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{{Short description|15th-century Albanian rebellion against the Ottoman Empire}} | |||
{{Merge portions from|Skanderbeg#Rebellion_against_the_Ottomans|date=April 2016}} {{Infobox military conflict | |||
{{Infobox military conflict | |||
| conflict = Skanderbeg's rebellion | |||
| conflict = Skanderbeg's rebellion<br />{{small|{{lang|sq|Kryengritja e Skënderbeut}}}} | |||
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| image = ] | |||
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| caption = Skanderbeg's portrait by ] (1552) | |||
| date = 28 November 1443 — 17 January 1468 | |||
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| date = November 1443 – 17 January 1468 | ||
| place = {{Plainlist | | |||
* ] (north) | |||
*Sanjaks of ], ], and ] in the ] | |||
* ] (east) | |||
* |
*] | ||
*] | |||
}}(all in the ] — modern day ] and ]) | |||
}}<small>(modern ], ], ], and ])</small> | |||
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| territory = Some Ottoman-held Albanian territories are ceded to the newly formed ] | ||
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| result = {{ublist|Albanian victory}} | ||
*Formation of the ] | |||
*Ottomans were defeated in ] | |||
| status = | |||
| combatants_header = | | combatants_header = | ||
| combatant1 = ] |
| combatant1 = ] ] | ||
{{Collapsible list | |||
| combatant2 = ] ] | |||
|framestyle=border:none; padding:0; <!--Hides borders and improves row spacing--> | |||
| combatant3 = | |||
|title=Members | |||
| commander1 = | |||
|1=] | |||
|2=] | |||
---- | |||
|3=] <small>(1444–50, 1451–62)</small> | |||
* ] ] | |||
|4=] | |||
* ] ] | |||
|5=] <small>(until 1450)</small> | |||
* {{flagicon|Republic of Venice}} Baldassare Perducci | |||
|6=] <small>(until 1444)</small> | |||
* {{flagicon|Republic of Venice}} Nicolo Moneta | |||
|7=] <small>(until 1455)</small> | |||
* ] | |||
|8=] <small>(1444–55, 1456–64)</small> | |||
* Peter Perlati | |||
|9=] <small>(until 1447)</small> | |||
* ] 1443-55,1456-64 | |||
|10=] <small>(until 1447)</small> | |||
* ]<ref>{{cite book|title=Studime Filologjike|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vf89AQAAIAAJ|year=1972|publisher=Akademia e Shkencave e RPSSH, Instituti i Ghuhesise dje i Letersise|page=49|quote= Vrana Konti me krahun e lidhur dhe Vladan Jurica me kokën e pështjeUur ...}}</ref> | |||
* Andrea Thopia | |||
* Muzaka Thopia{{KIA}} | |||
| commander2 = | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
---- | |||
** Ali Pasha | |||
** ] | |||
** ]{{KIA}} | |||
** ] 1455-56 | |||
** Tahip Pasha{{KIA}} | |||
| commander3 = | |||
| units1 = ] (1444-1450) | |||
| units2 = | |||
| units3 = | |||
| strength1 = maximum 10,000-15,000<ref>{{cite book|last1=Jacques|first1=Edwin|title=The Albanians: an ethnic history from prehistoric times to the present|isbn=978-0-89950-932-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IJ2s9sQ9bGkC}}</ref> | |||
| strength2 = maximum 100,000-150,000 | |||
| strength3 = | |||
| casualties1 =Unknown | |||
| casualties2 =Heavy | |||
| casualties3 = | |||
| notes = | |||
| campaignbox = | |||
}} | }} | ||
] ] (1450–)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Marinescu |first=Constantin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9IPtrh4LbXQC&pg=PA182 |title=La politique orientale d'Alfonse V d'Aragon, roi de Naples (1416-1458) |date=1994 |publisher=Institut d'Estudis Catalans |isbn=978-84-7283-276-3 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Pastor |first1=José Manuel Azcona |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_n23zQEACAAJ |title=La política exterior de la Corona de Aragón en los Balcanes (1416-1478): la Albania de Skanderbeg y la guerra contra los turcos |last2=Abdiu |first2=Majlinda |date=2020 |publisher=Ommpress |isbn=978-84-17387-59-4 |language=es |access-date=19 April 2024 |archive-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523013345/https://books.google.com/books?id=_n23zQEACAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":6"></nowiki>]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523013345/https://books.google.com.pe/books?id=ZfpTAAAACAAJ&redir_esc=y |date=23 May 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Muhaj |first=Ardian |date=2008 |title=A política oriental de Alfonso V de Aragao e a Albânia de George Castriota-Skenderbeg |url=https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=2782723 |journal=Iacobus: Revista de estudios jacobeos y medievales |issue=23 |pages=237–248 |issn=1137-2397 |access-date=28 April 2024 |archive-date=28 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428045241/https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=2782723 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
'''Skanderbeg's rebellion''' was an almost 25-years long anti-Ottoman rebellion led by renegade Ottoman sanjakbey ] on the territory which belonged to the Ottoman sanjaks of ], ] and ] (modern-day ] and ]). This rebellion was result of initial Christian victories in the ] in 1443. After Ottoman defeat in the ] Skanderbeg, then ] of the ], mistakenly believed that Christians will succeed to push Ottomans out of Europe. Like many other regional Ottoman officials, he deserted Ottoman army to rise rebellion in his sanjak of Dibra and surrounding region. Initially, his plan was successful and soon large parts of the ] and north-east parts of the ] were captured by the rebels who also fought against regular Ottoman forces in the ].<ref name="BalabanovBitoski1978">{{cite book|author1=Kosta Balabanov|author2=Krste Bitoski|title=Ohrid i Ohridsko niz istorijata|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-tMwAQAAMAAJ|year=1978|publisher=Opštinsko sobranie na grad Ohrid|page=62|quote=Скендербег ја исползувал настанатата ситуација, дезертирал од фронтот, решен да подигне општенародно востание во својата област. Планот наполно му успеал, тако што, наскоро, голем дел од Средна Албанија, заедно са пошироката Дебарска област, преминале на раците во устаниците. На таков начин Охридскиот санџак се претворил во поприште на жестоки судари помегу регуларната османска војска и востаниците предводени....}}</ref> | |||
* ] ] | |||
] ] (from 1463) | |||
Skanderbeg's rebellion was a national Albanian uprising against a foreign occupation and his forces were joined by people of other ethnicities.<ref name="Sedlar1994">{{cite book|author=Jean W Sedlar|title=East Central Europe in the Middle Ages, 1000-1500|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=3o5lrvuwOVwC&pg=PA393|year=1994|publisher=University of Washington Press|isbn=978-0-295-97291-6|pages=393–|authormask=|trans_title=|format=|origyear=|oclc=|doi=|bibcode=|id=|quote=A rare example of successful Christian resistance to the Turks in the 15th century, although in a fairly remote part of Europe , was provided by Skanderbeg, the Albanian mountain chieftain who became the leader of a national revolt. For over a quarter-century until his death in 1468, he led the Albanians in surprisingly effective guerrilla warfare against the Turkish occupiers.|laysummary=|laydate=}}</ref> In addition the rebels fought against members of their own ethnic groups because the Ottoman forces, both commanders and soldiers, were also composed of local people (Albanians, Slavs, Vlachs and Turkish timar holders). | |||
