Albania, a country located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, boasts a history that spans thousands of years, marked by significant cultural and political transformations. From its early days as a region inhabited by Illyrian tribes, through periods of Roman and Byzantine rule, to centuries under Ottoman domination, Albania’s past is a complex tapestry of resilience and adaptation. The national awakening in the 19th century and the declaration of independence in 1912 marked pivotal moments in the nation’s journey towards self-determination. The 20th century brought further upheaval with the establishment of a communist regime after World War II, followed by a turbulent transition to democracy in the 1990s. Today, Albania is engaged in ongoing efforts towards political and economic reform, striving for integration into the European Union.
Chronological history of Albania
Ancient and Classical Periods of Albania
- Prehistoric Era:
- Neolithic to Bronze Age: Early settlements established; evidence of farming and metalworking.
- Iron Age: Development of the Illyrian tribes, associated with the Hallstatt culture.
- Illyrian Kingdoms:
- 4th Century BCE: The Illyrian Kingdom under Bardylis becomes a local power, defeated by Philip II of Macedon in 358 BCE.
- 335 BCE: Alexander the Great defeats Illyrian tribes and incorporates them into his empire.
- 229-219 BCE: Illyrian Wars against Rome; Rome intervenes due to Illyrian piracy.
- Roman Conquest and Rule:
- 168 BCE: Rome defeats the Illyrians, captures their king Gentius, and incorporates the territory into the Roman province of Illyricum.
- 1st Century CE: Construction of Roman infrastructure, including roads and aqueducts; Via Egnatia becomes a major route through Albania.
- 325 CE: Spread of Christianity; significant Christian monuments built, such as the Durrës Amphitheatre.
Albania in the Middle Ages
- Early Medieval Period (395 – 9th Century)
- 395: Division of the Roman Empire; Albania becomes part of the Byzantine Empire.
- 5th – 7th Century: Invasions by Goths, Huns, Avars, and Slavs destabilize the region.
- 7th Century: Slavs settled in parts of Albania, followed by Bulgarian control over central Albania.
- Bulgarian and Byzantine Rule (9th – 12th Century)
- 9th Century: Integration into the First Bulgarian Empire; Christianity continues to spread.
- 1019: Byzantine Empire reasserts control; Albanian dioceses placed under the Archdiocese of Ohrid.
- Rise of Albanian Principalities (12th – 14th Century)
- 1190s: Formation of the Principality of Arbanon, marking the emergence of the first Albanian state.
- 1272: Establishment of the Kingdom of Albania under the Angevin dynasty following an alliance with Albanian nobles.
- Late 13th Century: Byzantine and Serbian empires intermittently control Albanian territories.
- Serbian and Ottoman Conquests (14th – 15th Century)
- 1345: Serbian Empire under Stefan Dušan conquers large parts of Albania.
- 1371: Dissolution of the Serbian Empire leads to the rise of independent Albanian principalities.
- 1385: The battle of Savra resulted in Ottoman vassalage for many Albanian chieftains.
- 1415-1417: Establishment of the Ottoman Sanjak of Albania, with Gjirokastra as its capital.
- Resistance and the League of Lezhë (1444 – 1479)
- 1444: Formation of the League of Lezhë, a coalition of Albanian noble families led by Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, aiming to resist Ottoman rule.
- 1443-1468: Skanderbeg’s successful campaigns against the Ottomans; he becomes a national hero.
- 1468: Death of Skanderbeg; gradual Ottoman re-conquest of Albanian territories.
- 1479: Fall of the League of Lezhë; consolidation of Ottoman control over Albania. Many Albanians fled to Italy, forming the Arbëreshë communities
Albania During the Ottoman Period (1479-1912)
- 1479: Ottomans conquer Shkodra, ending Skanderbeg’s resistance and solidifying control over Albania.
- 16th Century: Albania becomes part of Ottoman Rumelia, with new administrative divisions and Ottoman constructions like mosques and bazaars.
