also as small scale entrepreneurs, carrying with them in these long voyages a limited number of wares and products, which they traded in the port-cities of Northern Europe, namely, London, Southampton and Bruges. Most part of the Albanians employed in these galleys, came from the Shkodra basin (Scutari, Drivasto, Dagno and the villages on the shores of Shkodra Lake), Lezha (Alessio) and Durrazzo. The Albanians like the other sailors, shared not only the profits of this trade, but also the inherent dangers and difficulties that faced these galleys.
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The historiographical approach on the position and situation of the Albanians during the Ottoman rule has been undermined by the ideological directives and orientations. These ideological orientations have been persistent from the... more
The historiographical approach on the position and situation of the Albanians during the Ottoman rule has been undermined by the ideological directives and orientations. These ideological orientations have been persistent from the orientalist approach of the first half of the 20th century, to the communist approach of the period 1945-1990 and also to the neo-orientalist approach after the 1990’s. These ideological concerns have overshadowed the historiographical ones, interfering and obstructing the construction of the historical narrative. From the ideological perspective, during the 25 centuries of the history of Albanians, starting from the Illyrians there were only two periods of occupation: five centuries of the Ottoman Empire (15th -20th centuries) and five years of the fascist rule (1939-1944). The ideological directives limit the possibility of the historian to question whether there were other periods of occupation and even the possibility of comparison between the Occupiers (Ottomans and Fascists) and the Rulers (Ancient Greeks, Romans, Barbarians, Serbs, Bulgarians, Byzantines and Venetians). We aim to go beyond these ideological limitations and directives and to compare the historical evolution of the territories inhabited by the Albanians between two main periods: The Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire. The historiographical evidence shows that during the Byzantine “Rule”, the area inhabited by the Albanians shrank, and the Albanian people were at the brink of extinction. On the other hand during the Ottoman “Occupation”, the Albanians started to regain some of the territories lost during the Byzantine period.
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Traditionally old bridges, are valued only by the architectural and not by their meaning and value for economic history. One of the most well-known indicators that shed light on the dynamics of economic development is the level of public... more
Traditionally old bridges, are valued only by the architectural and not by their meaning and value for economic history. One of the most well-known indicators that shed light on the dynamics of economic development is the level of public investment, particularly in transport infrastructure. Adding or reducing these investments is seen respectively as the acceleration or deceleration of economic development. In this context bridges are a substantial investment of transport infrastructure. Assessing and marking geographical location of these bridges, also serves as an important clue to devise ways of commercial communication between different regions. Not only the number of bridges built, but also their size, construction techniques and the quality of materials used are important indicators that can not be ignored in the context of the assessment of their economic importance. In this presentation we will make a comparison between the dynamics of building bridges during the pre-ottoman period, from the Roman times, through the Middle Ages up to the 15 th century and the Ottoman period, from the 16 th until the 19 th century. ARDIAN MUHAJ
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In May 1453 the Ottoman standards appeared on the walls of Constantinople. At the other end of Europe, the war between France and England practically came to an end. When the war between the two most important states of Europe erupted in... more
In May 1453 the Ottoman standards appeared on the walls of Constantinople. At the other end of Europe, the war between France and England practically came to an end. When the war between the two most important states of Europe erupted in 1337, the Ottomans were barely known in Europe. The summer of 1453 was a crucial point in the history of the world, because came to an end two major conflicts that shaped the history of Europe: the Anglo-French conflict, between 1337 and 1453 and the Byzantine-Ottoman conflict of the same time span. The Hundred Years War internalized the energies of France and England and the expansionary trend of the previous two centuries, which had externalized their resources in search of new conquests outside continent, met a huge setback. During the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries one can detect a dramatic decline of the spirit of crusade in the Mediterranean. The French had been the military and political arm of the crusades, to the point that the word "Frank" meant, in the Byzantine and Arab world, crusader or European. But with the beginning of the war, everything changed. In many ways, this internalization of the forces of these two powers facilitated the Ottoman advance in the Balkans and the consequent end of the Byzantine Empire. In this paper we aim to bring evidence on the fact that European countries had very little interest on what was going on in the Byzantine Empire and were much more concerned with their internal interminable struggles. Therefore the Ottoman expansion in the Europe, started by Ghazi Suleyman Pasha, and continued in the subsequent years by Murat I and Bayezid I happened in a troubled situation in the Europe and in the Balkans.
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The Albanians are a Mediterranean people, not simply because Albania has a very strategic geographical position bordering the Adriatic and the Ionian seas, but also because of their history. On the other hand, the sea and the maritime... more
The Albanians are a Mediterranean people, not simply because Albania has a very strategic geographical position bordering the Adriatic and the Ionian seas, but also because of their history. On the other hand, the sea and the maritime history have attracted very little the attention from the Albanian historiography. It is worth noting that the interaction of the Albanians with the Mediterranean sea and the Mediterranean world is documented on a scale that it is comparable to other peoples that have shared the history of this Great Sea. Apparently the official or semi-official Albanian historiography has not shown any interest in the maritime history of the country, even though it is considered as a major topic on the discussion of the Illyro-Albanian continuity and also on the ongoing debate about the European orientation of the Albanian cultural identity. A major issue is the fact that the interaction of the Albanians with the Mediterranean reached its zenith during the Ottoman period, when the Adriatic was transformed from a Venetian “Lake”, into a sea contested between different factors, such as Spaniards, Ottomans, Dalmatians, apart from the Venetians, its old masters. Is this lack of interest for the maritime history in Albania linked to this disinterest for the “achievements” of the Ottoman rule? Can historians look at the past for the sake of the understanding, rather than concealing it?