| combatant2 = ] ] | |||
] ] (1447–48) | |||
| commander1 = {{Plainlist| | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*]}} | |||
| commander2 = {{Plainlist| | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*]}} | |||
| notes = | |||
| campaignbox = | |||
}} | |||
{{Ottoman-Albanian Wars}} | |||
'''Skanderbeg's rebellion''' ({{langx|sq|Kryengritja e Skënderbeut}}) was an almost 25-year long anti-Ottoman rebellion led by the Albanian military commander ] in what is today ] and its neighboring countries. It was a rare successful instance of resistance by Christians during the 15th century and through his leadership led Albanians in guerrilla warfare against the Ottomans.<ref name="Sedlar1994">{{cite book|author=Jean W Sedlar|title=East Central Europe in the Middle Ages, 1000-1500|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3o5lrvuwOVwC&pg=PA393|year=1994|publisher=University of Washington Press|isbn=978-0-295-97291-6|pages=393–|quote=A rare example of successful Christian resistance to the Turks in the 15th century, although in a fairly remote part of Europe, was provided by Skanderbeg, the Albanian mountain chieftain who became the leader of a national revolt. For over a quarter-century until his death in 1468, he led the Albanians in surprisingly effective guerrilla warfare against the Turkish occupiers.}}</ref> | |||
On 2 March 1444 the regional Albanian chieftains and nobles united against the Ottoman Empire and established the ]. The coalition would go on to successfully fight the Ottoman forces up until 1479, after which it was dissolved. After Skanderbeg's death in 1468, the league would continue fighting under ]. | |||
Skanderbeg managed to capture ] using a forged letter of sultan and, according to some sources, impaled captured Ottoman officials who refused to be baptized into Christianity. On 2 March 1444 the regional Albanian and Serbian chieftains united against the Ottoman Empire and established an alliance (]) which was dissolved by 1450. | |||
Because of the frequent conflicts between rival families in Albania during Skanderbeg's rebellion, particularly between Skanderbeg and ], |
Skanderbeg's revolt represented a reaction by sections of local society and feudal lords against the loss of privilege and the exactions of the Ottoman government which they resented.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} Because of the frequent conflicts between rival families in Albania during Skanderbeg's rebellion, particularly between Skanderbeg and ], Albanian studies scholar ] described the period as more of an Albanian civil war.<ref>{{Citation |last=Elsie |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Elsie |title=Albanian literature: a short history |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ox3Wx1Nl_2MC&q=%22Memorandum+on+Albanian+Autonomy%22+%22Pashko+Vasa%22&pg=PA81 |access-date=January 18, 2011 |year=2005 |publisher=I.B. Tauris in association with the Centre for Albanian Studies |location=London |isbn=1845110315 |pages=33, 34 |chapter=Muslim literature |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ox3Wx1Nl_2MC&q=leke+dukagjini+1458&pg=PA34 |quote=Much legendry has been attached to the name of Scanderbeg...based on embellishments by historian Marinus ... according to legendry, Scanderbeg successfully repulsed thirteen Ottoman incursions, including three major Ottoman sieges of the citadel of Kruja led by the Sultans themselves...In fact, this period was more of an Albanian civil war between rival families, in particular between Skanderbeg and Leke Dukagjini }}</ref> However, Skanderbeg reconciled with Lekë in 1453 and re-allied with ] in 1456. | ||
== Background == | == Background == | ||
In Albania, the rebellion against the Ottomans had already been smouldering for years before Skanderbeg deserted the Ottoman army.<ref name="BuryWhitney1966">{{cite book|last1=Bury|first1=John Bagnell|author-link1=John Bagnell Bury|last2=Whitney|first2=James Pounder|author-link2=James Pounder Whitney|last3=Tanner|first3=Joseph Robson|author-link3=Joseph Robson Tanner |author4=Charles William Previté-Orton |author5-link=Zachary Nugent Brooke|author5=Zachary Nugent Brooke|title=The Cambridge Medieval History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S5btAAAAMAAJ|year=1966|publisher=Macmillan|page=383|quote= In Albania, where rebellion had been smouldering for several years, the heroic Skanderbeg (George Castriota) revolted and under ...|author4-link=Charles William Previté-Orton}}</ref> The most notable earlier revolt was ] led principally by ]. Although Skanderbeg was summoned by his relatives during this rebellion, he remained loyal to the sultan and did not fight the Ottomans.<ref>Fine 1994, p. 535 {{quote|In 1432 Andrew Thopia revolted against his Ottoman overlords ... inspired other Albanian chiefs, in particular George Arianite (Araniti) ... The revolt spread ... from region of Valona up to Skadar ... At this time, though summoned home by his relatives ... Skanderbeg did nothing, he remained ... loyal to sultan}}</ref> After this rebellion was suppressed by the Ottomans, Arianiti again revolted against the Ottomans in the region of central Albania in August 1443. | |||
Skanderbeg decided to leave his position of Ottoman sanjakbey and revolt against the Ottomans only after the victorious ] in 1443.<ref name="SettonHazard1990">{{cite book|author1=Kenneth M. Setton|author-link1=Kenneth M. Setton|author2=Harry W. Hazard|author3=Norman P. Zacour|title=A History of the Crusades: The Impact of the Crusades on Europe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TKaPrQPFIAMC&pg=PA292|date=1 June 1990|publisher=Univ of Wisconsin Press|isbn=978-0-299-10744-4|page=293|quote=One result of the victorious campaign of 1443 was the successful revolt of Albanians under George Castriota}}</ref> Successes of the crusaders inspired revolt of Skanderbeg and revolt of ] in the ].<ref name="FineFine1994">{{cite book|last1=Fine|first1=John V. A.|author-link1=John V. A. Fine|last2=Fine|first2=John Van Antwerp|author-link2=John Van Antwerp Fine|title=The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LvVbRrH1QBgC&pg=PA548|year=1994|publisher=University of Michigan Press|isbn=0-472-08260-4|page=548|quote=The crusaders' successes inspired two other major revolts, ... the revolt of Skanderbeg in Albania...}}</ref> In early November 1443, Skanderbeg deserted the forces of Sultan Murad II during the Battle of Niš, while fighting against the crusaders of John Hunyadi.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu: jeta dhe vepra, 1405–1468|last = Frasheri|first = Kristo|author-link1=Kristo Frashëri|year = 2002| publisher=Botimet Toena |isbn = 99927-1-627-4|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=vwR3PQAACAAJ&q=kristo+frasheri+skenderbeu}}</ref> Skanderbeg quit the field along with 300 other Albanians serving in the Ottoman army.