- 17th Century: Many Albanians converted to Islam for social and economic benefits; notable families like the Köprülü rose to power.
- 1699-1700: Ottoman central power declines, leading to semi-autonomous Albanian pashaliks.
- 1800-1822: Ali Pasha of Tepelena rules semi-independently in southern Albania and northwestern Greece, modernizing but ultimately defeated by the Ottomans.
- 1830s-1850s: Tanzimat reforms aimed to modernize the Ottoman Empire but faced resistance from conservative Albanians.
- 1878: The League of Prizren formed to oppose the Treaty of Berlin’s partition of Albanian lands and push for autonomy.
- 1908: The Young Turk Revolution brought political reform, but Albanians were disappointed by centralizing policies and lack of autonomy; the Albanian alphabet was standardized at the Congress of Manastir.
- 1911: Albanian revolts lead to demands for autonomy and cultural rights, culminating in the Albanian Revolt of 1912.
- 1912: The Assembly of Vlorë declares Albanian independence on November 28, ending Ottoman rule amidst regional instability.
Albania During the Balkan Wars (1912-1914)
- Albanian Revolt, 1912, January-August: Albanians initiated an uprising against the Ottoman Empire, culminating in the Ottomans agreeing to fulfil the rebels’ demands in September
- First Balkan War Begins, 1912, October: Balkan League (Serbia, Montenegro, Greece, and Bulgaria) declared war on the Ottoman Empire. This coalition aimed to seize Ottoman territories, including regions with significant Albanian populations.
- Declaration of Independence, 1912, November: Amidst the conflict, Albanian leaders declared independence in Vlorë. This proclamation aimed to counter the territorial ambitions of neighbouring Balkan states.
- Ambassadors’ Conference in London, 1912, December: An international conference was held to address the territorial disputes. Despite Albania’s declaration of independence, significant portions of its claimed territory were awarded to Serbia and Greece.
- Montenegro Captures Shkodër, 1913, April: After a prolonged siege, Montenegro captured Shkodër. However, international pressure led to its withdrawal, and the city was returned to Albania.
- Treaty of London, 1913, May: The First Balkan War concluded with the Treaty of London, which recognized an independent Albania but with significantly reduced territory.
- Second Balkan War Begins, 1913, June: Fought primarily between Bulgaria and its former allies (Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, and Romania) over the division of territories seized from the Ottoman Empire. Albania remained affected by the conflict as its borders were still in dispute.
- Treaty of Bucharest, 1913, August: The Second Balkan War ended with the Treaty of Bucharest, which confirmed Albania’s borders as a smaller state than initially declared, under a constitutional monarchy.
- Prince William of Wied Installed, 1914, March: The International Commission of Control appointed Prince William of Wied as the head of the newly formed Principality of Albania.
- Protocol of Corfu, 1914, June: The Protocol of Corfu grants autonomy to the Greek minority in Northern Epirus under Albanian sovereignty, but tensions remain high.
- Outbreak of World War I, 1914, September: The fragile Albanian state collapsed under the pressures of World War I, leading to the occupation of its territories by neighbouring countries.
World War I (1914-1918)
- July 28, 1914: World War I begins. Albania quickly descended into anarchy as local tribes and regions rebelled against central authority.
- October 1914: Greece reoccupies Southern Albania to protect its minority, while Italy lands troops in Vlorë to secure its strategic interests. Serbia and Montenegro seized control of northern regions.
- Late 1914 – Early 1915: Prince Wilhelm is forced to flee Albania due to internal uprisings and external pressures.
- 1915: Serbian forces retreat through Albania following defeats by the Central Powers. The chaotic retreat leads to the occupation of northern Albania by Austro-Hungarian forces.
- June 1916: Austro-Hungary launches an invasion, establishing control over significant parts of Albania. They administer the region with relative stability, focusing on infrastructure and cultural development.
