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Description
Gjergj Kastrioti, famously known as Skanderbeg, was born in 1405 in Albania. He came from the noble Kastrioti family, a relatively minor ruling family from the Dibra and Mat regions. At the age of 18, Gjergj and his brothers were sent as hostages to the Ottoman court, a common practice among vassals to ensure loyalty. Gjergj was trained as a military officer and converted to Islam, receiving the name Skander. Rising through the ranks of the Ottoman military, he was later given the title “beg,” becoming known as Skanderbeg.
In 1443, Skanderbeg seized the opportunity to return to his homeland during a Hungarian campaign against the Ottomans. Leading a rebellion, he reclaimed the castle of Kruja and declared independence from the Ottomans, hoisting the flag of the two-headed eagle, which remains Albania’s national symbol. He organized the Albanian resistance and, in 1444, convened the Albanian League of Lezha, uniting the feudal lords in a military alliance against the Ottomans.
For over two decades, Skanderbeg successfully defended Albania from multiple Ottoman invasions. His guerrilla warfare tactics, strategic brilliance and the unyielding spirit of the Albanian people turned Albania into a bulwark against Ottoman expansion into Europe. Skanderbeg formed alliances with European powers, including the Papacy and the Kingdom of Naples, though substantial military support from them was often lacking. Despite his alliances, Albania largely fought alone.
Skanderbeg’s military success made him a celebrated figure across Europe, earning praise for delaying the Ottoman advance toward Western Europe. His defence of Kruja in 1450 became legendary, withstanding a long siege by Sultan Murat II. Skanderbeg continued his campaigns until his death in 1468, leaving a legacy as Albania’s national hero. His leadership was pivotal in maintaining Albanian resistance, and his life became a symbol of the fight for freedom and independence for future generations of Albanians.