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu: jeta dhe vepra, 1405–1468|last = Frasheri|first = Kristo|year = 2002| publisher=Botimet Toena |isbn = 99927-1-627-4}}</ref> He immediately led his men to Krujë, where he arrived on November 28,<ref>{{Cite book|title = Scanderbeg; his life, correspondence, orations, victories, and philosophy|last = Drizari|first = Nelo|year = 1968|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=QYppAAAAMAAJ}}</ref> and by the use of a forged letter from Sultan Murad to the Governor of Krujë he became lord of the city.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu: jeta dhe vepra, 1405–1468|last = Frasheri|first = Kristo|year = 2002| publisher=Botimet Toena |isbn = 9789992716274|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=vwR3PQAACAAJ&q=kristo+frasheri+skenderbeu}}</ref> To reinforce his intention of gaining control of the former domains of Zeta, Skanderbeg proclaimed himself the heir of the Balsha family. After capturing some less important surrounding castles (Petrela, Prezë, Guri i Bardhë, Svetigrad, Modrič and others) and eventually gaining control over more than his father Gjon Kastrioti's domains, Skanderbeg abjured Islam and proclaimed himself the avenger of his family and country.<ref>{{Cite book|title =Volume 12|publisher =T. Cadell jun. and W. Davies|series= ]|last = Gibbon|first = Edward|author-link1=Edward Gibbon|year = 1802|pages = |url = https://archive.org/details/historydeclinea49gibbgoog}}</ref> He raised a red flag with a black double-headed eagle on it: Albania uses a similar flag as its national symbol to this day.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu: jeta dhe vepra (1405-1468)|last = Frasheri|first = Kristo|year = 2002|isbn = 9789992716274|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=vwR3PQAACAAJ&q=kristo+frasheri+skenderbeu}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
== Forces == | |||
In Albania, the rebellion against the Ottomans has already been smouldering for years before Skanderbeg deserted the Ottoman army.<ref name="BuryWhitney1966">{{cite book|last1=Bury|first1=John Bagnell|authorlink1=John Bagnell Bury|last2=Whitney|first2=James Pounder|authorlink2=James Pounder Whitney|last3=Tanner|first3=Joseph Robson|authorlink3=Joseph Robson Tanner |author4=Charles William Previté-Orton |author5=Zachary Nugent Brooke|title=The Cambridge Medieval History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S5btAAAAMAAJ|year=1966|publisher=Macmillan|page=383|quote= In Albania, where rebellion had been smouldering for several years, the heroic Skanderbeg (George Castriota) revolted and under ...}}</ref> The most notable earlier revolt was ] led principally by ]. Although Skanderbeg was summoned by his relatives during this rebellion, he did nothing, remaining loyal to the sultan.<ref>Fine 1994, p. 535 {{quote|In 1432 Andrew Thopia revolted against his Ottoman overlords ... inspired other Albanian chiefs, in particular George Arianite (Araniti) ... The revolt spread ... from region of Valona up to Skadar ... At this time, though summoned home by his relatives ... Skanderbeg did nothing, he remained ... loyal to sultan}}</ref> After this rebellion was suppressed by the Ottomans, Arianiti again revolted against the Ottomans in the region of central Albania in August 1443.<ref name="Jireček1923">{{cite book|last=Jireček|first=Konstantin|authorlink=Konstantin Jireček|title=Istorija Srba|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZkMLAAAAIAAJ|year=1923|publisher=Izdavačka knjižarnica G. Kona|page=147|quote=Искусни вођа Арнит (Арианит) поче у средњој Албанији већ у августу 1443 године поново борбу против турака. }}</ref> | |||
Dorotheos, the ] and clerics and boyars of ] together with considerable number of Christian citizens of Ohrid were expatriated by sultan to ] in 1466 because of their anti-Ottoman activities during ]'s rebellion.<ref>{{Citation |last=Shukarova |first=Aneta |author-link=Aneta Shukarova |author2=Mitko B. Panov |author3=Dragi Georgiev |author4=Krste Bitovski |author5=Ivan Katardziev |author6=Vanche Stojchev |author7=Novica Veljanovski |author8=Todor Chepreganov |editor=Todor Chepreganov |title= History of the Macedonian People |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/66035878/History-of-The-Macedonian-People-ed-Todor-Chepreganov-Institute-of-National-History-Skopje-2008 |access-date= 26 December 2011| date= 2008 |publisher= Institute of National History |location= Skopje |isbn=978-9989159244 |oclc=276645834 |page=133 |quote= deportation of the Archbishop of Ohrid, Dorotei, to Istanbul in 1466, together with other clerks and bolyars who probably were expatriated because of their anti Ottoman acts during the Skender-Bey’s rebellion.}}</ref> Skanderbeg's rebellion was also supported by Greeks in the Morea.<ref name="Herrin2013">{{cite book|author=Judith Herrin|title=Margins and Metropolis: Authority Across the Byzantine Empire|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iKlR4xyOmKUC&pg=PA11|year=2013|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-691-15301-8|page=11|quote=A revolt against Turkish authority in Albania, led by George Castriota (Iskender Bey or “Skanderbeg”) was successful for a brief period and was supported by dissident Greeks in the Morea.}}</ref> According to ], the most reliable counselor of Skanderbeg was ].<ref name="Noli1968">{{cite book|last=Noli|first=Fan Stylian|author-link=Fan Stylian Noli|title=Vepra të plota: Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu (1405-1468)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u7FDAQAAIAAJ|year=1968|publisher=Rilindija.|page=138|quote=...Vladan Jurica, këshilltari i tij më i besueshëm, ...}}</ref> ] also supported the war and supplied men to fight under Skanderbeg. | |||
Skanderbeg decided to leave his position of Ottoman sanjakbey and revolt against the Ottomans only after victorious ] in 1443.<ref name="SettonHazard1990">{{cite book|author1=Kenneth M. Setton|authorlink1=Kenneth M. Setton|author2=Harry W. Hazard|author3=Norman P. Zacour|title=A History of the Crusades: The Impact of the Crusades on Europe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TKaPrQPFIAMC&pg=PA292|date=1 June 1990|publisher=Univ of Wisconsin Press|isbn=978-0-299-10744-4|page=293|quote=One result of the victorious campaign of 1443 was the successful revolt of Albanians under George Castriota}}</ref> Successes of the crusaders inspired revolt of Skanderbeg and revolt of ] in the ].<ref name="FineFine1994">{{cite book|last1=Fine|first1=John V. A.|authorlink1=John V. A. Fine|last2=Fine|first2=John Van Antwerp|authorlink2=John Van Antwerp Fine|title=The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LvVbRrH1QBgC&pg=PA548|year=1994|publisher=University of Michigan Press|isbn=0-472-08260-4|page=548|quote=The crusaders' successes inspired two other major revolts, ... the revolt of Skanderbeg in Albania...}}</ref> In early November 1443, Skanderbeg deserted the forces of Sultan Murad II during the Battle of Niš, while fighting against the crusaders of John Hunyadi.