Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that Gjergj Kastrioti – Skanderbeg is the most important and well-known figure in Albanian history, commemorating him on the anniversary of his death.
Kurti emphasized that Skanderbeg was a renowned military strategist and political leader in Europe.
“The echoes of his victories against the then-invincible Ottomans, as well as against the Serbs in the Balkans and opponents in Naples, earned Skanderbeg the reputation of one of the most brilliant military minds and relentless leaders in Europe. Centuries after his death, his figure continued to inspire people across the continent, especially the Arbëresh in Italy and Albanians under Ottoman rule,” Kurti wrote.
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Gjergj Kastrioti – Skanderbeg is the most important and widely recognized figure in the entire history of Albanians across all eras. Today marks 558 years since his death in Lezhë, surrounded by his comrades and the glory of his victories. On January 17, 1468, Skanderbeg died after a highly intense quarter-century leading resistance against the Ottomans and striving to build political alliances with Albanian nobles and other regional leaders.
Born into the noble Kastrioti family, Gjergj, son of Gjon and Vojsava, rose in the late Middle Ages from a minor lord among many to become one of Europe’s most renowned military strategists and political leaders. From 1443, when he rebelled against the Ottoman army, until his death in 1468, Skanderbeg led a wide resistance against further Ottoman expansion into Europe. He united nobles in the League of Lezhë in 1444, forged alliances with the Kingdom of Naples and Aragon, and maintained dense diplomatic relations, particularly with the Papal States in Rome, the Republic of Ragusa (modern-day Dubrovnik), and the Republic of Venice in Italy.
The fame of his victories against the once-invincible Ottomans, against the Serbs in the Balkans, and opponents in Naples earned Skanderbeg the reputation as one of Europe’s most brilliant and relentless leaders. Centuries after his death, Skanderbeg continued to inspire people across Europe, especially the Arbëresh in Italy and Albanians under Ottoman rule.
In the 19th century, Albanian national revivalists positioned Gjergj Kastrioti – Skanderbeg as one of the pillars of Albanian nation-building. His story has never lost relevance or the power to inspire. Skanderbeg remains central to Albanian national and historical identity, a unifying figure for all Albanians worldwide.
Glory through the ages to Gjergj Kastrioti – Skanderbeg, the national hero of all historical periods for Albanians!