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Congreso Internacional “Los orígenes de la expansión europea. Ceuta, 1415″, Ceuta, 1, 2 y 3 de octubre 2015
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Research Interests: Proverbs and Paremiology
Research Interests: Ottoman History, Early Modern History, Balkan Studies, Mediterranean Studies, Early Modern Europe, and 12 moreTurkish History, Ottoman Empire, Venetian History, Early modern Ottoman History, Ottoman Balkans, Ottoman-Venetian relations, Early Modern economic and social history, Ottoman Navy, Venetian possessions in the Eastern Mediterranean, Western Balkans, History of Venice, and Tarih dergisi
The sixteenth century was a time when projects against Ottoman power were diminishing. This sixteenth century trend changed dramatically after the battle of Lepanto on 7 October 1571, when the Holy League coalition forces inflicted a... more
The sixteenth century was a time when projects against Ottoman power were diminishing. This sixteenth century trend changed dramatically after the battle of Lepanto on 7 October 1571, when the Holy League coalition forces inflicted a significant defeat on the Ottoman fleet. This study investigates how Venice responded to the growing anti-Ottoman projects and movements in the Balkans in order to keep a long lasting peace with the Ottomans that characterized the period from the peace treaty between Venice and the Ottoman Empire in 1573 until the war of Crete in 1644. Venice's struggle for peace in this period, was of crucial importance in the relatively quiet situation in Rumelia during this period compared to the disquiet and social unrest that characterized Anatolia, especially during the Celali revolts.
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This paper examines the recent history of religious development in Albania during the post-communist period. Second, it identifies patterns in the differentiated development of material and spiritual religious life among the region’s... more
This paper examines the recent history of religious development in Albania during the post-communist period. Second, it identifies patterns in the differentiated development of material and spiritual religious life among the region’s religions, and the institutional and political reasons behind them. Third, it analyses the positions of Albanian Cham, Albanian Kosovar and Bosniak Sunni communities as they confront the post-communist pressures of proselytisation and de-Sunnification. Through historical and discourse analysis and unstructured interviews with individuals of different religious, ethnic and local affiliation, the paper reveals that religious, ethnic and local feelings are strong among all three communities. Attitudes toward proselytization attempts among Bosniaks, Cham and Kosovar Albanians, however, are more resilient than those of local Sunnis toward de-Sunnification. The weakening of religiosity among local Sunnis is in conjunction with an organised movement to constru...
Call for Papers: "From the Middle Ages to Modern times. Historical, cultural, and linguistic relations between Albanians and Romanians". More details at https://www.balkan-history.com/albanian-romanian-relations/. Please circulate this... more
Call for Papers: "From the Middle Ages to Modern times. Historical, cultural, and linguistic relations between Albanians and Romanians". More details at https://www.balkan-history.com/albanian-romanian-relations/. Please circulate this call for papers among your colleagues and other potentially interested scholars. 🇦🇱🇹🇩
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During the fourteenth century the gradual weakening of the Byzantine power reignited the rivalry between the Italian maritime commercial city states, Genoa and Venice for commercial supremacy in the Bosphorus. On the other side exactly... more
During the fourteenth century the gradual weakening of the Byzantine power reignited the rivalry between the Italian maritime commercial city states, Genoa and Venice for commercial supremacy in the Bosphorus. On the other side exactly during the same centuries one can detect a dramatic decline of the spirit of crusade in the Mediterranean.1 In many ways, this internalization of the forces of European powers facilitated the Ottoman advance in the Balkans and the consequent end of the Byzantine Empire. Therefore the Ottoman expansion in Europe, started during the reign of Orhan I, and continued in the subsequent years by Murat I and Bayezid I happened in a troubled situation in Europe and in the Balkans
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The Postnormal Times Reader is an essential anthology that seeks to dissect the complexities of our contemporary era. Its editor and contributors use the term "postnormal" to describe the current period, which is characterised by... more
The Postnormal Times Reader is an essential anthology that seeks to dissect the complexities of our contemporary era. Its editor and contributors use the term "postnormal" to describe the current period, which is characterised by uncertainty, rapid change, and the unpredictable consequences of technological, environmental, economic, and social shifts. Curated by visionary thinker Ziauddin Sardar, it is a pivotal collection that explores the intricacies of this time of unparalleled upheaval and change. The publication outlines the evolution of postnormal times as explained in Sardar's writings, and compiles significant essays and studies on the subject. Sardar's objectives are made clear in the foreword, which offers a summary of the concept and illustrates how it can frame our comprehension of recent occurrences. This collection of essays and scholarly articles brings together an array of voices and perspectives, each of which delves into the intricacies of our rapidly changing world. It addresses the multifaceted crises and opportunities of the 21 st century, from climate change and technological upheaval to socio-political unrest and pandemic-induced disruption.