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu: jeta dhe vepra, 1405–1468|last = Frasher|first = Kristo|publisher = |year = |isbn = 99927-1-627-4|location = |pages = |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=vwR3PQAACAAJ&dq=kristo+frasheri+skenderbeu&hl=en&ei=vD6aTMPAFoPGlQeau_HZDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAA}}</ref> Skanderbeg quit the field along with 300 other Albanians serving in the Ottoman army.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu: jeta dhe vepra, 1405–1468|last = Frasheri|first = Kristo|publisher = |year = |isbn = 99927-1-627-4|location = |pages = |url = }}</ref> He immediately led his men to Krujë, where he arrived on November 28,<ref>{{Cite book|title = Scanderbeg; his life, correspondence, orations, victories, and philosophy|last = Drizari|first = Nelo|publisher = |year = |isbn = |location = |pages = |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=QYppAAAAMAAJ}}</ref> and by the use of a forged letter from Sultan Murad to the Governor of Krujë he became lord of the city.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu: jeta dhe vepra, 1405–1468|last = Frasher|first = Kristo|publisher = |year = |isbn = |location = |pages = |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=vwR3PQAACAAJ&dq=kristo+frasheri+skenderbeu&hl=en&ei=vD6aTMPAFoPGlQeau_HZDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAA}}</ref> To reinforce his intention of gaining control of the former domains of Zeta, Skanderbeg proclaimed himself the heir of the Balšić family. After capturing some less important surrounding castles (Petrela, Prezë, Guri i Bardhë, Svetigrad, Modrič and others) and eventually gaining control over more than his father Gjon Kastrioti's domains, Skanderbeg abjured Islam and proclaimed himself the avenger of his family and country.<ref>{{Cite book|title = The decline and fall of the Roman empire|last = Gibbon|first = Edward|publisher = |year = |isbn = |location = |pages = |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=LlkOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA168#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> He raised a red flag with a black double-headed eagle on it: Albania uses a similar flag as its national symbol to this day.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu: jeta dhe vepra (1405-1468)|last = Frasheri|first = Kristo|publisher = |year = |isbn = |location = |pages = |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=vwR3PQAACAAJ&dq=kristo+frasheri+skenderbeu&hl=en&ei=vD6aTMPAFoPGlQeau_HZDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAA}}</ref> | |||
=== League of Lezhë (1444–1450)=== | |||
== Forces == | |||
{{Ottoman-Albanian Wars}} | |||
Skanderbeg's rebellion was not a general ] of Albanians. People from the big cities in Albania on the Ottoman-controlled south and ]-controlled north did not support him while his followers beside ] were also ], ] and ].<ref>{{harvnb|Schmitt|2012|p=55}}{{quote|<!-- Skanderbeg führte keinen allgemeinalbanischen Aufstand an, da der Süden Albaniens, dessen Erhebung die Osmanen 1436 unterdrückt hatten, weitgehend ruhig blieb. Ebenso wenig schlossen sich ihm die osmanischen Städte des Südens und die venezianischen Städte des Nordens an. Skanderbeg erhielt Unterstützung von den Verlierern der osmanischen Eroberung, großen Familien, die ihr Land wiedergewinnen, Bergbewohnern, die dem Sultan keine Steuern zahlen und keine osmanischen Richter hin— nehmen wollten; --> in seiner Gefolgschaft fanden sich neben Albanern auch Slawen, Griechen und Vlachen.}}</ref> The rebels did not fight against "foreign" invaders but against members of their own ethnic groups because the Ottoman forces, both commanders and soldiers, were also composed of local people (Albanians, Slavs, Vlachs and Turkish ] holders).<ref>{{Citation|last=Schmitt |first=Oliver Jens|title=Skanderbeg. Der neue Alexander auf dem Balkan|url=http://www.osteuropa.ch/Rezensionen/Rez_Pustet_Skanderbeg.pdf| date=September 2009 |publisher=Verlag Friedrich Pustet|isbn=978-3-7917-2229-0<!-- |quote= The military commanders, leaders and simple soldiers, i.e. the whole army fighting against Scanderbeg, consisted of local Albanians, Bulgarians, Serbs and Vlachs. There were also Turkish Muslims in the Ottoman forces who owned timar lands. On the whole, it is evident that the rebels were not opposed by “foreign” invaders, but by local forces loyal to the new empire who were willing to fight members of their own ethnic groups longing for pre-Ottoman times. -->}}</ref> Dorotheos, the ] and clerics and boyars of ] together with considerable number of Christian citizens of Ohrid were expatriated by sultan to ] in 1466 because of their anti-Ottoman activities during ]'s rebellion.<ref>{{Citation |last=Shukarova |first=Aneta |authorlink=Aneta Shukarova |coauthors= Mitko B. Panov, Dragi Georgiev, Krste Bitovski, Academician Ivan Katardziev, Vanche Stojchev, Novica Veljanovski, Todor Chepreganov |editor=Todor Chepreganov |title= History of the Macedonian People |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/66035878/History-of-The-Macedonian-People-ed-Todor-Chepreganov-Institute-of-National-History-Skopje-2008 |accessdate= 26 December 2011| date= 2008 |publisher= Institute of National History |location= Skopje |language= |isbn=9989159246 |oclc=276645834 |doi= |doi_inactivedate= |bibcode= |id= |page=133 |pages= |nopp= |at= |chapter= |chapterurl= |quote= deportation of the Archbishop of Ohrid, Dorotei, to Istanbul in 1466, to-gether with other clerks and bolyars who probably were expatriated be-cause of their anti Ottoman acts during the Skender-Bey’s rebellion.|laysummary= |laydate= |separator= |postscript= |lastauthoramp= |ref= }}</ref> Skanderbeg's rebellion was also supported by Greeks in the Morea.<ref name="Herrin2013">{{cite book|author=Judith Herrin|title=Margins and Metropolis: Authority Across the Byzantine Empire|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iKlR4xyOmKUC&pg=PA11|year=2013|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-691-15301-8|page=11|quote=A revolt against Turkish authority in Albania, led by George Castriota (Iskender Bey or “Skanderbeg”) was successful for a brief period and was supported by dissident Greeks in the Morea.}}</ref> According to ], the most reliable counselor of Skanderbeg was ].<ref name="Noli1968">{{cite book|last=Noli|first=Fan Stylian|authorlink=Fan Stylian Noli|title=Vepra të plota: Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu (1405-1468)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u7FDAQAAIAAJ|year=1968|publisher=Rilindija.|page=138|quote=...Vladan Jurica, këshilltari i tij më i besueshëm, ...}}</ref> | |||
