Lezhë, the historic city that symbolizes Albanian unity, was the center of an important event today, celebrating the 581st anniversary of the League of Lezhë and the unity of Albanians. This date marks a special moment in Albanian history, an event that gave momentum to the fight for independence and freedom for Albanians, as well as an opportunity to celebrate the strength of unity and the continuity of the national spirit.
In a solemn ceremony held in Lezhë, the statue of Gjergj Kastrioti, the greatest symbol of resistance and Albanian nationalism, was unveiled. This act of honor expressed respect for the national hero and for the Albanian nation as a whole, remembering his irreplaceable role in preserving the identity and freedom of Albanians.
The League of Lezhë
The League of Lezhë, also known by other names such as the “Albanian League of Lezhë,” “Assembly of Lezhë,” or “League of Albanian Princes,” was a council of Albanian princes in 1444, who were either threatened by or sought to break away from the influence of the Ottoman Empire, which was expanding its control over the region through military power.
The League of Lezhë was held on March 2, 1444, in the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Lezhë, Albania. The organizers of the assembly included the unification of as many noble families and principalities as possible from lands that were once part of the Byzantine Empire and the revival of the Kingdom of Arbër. This assembly was supported by the Pope, as it aimed to prevent or at least slow down the Ottoman Empire’s expansion into the Balkans, an expansion which also brought the Islamic faith.
The most notable princes who attended were: Gjergj Arianiti; Andrea Topia (Thopia), the grandson of Karol Thopia, Prince of the area between Kruja and Durrës, accompanied by his two sons and his nephew Tanush Topia; Teodor Korona Muzaka, Prince of Berat, and several other princes from the region of Myzeqe; Gjergj Stres Balsha, Prince of the area between Kruja and Lezhë; Pal and Nikollë Dukagjini, whose principality extended from the Drin in Kosovo to the Serbian border; Lek Zaharia Altisferi, Prince of Danja; Pjetër Spani, Prince of the Shosh and Shala highlands, accompanied by his four sons; Lek Dushmani, Prince of Zadrima; Stefan Çernoviçi, Prince of Montenegro. In addition, representatives from the Republic of Venice attended as observers.
Decisions of the Assembly
The League of Lezhë made several important decisions, including the establishment of an Albanian League led by Skanderbeg, the formation of a common army under his command as the supreme captain, and the creation of a shared treasury to cover the expenses of war. The army of the League consisted of Albanian noblemen’s divisions and Skanderbeg’s personal guard. All princes pledged to support the League with soldiers, food, and money in the fight against Sultan Murat II. The income for the League’s army came from payments made by the princes, the resources of the Kastrioti principality, and the salt mines near Shën Kolli, north of Durrës. Skanderbeg, recognizing the value of a ready army, modeled his military strategy on the Janissaries, the elite Ottoman infantry.
The League of Lezhë was a military-political alliance based on democratic decisions made by the assembly, respecting the rule of the local nobles over their lands. According to the agreement, conflicts over land ownership were to be resolved by the League, which would make decisions based on the majority. This was easily achieved as all the participating noblemen placed their military forces under Skanderbeg’s command, using them only against threatening forces.
A Step Towards Unity
The League of Lezhë marks an important step forward in the political unification of Albanian territories into a centralized state, reaching the pinnacle of statehood traditions in medieval Albania. For many years and centuries, this assembly has served as an example of creating and maintaining democratic gatherings with distinct Albanian characteristics, where the majority of participants make decisions, and leadership respects the counsel of the elders.
Following the Assembly of Lezhë, Skanderbeg organized an army of 8,000 cavalry and 7,000 infantry, one-third of which was composed of his personal guard. Approximately 3,000 soldiers formed the army of the border regions, commanded by Moisi Golemi. In the event of mobilization, volunteer units were formed, and a network for enemy movement was established.
In June 1444, an Ottoman army of 25,000 troops, led by Ali Pasha, appeared on the borders. The Albanian army defeated them at the narrow battlefield of Torvioll (in Dibra). The victory of Torvioll had a significant impact in Albania and other places, strengthening the belief of Albanians in Skanderbeg and the League.
Between 1445 and 1447, the League faced a series of Ottoman armies, all of which were defeated. The early victories strengthened Skanderbeg’s position, but the Venetians, who had their interests, attempted to cause divisions within the League. They incited Nikollë Dukagjini and Pal Dukagjini to kill Lekë Zaharia, the ruler of Danja, and, after his death, Venice seized the city, spreading rumors that Skanderbeg had killed him.
Skanderbeg’s Legacy and the Continued Fight for Independence
After several more years of conflict, Skanderbeg’s resistance was felt across the Balkans. His continued struggle, often against overwhelming odds, ultimately marked the decline of the Ottoman advance into the region. The victories of the Albanian League and Skanderbeg’s leadership are seen as some of the brightest moments in the history of Albania’s resistance.
Despite numerous challenges and betrayals, such as the eventual fall of important fortresses like Berat, Skanderbeg’s leadership and the efforts of the Albanian people remained strong until his death in 1468. After his death, the struggle continued in different forms, but the ideals of unity and independence that Skanderbeg had embodied persisted.
Today, as Albania celebrates the 581st anniversary of the League of Lezhë, the memory of Skanderbeg and his vision of a united Albanian state remains a guiding force for all Albanians, from Albania to Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and the diaspora. The city of Lezhë, where this historic assembly took place, continues to be a symbol of Albanian resilience, unity, and the eternal fight for freedom.
