Albania, a nation steeped in rich history, has not always been well-documented due to its complex past under Ottoman rule. Over the past two centuries, Albanians lived under the shadow of the Ottoman Empire, while a new Albanian cultural identity was emerging. The role of the Albanian historian was initially filled by writers, patriots, and nationalistic figures such as Naim Frashëri and Fan Noli. These early historians sought to revive the spirit of Albania’s 14th-century hero, Skanderbeg, and remind the world of Albania’s contributions to Western civilization. Despite these efforts, comprehensive historical research on Albania was significantly hampered by the rigid isolationist policies of the former communist regime.
The late 20th century has marked a turning point, allowing Albanian historians to address historical gaps and provide a more accurate account of Albania’s culture and history. A notable example is the 1994 publication Arvanitet by Irakli Kocollari, which focuses on the Albanians of Greece. This book represents an attempt to consolidate and present a wide array of sources, including documents, traveler diaries, historical research, and archives, related to this significant segment of the Albanian diaspora, which numbers around 3 million according to Greek sources cited by Kocollari.
Kocollari’s Arvanitet seeks to answer several pressing questions: Why did Albanians settle in Greece? What circumstances led to their migration? How did the Greek population respond to their presence? What has been the fate of the Albanians over the centuries, and how have they managed to preserve their identity despite the risk of assimilation?
The book draws from a rich and diverse bibliography, highlighting the scarcity of Albanian historiography—of the 55 sources listed, only 8 are Albanian; the majority are Latin, British, German, and primarily Greek. This disparity has a dual effect. On the positive side, the reliance on Greek and other foreign sources lends credibility to the book’s claims, particularly concerning the significant contributions of Albanians to Greek history. Kocollari details how many key figures in the Greek War of Independence were of Albanian origin, including Marko Boçari, Foto Xhavella, Çelo Picari, and Laskarina Bubulina, among others. These figures played crucial roles in Greece’s struggle against Ottoman rule.
However, the focus on Albanians as exceptional fighters sometimes overshadows their other notable attributes. While it is undeniable that Albanians have a storied history of bravery and military prowess, Kocollari’s book could benefit from a broader discussion of their cultural contributions. Albanians have also made significant contributions in fields such as music, art, and architecture. For instance, Jan Kukuzeli, a notable figure in Christian religious music, and artists like Onufri and Selenicasi, whose works adorn Byzantine churches and monasteries, are pivotal to Albanian cultural heritage. Additionally, figures like the architect Sinan, who designed the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, and Karl Von Gega, known for the Semmering railway system, highlight the diverse achievements of Albanians beyond their military roles.
In Arvanitet, Kocollari dedicates only a small portion to these non-military aspects of Albanian life, with just one chapter focusing on Albanian culture. Despite this, the book does include notable examples such as the opening of the first Greek school in 1821, which had a significant number of Albanian students among its first class.
Overall, Kocollari’s Arvanitet makes a valuable contribution to understanding the Albanians in Greece. It is well-written and avoids the pitfalls of nationalism and chauvinism, presenting a balanced view supported by Greek sources. The book underscores the peaceful coexistence and mutual respect that have characterized Greek-Albanian relations and advocates for continued harmonious relations between the two nations. In the end, Kocollari’s work reinforces the idea that constructive dialogue and mutual understanding are essential for fostering lasting peace between Greeks and Albanians.