On 2 March 1444 the regional Albanian and Zetan chieftains united against the ].<ref name="Babinger1992">{{cite book|last=Babinger|first=Franz|author-link=Franz Babinger|title=Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PPxC6rO7vvsC&pg=PA153|year=1992|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=0-691-01078-1|page=153|quote=... a solid military alliance was concluded among all the Albanian and Serbian chieftains along the Adriatic coast from southern Epirus to the Bosnian border.}}</ref> This alliance (]) was forged in the Venetian held ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uwhistory.romanhords.com/Skanderbeg/Timeline.html|title=A Timeline of Skanderbeg's Campaigns|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607035926/http://uwhistory.romanhords.com/Skanderbeg/Timeline.html|archive-date=June 7, 2011|access-date=March 28, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The main members of the league were the ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. All earlier and many modern historians accepted ] news about this meeting in Lezhë (without giving it equal weight), although no contemporary Venetian document mentions it.<ref>{{harvnb|Božić|1979|p=363}}{{quote|Мада ниједан савремени млетачки документ не помиње овај скуп, сви старији и многи новији историчари прихватили су Барлецијеве вести не придајући им, разуме се, исти значај.}}</ref> Barleti referred to the meeting as the ''generalis concilium'' or ''universum concilium'' ; the term "League of Lezhë" was coined by subsequent historians.<ref>{{cite book |last=Biçoku |first=Kasem |title=Kastriotët në Dardani |location=Prishtinë |publisher=Albanica |year=2009 |pages=111–116 |isbn=978-9951-8735-4-3 }}</ref> | |||
=== League of Lezhë (1444-1450)=== | |||
== Early battles == | |||
On 2 March 1444 the regional Albanian and Serbian chieftains united against the ].<ref name="Babinger1992">{{cite book|last=Babinger|first=Franz|authorlink=Franz Babinger|title=Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PPxC6rO7vvsC&pg=PA153|year=1992|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=0-691-01078-1|page=153|quote=... a solid military alliance was concluded among all the Albanian and Serbian chieftains along the Adriatic coast from southern Epirus to the Bosnian border.}}</ref> This alliance (]) was forged in the Venetian held ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uwhistory.romanhords.com/Skanderbeg/Timeline.html |title=A Timeline of Skanderbeg's Campaigns |first= |last= |author= |authorlink= |work= |publisher= |location= |page= |pages= |at= |language= |trans_title= |doi= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5xWujetVb |archivedate= March 28, 2011 |accessdate= March 28, 2011|quote= |ref=|postscript=}}</ref> A couple of months later Skanderbeg's forces stole cattle of the citizens of Lezhë and captured their women and children.<ref>{{harvnb|Božić|1979|p=358}}{{quote|Представник млетачких власти, и да je хтео, није био у стању да ce одупре одржавању таквог скупа, као што ни неколико месеци доцније није могао да ce супротстави Скендербеговим људима који су no граду лљачкали стоку и одводили жене и децу.}}</ref> The main members of the league were the ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. All earlier and many modern historians accepted ] news about this meeting in Lezhë (without giving it equal weight), although no contemporary Venetian document mentions it.<ref>{{harvnb|Božić|1979|p=363}}{{quote|Мада ниједан савремени млетачки документ не помиње овај скуп, сви старији и многи новији историчари прихватили су Барлецијеве вести не придајући им, разуме се, исти значај.}}</ref> Barleti referred to the meeting as the ''generalis concilium'' or ''universum concilium'' ; the term "League of Lezhë" was coined by subsequent historians.<ref>{{cite book |last=Biçoku |first=Kasem |title=Kastriotët në Dardani |location=Prishtinë |publisher=Albanica |year=2009 |pages=111–116 |isbn=978-9951-8735-4-3 }}</ref> | |||
] claims that majority of accounts on Skanderbeg's activities in the period 1443–1444 "owe far more to fancy than to fact."<ref name="Setton p. 73">Setton p. 73.</ref> Soon after Skanderbeg captured ] using the forged letter to take control from Zabel Pasha, his rebels managed to capture many Ottoman fortresses including strategically very important Svetigrad (]) taken with support of ] and 3,000 rebels from ].<ref name="Stojanovski1988">{{cite book|last=Stojanovski|first=Aleksandar|title=Istorija na makedonskiot narod|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eJ0MAAAAIAAJ|year=1988|publisher=Makedonska kniga|page=88}}</ref> According to some sources, Skanderbeg impaled captured Ottoman officials who refused to be baptized into Christianity.<ref name="II2013">{{cite book|last=II|first=Pope Pius|author-link=Pope Pius II|title=Europe (c.1400-1458)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z4lvAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA114|date=1 November 2013|publisher=CUA Press|isbn=978-0-8132-2182-3|page=114|quote=George Skanderbeg, a man of noble birth, received his inheritance. ... fortress of Krujë by stratagem and declared himselfa Christian, going so far as to impale the Ottoman officials who refused to accept baptism; see Fine, LMB, 521–22, 556.}}</ref><ref name="(Firm)1872">{{cite book|last=(Firm)|first=John Murray|title=A Handbook for Travellers in Greece: Describing the Ionian Islands, Continental Greece, Athens, and the Peloponnesus, the Islands of the Ægean Sea, Albania, Thessaly, and Macedonia|url=https://archive.org/details/ahandbookfortra29firgoog|year=1872|publisher=J. Murray|page=|quote=The names of religion and liberty provoked a general revolt of the Albanians, who indulged the Ottoman garrisons in the choice of martyrdom or baptism; and for 23 years Skanderbeg resisted the powers of the Turkish Empire, — the hero of ...}}</ref> | |||
The first battle of Skanderbeg's rebels against the Ottomans was fought on 10 October 1445, on the mountain Mokra. According to Setton, after Skanderbeg was allegedly victorious in the ], the ] are said to have sung praises about him and urged Skanderbeg to join the alliance of ], the ] and ] against the Ottomans.<ref name="Setton p. 73"/> In the spring of 1446, using help of ] diplomats, Skanderbeg requested support from the Pope and ] for his struggle against the Ottomans.<ref name="Radonić1905">{{cite book|author=Jovan Radonić|title=Zapadna Evropa i balkanski narodi prema Turcima u prvoj polovini XV veka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PD1pAAAAMAAJ|access-date=21 June 2013|year=1905|publisher=Izd. Matice srpske|page=249|quote=...с пролећа 1946 обраћао за помоћ папи и Угарској преко републике дубровачке...}}</ref> | |||
== Battles == | |||