- 1916-1918: Various parts of Albania are controlled by different occupying forces:
- Austro-Hungarians: Hold the central and northern regions.
- Italians: Maintain control over Vlorë and southern territories.
- French and Greek: Greek forces control parts of the south, while French influence is felt through military and political manoeuvres.
- 1918: The multinational Allied forces push Austro-Hungarian troops out of Albania as World War I concludes. The Treaty of London (1915) had earlier promised Italy a protectorate over Albania, influencing post-war territorial claims.
Interwar Period (1918-1939)
- 1918-1920: Post-WWI Albania faces occupation by Italian and French forces. The Vlorë War (June 1920) leads to the withdrawal of Italian troops and the reaffirmation of Albanian sovereignty.
- 1920: The Congress of Lushnjë establishes a new government, rejecting Italian protectorate plans. Albania joins the League of Nations as a recognized independent state, marking its international recognition and the end of foreign occupation.
- 1921: Internal political struggles and a brief period of instability. The Congress of Lushnjë in January solidifies the foundation of the Albanian state.
- 1922-1924: Ahmed Zogu, a prominent political and military leader, becomes the Prime Minister. During his tenure, he consolidated power but faced opposition and temporary exile during the June Revolution of 1924 led by Fan Noli.
- 1924: Fan Noli’s government, aiming to modernize and reform Albania, is short-lived. By December, Zogu, with Yugoslav support, returns to power, ending Noli’s rule.
- 1925: Zogu proclaims the Albanian Republic and becomes its President. He initiates various reforms to stabilize the country, though his rule is increasingly autocratic.
- 1928: Zogu crowns himself King Zog I, establishing the Kingdom of Albania. This period saw efforts to modernize the country, though it remained under significant foreign influence, particularly from Italy.
- 1934: Albania signs trade agreements with Yugoslavia and Greece. Mussolini’s Italy attempts to exert more influence but faces resistance from the Albanian government.
- 1935-1936: Improved relations with Italy as King Zog negotiates financial aid. Italian influence grows, with Italians taking positions in Albania’s civil service and settling in the country.
World War II (1939-1945)
- April 7, 1939: Italy invades Albania under Mussolini’s command, establishing a puppet regime. King Zog flees to Greece and then London.
- April 12, 1939: Albania’s parliament votes to unite with Italy. Victor Emmanuel III of Italy is declared King of Albania. Italian infrastructure and economic projects are initiated to gain local support.
- 1940: Albania’s military is integrated into the Italian army. Mussolini’s ambition extends to promoting a “Greater Albania” concept, eyeing territories in Yugoslavia and Greece.
- October 28, 1940: Italy uses Albania as a base to invade Greece, marking the beginning of the Greco-Italian War. The campaign failed, and Greek forces were pushed into southern Albania.
- 1941: Following Germany’s intervention and victory in Greece, the Axis powers controlled the region. Albania gains territories in Kosovo and western Macedonia as part of the Axis occupation.
- September 8, 1943: Italy capitulates to the Allies. Germany quickly moves to occupy Albania, establishing the Albanian Kingdom under German protection. The German occupation favours nationalist groups like Balli Kombëtar.
- September 1943: The Albanian Communist Party, led by Enver Hoxha, intensified its resistance efforts against the German forces.
- 1943-1944: A civil war ensues between communist partisans (National Liberation Movement) and nationalist forces (Balli Kombëtar), who occasionally collaborate with German occupiers.
- October 1944: The National Liberation Movement, with British support and aid, begins to dominate the resistance against German forces.
- November 29, 1944: The last German troops are expelled from Albania. The Communist partisans led by Hoxha take control, marking the end of WWII in Albania and the beginning of communist rule.
Communist Rule (1944-1991)
- Establishment and Consolidation
- 1944: Partisans led by the Communist Party of Albania (CPA) take control of Albania.
