Today, 556 years ago, the Albanian National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti (1405 – January 17, 1468), passed away. He encapsulates an entire historical era under his name. With Kastrioti in the leadership position, the Albanian struggle against Ottoman occupation rose to a higher and more organized level, bringing a decisive turning point in the political development of Albania. He is the most prominent representative in the fight against Ottoman invaders and in the creation of the League of Lezha, an alliance that paved the way for the establishment of an independent Albanian state.
Of particular importance, he dedicated himself to preserving internal economic resources crucial to the war effort. By strengthening the defense of the border regions, he allowed the free areas to engage in somewhat normal economic activities. In addition to defending the country, Kastrioti’s forces engaged in liberating the occupied territories, an action that contributed to the consolidation of the unity of the entire Albanian people. Understanding the stark inequality between Albanian and Ottoman forces, he developed a military strategy based on the continuous call for participation, reaching out to European countries in the common fight against the enemy.
Collaboration with states such as the Republic of Venice, the Papal State, the Kingdom of Naples, and the Republic of Ragusa naturally led to increased financial interactions. Financial relationships also existed with the Ottoman Empire, where it is mentioned the return, in exchange for a monetary reward, of Turkish soldiers taken as slaves during the war. His financial actions with foreign states were primarily conducted in cash by the chief executive, who served as the finance minister. He kept accounts of the state’s income and expenses.
Under Gjergj Kastrioti’s leadership, the Principality of Kastrioti included the majority of Albanian territories occupied by the Ottomans, establishing a fully independent state. The League of Lezha became the first political union on a national scale in the history of Albania. Gjergj Kastrioti was elected the president of the League and its overall commander. For more than 25 years, Albanian territories faced successive invasions, massive battles, blockades, and sieges organized by Murad II and his son Mehmed II.
Gjergj Kastrioti died ill in Lezha and was buried there in 1468.
As a symbol of the fight for freedom and independence, and a leader with a clear vision in the efforts to unify Albanian territories, for centuries, Gjergj Kastrioti has been the most important part of the Albanian national history and dignity. His historical figure and what it represents has found its place in the works of many artists, both local and foreign, in sculpture, painting, literature, and cinema.