] claims that majority of accounts on Skanderbeg's activities in the period 1443–1444 "owe far more to fancy than to fact."<ref name="Setton p. 73">Setton p. 73.</ref> Soon after Skanderbeg captured ] using the forged letter to take control from Zabel Pasha, his rebels managed to capture many Ottoman fortresses including strategically very important Svetigrad (]) taken with support of ] and 3,000 rebels from ].<ref name="Stojanovski1988">{{cite book|last=Stojanovski|first=Aleksandar|title=Istorija na makedonskiot narod|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eJ0MAAAAIAAJ|year=1988|publisher=Makedonska kniga|page=88}}</ref> According to some sources, Skanderbeg impaled captured Ottoman officials who refused to be baptized into Christianity.<ref name="II2013">{{cite book|last=II|first=Pope Pius|authorlink=Pope Pius II|title=Europe (c.1400-1458)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z4lvAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA114|date=1 November 2013|publisher=CUA Press|isbn=978-0-8132-2182-3|page=114|quote=George Skanderbeg, a man of noble birth, received his inheritance. ... fortress of Krujë by stratagem and declared himselfa Christian, going so far as to impale the Ottoman officials who refused to accept baptism; see Fine, LMB, 521–22, 556.}}</ref><ref name="(Firm)1872">{{cite book|last=(Firm)|first=John Murray|title=A Handbook for Travellers in Greece: Describing the Ionian Islands, Continental Greece, Athens, and the Peloponnesus, the Islands of the Ægean Sea, Albania, Thessaly, and Macedonia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FbkBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA478|year=1872|publisher=J. Murray|page=478|quote=The names of religion and liberty provoked a general revolt of the Albanians, who indulged the Ottoman garrisons in the choice of martyrdom or baptism ; and for 23 years Skanderbeg resisted the powers of the Turkish Empire, — the hero of ...}}</ref> | |||
=== War against Venice === | |||
The first battle of Skanderbeg's rebels against the Ottomans was fought on 10 October 1445, on mountain Mokra. According to Setton, after Skanderbeg was allegedly victorious in the ], the ] are said to have sung praises about him and urged Skanderbeg to join the alliance of ], the ] and ] against the Ottomans.<ref name="Setton p. 73"/> In the spring of 1446, using help of ] diplomats, Skanderbeg requested support from the Pope and ] for his struggle against the Ottomans.<ref name="Radonić1905">{{cite book|author=Jovan Radonić|title=Zapadna Evropa i balkanski narodi prema Turcima u prvoj polovini XV veka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PD1pAAAAMAAJ|accessdate=21 June 2013|year=1905|publisher=Izd. Matice srpske|page=249|quote=...с пролећа 1946 обраћао за помоћ папи и Угарској преко републике дубровачке...}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Albanian–Venetian War (1447–1448)}} | |||
Marin Span was commander of Skanderbeg's forces which lost the fortress ] to Venetian forces in 1448 during ]. Marin and his soldiers retreated toward ] after being informed by his relative Peter Span about the large Venetian forces heading toward Baleč.<ref>{{harvnb|Srpska Akademija Nauka i Umetnosti|1980|loc=p. 39: "...да поруше обновљени Балеч с таквим снагама као да је у питању највећа тврђава. То је Петар Спан јавио свом рођаку Марину и овај је у последњем тренутку сакупио војнике и спустио се према Дању"}}.</ref> | |||
== Treaty of Gaeta == | |||
{{Main|Treaty of Gaeta}} | |||
On 26 March 1450 a political treaty was stipulated in ] between ] for the ] and ], and ], ambassadors of ]. In the treaty Skanderbeg would recognize himself a vassal of the Kingdom of Naples, and in return he would have the Kingdom's protection from the ]. After Alfonso signed this treaty with Skanderbeg, he signed similar treaties with other chieftains from Albania: ], Gjin Muzaka, ], ], ], Thopia Muzaka, Peter of Himara, ] and ]. | |||
To follow the treaty of Gaeta, Naples sent a detachment of 100 Napolitan soldiers commanded by Bernard Vaquer to the castle of Kruje in the end of May 1451.<ref name="Tibbetts2016">{{cite book|last=Tibbetts|first=Jann|title=50 Great Military Leaders of All Time|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lsHLDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT571|date=30 July 2016|publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd|isbn=978-93-85505-66-9|page=571|quote=Following the Treaty of Gaeta, in the end of May 1451, a small detachment of 100 Catalan soldiers, headed by Bernard Vaquer, was established at the castle of Kruje.}}</ref> Vaquer was appointed as special commissioner<ref name="Gegaj1937">{{cite book|last=Gegaj|first=Athanas|title=L'Albanie et l'Invasion turque au XVe siècle|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=usxBAAAAYAAJ|access-date=19 December 2017|year=1937|publisher=Bureaux du Recueil, Bibliothéque de l'Université|language=fr|page=88|isbn=9780598935991 |quote=En vertu du traité, Alphonse V envoya en Albanie, au mois de juin 1451, un officier de sa trésorerie, Bernard Vaquer, avec les pouvoirs de commissaire spécial.}}</ref> and took over Kruje on behalf of the Kingdom of Naples and put its garrison under his command.<ref name="Marinescu1994">{{cite book|last=Marinescu|first=Constantin|title=La politique orientale d'Alfonse V d'Aragon, roi de Naples (1416-1458)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9IPtrh4LbXQC&pg=PA182|year=1994|publisher=Institut d'Estudis Catalans|isbn=978-84-7283-276-3|pages=181, 182}}</ref> | |||
== Aftermath == | == Aftermath == | ||
] was perceived by Venice as Skanderbeg's successor,<ref>{{Citation |last=Jens Schmitt|first=Oliver |author-link=Oliver Jens Schmitt |author2=Konrad Clewing, Edgar Hösch |title= Südosteuropa : von vormoderner Vielfalt und nationalstaatlicher Vereinheitlichung : Festschrift für Edgar Hösch |year=2005 |publisher=Oldenbourg Verlag |language= de |isbn=978-3-486-57888-1 |oclc=62309552 |page=167 |chapter=Die venezianischen Jahrbücher des Stefano Magno (ÖNB Codd 6215–6217) als Quelle zur albanischen und epirotischen Geschichte im späten Mittelalter (1433–1477) |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4eXlZq6aBrkC&pg=PA167 |quote= ...Ivan Strez Balsics, des von Venedig anerkannten Nachfolgers Skanderbegs,...}}</ref> whilst ] became the leader of the League. After Skanderbeg's death Ivan and his brother ], together with Leke, Progon and ], continued to fight for Venice.<ref>{{harvnb|Schmitt|2001|p=297}}{{quote|die Skanderbegs Personlichkeit gelassen hatte, nicht zu füllen. Deshalb muste Venedig wie in den Jahrzehnten vor Skanderbeg mit einer Vielzahl von Adligen zusammenarbeiten; neben Leka, Progon und Nikola Dukagjin gehörten zu dieser Schicht auch Comino Araniti, wohl derselbe, der 1466 Durazzo überfallen hatte; die Söhne von Juani Stexi, di Johann Balsha, Machthaber zwischen Alessio und Kruja; Gojko Balsha und seine söhne der woiwode Jaran um Kruja (1477), und auch der mit seinem Erbe überforderte Johann Kastriota.}}</ref> | |||
After Skanderbeg's death his dominions fell apart.<ref name="Previté-Orton2013">{{cite book|author=C. W. Previté-Orton|title=Outlines of Medieval History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oUsoAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA485|date=4 July 2013|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-107-62711-6|page=485|quote=Mohammed II was unable to subdue him, but, when Skanderbeg died in 1467, his dominions fell to pieces.}}</ref> | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
Line 100: | Line 102: | ||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
* {{Citation|last=Schmitt |first=Oliver Jens| |