- 1945: The first post-war elections confirm communist dominance; Enver Hoxha becomes the head of state.
- 1946: Albania is declared the People’s Republic of Albania.
- 1948: Yugoslav-Albanian split; Albania aligns closely with the Soviet Union.
- Soviet Influence
- 1948-1950s: Hoxha purges pro-Yugoslav elements within the party.
- 1950s: Emphasis on Stalinist policies; collectivization of agriculture and nationalization of industries.
- 1956: Hoxha rejects Khrushchev’s de-Stalinization policies, maintaining a hardline stance.
- Sino-Albanian Alliance
- 1960: Break with the Soviet Union over Khrushchev’s policies; Albania forms a close alliance with Maoist China.
- 1967: Albania declares itself the first atheist state, closing mosques and churches.
- 1970s: Significant Chinese aid helped develop infrastructure, but the regime’s isolationist policies continued.
- Isolation and Paranoia
- 1978: Albania breaks with China after Mao’s death and China’s opening to the US.
- Late 1970s-1980s: Extreme isolation; construction of over 170,000 bunkers symbolizing Hoxha’s paranoia.
- 1981: The death of Prime Minister Mehmet Shehu under suspicious circumstances amid allegations of conspiracy.
- Decline and Fall
- 1985: Enver Hoxha dies; succeeded by Ramiz Alia who begins cautious reforms.
- 1980s: Economic decline, international isolation, and increasing public discontent.
- 1989-1990: The fall of communism across Eastern Europe sparks protests in Albania.
- 1990: Mass emigration and demonstrations against the regime.
- 1991: The first multi-party elections were held in March; the transition began, leading to the formal end of communist rule.
Post-Communist Era (1991-Present)
- 1990-1991: Protests against the communist regime began, leading to student demonstrations. The Albanian Party of Labour allowed political pluralism, and the Democratic Party was founded. The first multi-party elections were held, with initial communist retention of power, but mass strikes forced their resignation.
- 1992: The Democratic Party, led by Sali Berisha, won the elections. Berisha became the first democratically elected president, ending communist rule. The new government faced significant economic challenges.
- 1996: Elections were marred by manipulation, leading to protests and allegations of authoritarianism and corruption against Berisha’s government.
- 1997: The collapse of pyramid schemes caused an economic crisis and nationwide unrest. The government fell, an interim administration was established, and international forces restored order. New elections brought the Socialist Party to power, with Fatos Nano as Prime Minister.
- 1998: A new constitution was ratified, stabilizing democratic institutions and governance.
- 1999: During the Kosovo War, Albania provided refuge to hundreds of thousands of Kosovars, straining resources but highlighting its geopolitical importance.
- 2001-2005: The Socialist Party focused on economic reforms and infrastructure development, but corruption and political instability persisted.
- 2005: Sali Berisha and the Democratic Party returned to power, promising to combat corruption and integrate Albania into global structures, focusing on economic growth and NATO membership.
- 2009: Albania joined NATO and applied for European Union membership, showing commitment to European integration.
- 2013: The Socialist Party, led by Edi Rama, won elections, emphasizing judicial reforms and economic development, despite ongoing corruption and political polarization.
- 2014: Albania was granted EU candidate status, acknowledging reform progress but emphasizing the need for continued efforts in the rule of law and public administration.
- 2017-2021: Rama’s government continued reforms to align with EU standards amid high political tensions, opposition protests, and election irregularities.
Albania’s historical narrative is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people, shaped by waves of conquest, resistance, and cultural revival. From ancient Illyrian roots and Roman influences to the profound impact of Ottoman rule and the struggles of the communist era, each epoch has left an indelible mark on the nation’s identity. The path to modernity has been fraught with challenges, yet Albania continues to navigate its future with a commitment to democratic principles and aspirations for European integration. This rich historical legacy underscores Albania’s unique position within the broader tapestry of European history, highlighting its resilience and ongoing evolution.
