Journalist Lutfi Dervishi published a post outlining a list of facts and myths regarding the historical narrative surrounding November 28 and the declaration of Albania’s independence.
Dervishi recalls that at the time of the declaration, Albania did not have defined borders – these were established only a year later at the London Conference. He emphasizes that around 80 percent of the territory was under foreign occupation at that time.
One fact highlighted by the journalist is that the original Declaration of Independence has not yet been found, while nearly all of the signatories ended their lives in poverty, exile, or prison. Even the authorship of the declaration’s text remains unclear.
Dervishi also debunks several widespread myths: the flag raised in Vlorë was not woven by Marigo, but belonged to the Vlora family; the iconic photograph of the flag being raised on the balcony, known to all, was actually taken a year later; and the surname of Ismail Qemali was not “Qemali” but “Vlora.”
He notes that today it would be difficult to find 40 people who could identify all 40 signatories of the Declaration of Independence, and he recalls that the film “Nëntori i Dytë” contains numerous inaccuracies.
Finally, Dervishi adds a significant detail: Albanians in the United States learned about the declaration of independence only two months later.