* {{Citation|last=Schmitt |first=Oliver Jens|author-link=Oliver Jens Schmitt|title=Die Albaner: eine Geschichte zwischen Orient und Okzident|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OD9D_tmufccC&pg=PA55 |year=2012|publisher=C.H.Beck|language=de|isbn=978-3-406-63031-6}} | ||
* {{citation|last=Setton|first=Kenneth Meyer|year=1978|title=The Papacy and the Levant, 1204–1571|publisher=DIANE Publishing|isbn=978-0-87169-127-9}} | * {{citation|last=Setton|first=Kenneth Meyer|year=1978|title=The Papacy and the Levant, 1204–1571|publisher=DIANE Publishing|isbn=978-0-87169-127-9}} | ||
* {{cite book|last=Božić|first=Ivan|title=Nemirno pomorje XV veka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SnkBAAAAMAAJ| |
* {{cite book|last=Božić|first=Ivan|title=Nemirno pomorje XV veka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SnkBAAAAMAAJ|access-date=12 February 2012|year=1979|publisher=Srpska književna zadruga|location=Belgrade |language= sr |oclc=5845972}} | ||
* {{The Late Medieval Balkans}} | |||
* {{Citation|last=Fine|first=John Van Antwerp|title=The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LvVbRrH1QBgC&pg=PA558|year=1994|publisher=University of Michigan Press|isbn=978-0-472-08260-5}} | |||
*{{cite book|author=Srpska Akademija Nauka i Umetnosti|title=Glas (Volumes 319–323)|year=1980|location=Belgrade|publisher=Serbian Academy of Science and Arts|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kqorAQAAIAAJ&q=%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BD|language=sr}} | |||
{{Wars and battles involving Albanians}} | |||
{{Rebellions in the Ottoman Empire}} | {{Rebellions in the Ottoman Empire}} | ||
{{Albania topics}} | |||
{{Albanians under the Ottoman Empire}} | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] |
Latest revision as of 02:32, 31 December 2024
15th-century Albanian rebellion against the Ottoman EmpireSkanderbeg's rebellion Kryengritja e Skënderbeut | |||||||||
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Skanderbeg's portrait by Cristofano dell'Altissimo (1552) | |||||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||||
Members
Crown of Aragon (1450–) Republic of Venice (from 1463) | Republic of Venice (1447–48) | ||||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
Medieval Albanian–Ottoman Wars | |
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Early Ottoman invasions and rule (1385–1443)
Skanderbeg's Rebellion (1443–1468)
Contemporaneous Campaigns (1447–1462)
Resistance until the Fall of Shkodra (1468–1479) | |
Wars involving Albania |
Skanderbeg's rebellion (Albanian: Kryengritja e Skënderbeut) was an almost 25-year long anti-Ottoman rebellion led by the Albanian military commander Skanderbeg in what is today Albania and its neighboring countries. It was a rare successful instance of resistance by Christians during the 15th century and through his leadership led Albanians in guerrilla warfare against the Ottomans.
On 2 March 1444 the regional Albanian chieftains and nobles united against the Ottoman Empire and established the League of Lezhë. The coalition would go on to successfully fight the Ottoman forces up until 1479, after which it was dissolved. After Skanderbeg's death in 1468, the league would continue fighting under Lekë Dukagjini.
Skanderbeg's revolt represented a reaction by sections of local society and feudal lords against the loss of privilege and the exactions of the Ottoman government which they resented. Because of the frequent conflicts between rival families in Albania during Skanderbeg's rebellion, particularly between Skanderbeg and Lekë Dukagjini, Albanian studies scholar Robert Elsie described the period as more of an Albanian civil war. However, Skanderbeg reconciled with Lekë in 1453 and re-allied with Gjergj Arianiti in 1456.
Background
In Albania, the rebellion against the Ottomans had already been smouldering for years before Skanderbeg deserted the Ottoman army. The most notable earlier revolt was revolt of 1432–36 led principally by Gjergj Arianiti. Although Skanderbeg was summoned by his relatives during this rebellion, he remained loyal to the sultan and did not fight the Ottomans. After this rebellion was suppressed by the Ottomans, Arianiti again revolted against the Ottomans in the region of central Albania in August 1443.
Skanderbeg decided to leave his position of Ottoman sanjakbey and revolt against the Ottomans only after the victorious Crusade of Varna in 1443. Successes of the crusaders inspired revolt of Skanderbeg and revolt of Constantine XI Palaiologos in the Despotate of the Morea. In early November 1443, Skanderbeg deserted the forces of Sultan Murad II during the Battle of Niš, while fighting against the crusaders of John Hunyadi. Skanderbeg quit the field along with 300 other Albanians serving in the Ottoman army. He immediately led his men to Krujë, where he arrived on November 28, and by the use of a forged letter from Sultan Murad to the Governor of Krujë he became lord of the city. To reinforce his intention of gaining control of the former domains of Zeta, Skanderbeg proclaimed himself the heir of the Balsha family. After capturing some less important surrounding castles (Petrela, Prezë, Guri i Bardhë, Svetigrad, Modrič and others) and eventually gaining control over more than his father Gjon Kastrioti's domains, Skanderbeg abjured Islam and proclaimed himself the avenger of his family and country. He raised a red flag with a black double-headed eagle on it: Albania uses a similar flag as its national symbol to this day.
Forces
Dorotheos, the Archbishop of Ohrid and clerics and boyars of Ohrid Archbishopric together with considerable number of Christian citizens of Ohrid were expatriated by sultan to Istanbul in 1466 because of their anti-Ottoman activities during Skanderbeg's rebellion. Skanderbeg's rebellion was also supported by Greeks in the Morea. According to Fan Noli, the most reliable counselor of Skanderbeg was Vladan Jurica. Himara also supported the war and supplied men to fight under Skanderbeg.
League of Lezhë (1444–1450)
On 2 March 1444 the regional Albanian and Zetan chieftains united against the Ottoman Empire. This alliance (League of Lezhë) was forged in the Venetian held Lezhë. The main members of the league were the Arianiti, Balšić, Dukagjini, Muzaka, Spani, Thopia and Crnojevići. All earlier and many modern historians accepted Marin Barleti's news about this meeting in Lezhë (without giving it equal weight), although no contemporary Venetian document mentions it. Barleti referred to the meeting as the generalis concilium or universum concilium ; the term "League of Lezhë" was coined by subsequent historians.
Early battles
Kenneth Meyer Setton claims that majority of accounts on Skanderbeg's activities in the period 1443–1444 "owe far more to fancy than to fact." Soon after Skanderbeg captured Krujë using the forged letter to take control from Zabel Pasha, his rebels managed to capture many Ottoman fortresses including strategically very important Svetigrad (Kodžadžik) taken with support of Moisi Arianit Golemi and 3,000 rebels from Debar. According to some sources, Skanderbeg impaled captured Ottoman officials who refused to be baptized into Christianity.
The first battle of Skanderbeg's rebels against the Ottomans was fought on 10 October 1445, on the mountain Mokra. According to Setton, after Skanderbeg was allegedly victorious in the Battle of Torvioll, the Hungarians are said to have sung praises about him and urged Skanderbeg to join the alliance of Hungary, the Papacy and Burgundy against the Ottomans. In the spring of 1446, using help of Ragusan diplomats, Skanderbeg requested support from the Pope and Kingdom of Hungary for his struggle against the Ottomans.
War against Venice
Main article: Albanian–Venetian War (1447–1448)Marin Span was commander of Skanderbeg's forces which lost the fortress Baleč to Venetian forces in 1448 during Skanderbeg's war against Venice. Marin and his soldiers retreated toward Dagnum after being informed by his relative Peter Span about the large Venetian forces heading toward Baleč.
Treaty of Gaeta
Main article: Treaty of GaetaOn 26 March 1450 a political treaty was stipulated in Gaeta between Alfonso V for the Kingdom of Naples and Stefan, Bishop of Krujë, and Nikollë de Berguçi, ambassadors of Skanderbeg. In the treaty Skanderbeg would recognize himself a vassal of the Kingdom of Naples, and in return he would have the Kingdom's protection from the Ottoman Empire. After Alfonso signed this treaty with Skanderbeg, he signed similar treaties with other chieftains from Albania: Gjergj Arianiti, Gjin Muzaka, Gjergj Balsha, Peter Spani, Paul Dukagjini, Thopia Muzaka, Peter of Himara, Simon Zenebishi and Carlo II Tocco.
To follow the treaty of Gaeta, Naples sent a detachment of 100 Napolitan soldiers commanded by Bernard Vaquer to the castle of Kruje in the end of May 1451. Vaquer was appointed as special commissioner and took over Kruje on behalf of the Kingdom of Naples and put its garrison under his command.
Aftermath
Gjergj Balsha was perceived by Venice as Skanderbeg's successor, whilst Lekë Dukagjini became the leader of the League. After Skanderbeg's death Ivan and his brother Gjok Balsha, together with Leke, Progon and Nicholas Dukagjini, continued to fight for Venice.
See also
References
- Marinescu, Constantin (1994). La politique orientale d'Alfonse V d'Aragon, roi de Naples (1416-1458) (in French). Institut d'Estudis Catalans. ISBN 978-84-7283-276-3.
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- Jean W Sedlar (1994). East Central Europe in the Middle Ages, 1000-1500. University of Washington Press. pp. 393–. ISBN 978-0-295-97291-6.
A rare example of successful Christian resistance to the Turks in the 15th century, although in a fairly remote part of Europe, was provided by Skanderbeg, the Albanian mountain chieftain who became the leader of a national revolt. For over a quarter-century until his death in 1468, he led the Albanians in surprisingly effective guerrilla warfare against the Turkish occupiers.
- Elsie, Robert (2005), "Muslim literature", Albanian literature: a short history, London: I.B. Tauris in association with the Centre for Albanian Studies, pp. 33, 34, ISBN 1845110315, retrieved January 18, 2011,
Much legendry has been attached to the name of Scanderbeg...based on embellishments by historian Marinus ... according to legendry, Scanderbeg successfully repulsed thirteen Ottoman incursions, including three major Ottoman sieges of the citadel of Kruja led by the Sultans themselves...In fact, this period was more of an Albanian civil war between rival families, in particular between Skanderbeg and Leke Dukagjini
- Bury, John Bagnell; Whitney, James Pounder; Tanner, Joseph Robson; Charles William Previté-Orton; Zachary Nugent Brooke (1966). The Cambridge Medieval History. Macmillan. p. 383.
In Albania, where rebellion had been smouldering for several years, the heroic Skanderbeg (George Castriota) revolted and under ...
- Fine 1994, p. 535
In 1432 Andrew Thopia revolted against his Ottoman overlords ... inspired other Albanian chiefs, in particular George Arianite (Araniti) ... The revolt spread ... from region of Valona up to Skadar ... At this time, though summoned home by his relatives ... Skanderbeg did nothing, he remained ... loyal to sultan
- Kenneth M. Setton; Harry W. Hazard; Norman P. Zacour (1 June 1990). A History of the Crusades: The Impact of the Crusades on Europe. Univ of Wisconsin Press. p. 293. ISBN 978-0-299-10744-4.
One result of the victorious campaign of 1443 was the successful revolt of Albanians under George Castriota
- Fine, John V. A.; Fine, John Van Antwerp (1994). The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest. University of Michigan Press. p. 548. ISBN 0-472-08260-4.
The crusaders' successes inspired two other major revolts, ... the revolt of Skanderbeg in Albania...
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- Drizari, Nelo (1968). Scanderbeg; his life, correspondence, orations, victories, and philosophy.
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deportation of the Archbishop of Ohrid, Dorotei, to Istanbul in 1466, together with other clerks and bolyars who probably were expatriated because of their anti Ottoman acts during the Skender-Bey's rebellion.
- Judith Herrin (2013). Margins and Metropolis: Authority Across the Byzantine Empire. Princeton University Press. p. 11. ISBN 978-0-691-15301-8.
A revolt against Turkish authority in Albania, led by George Castriota (Iskender Bey or "Skanderbeg") was successful for a brief period and was supported by dissident Greeks in the Morea.
- Noli, Fan Stylian (1968). Vepra të plota: Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu (1405-1468). Rilindija. p. 138.
...Vladan Jurica, këshilltari i tij më i besueshëm, ...
- Babinger, Franz (1992). Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time. Princeton University Press. p. 153. ISBN 0-691-01078-1.
... a solid military alliance was concluded among all the Albanian and Serbian chieftains along the Adriatic coast from southern Epirus to the Bosnian border.
- "A Timeline of Skanderbeg's Campaigns". Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
- Božić 1979, p. 363
Мада ниједан савремени млетачки документ не помиње овај скуп, сви старији и многи новији историчари прихватили су Барлецијеве вести не придајући им, разуме се, исти значај.
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- ^ Setton p. 73.
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George Skanderbeg, a man of noble birth, received his inheritance. ... fortress of Krujë by stratagem and declared himselfa Christian, going so far as to impale the Ottoman officials who refused to accept baptism; see Fine, LMB, 521–22, 556.
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The names of religion and liberty provoked a general revolt of the Albanians, who indulged the Ottoman garrisons in the choice of martyrdom or baptism; and for 23 years Skanderbeg resisted the powers of the Turkish Empire, — the hero of ...
- Jovan Radonić (1905). Zapadna Evropa i balkanski narodi prema Turcima u prvoj polovini XV veka. Izd. Matice srpske. p. 249. Retrieved 21 June 2013.
...с пролећа 1946 обраћао за помоћ папи и Угарској преко републике дубровачке...
- Srpska Akademija Nauka i Umetnosti 1980, p. 39: "...да поруше обновљени Балеч с таквим снагама као да је у питању највећа тврђава. То је Петар Спан јавио свом рођаку Марину и овај је у последњем тренутку сакупио војнике и спустио се према Дању".
- Tibbetts, Jann (30 July 2016). 50 Great Military Leaders of All Time. Vij Books India Pvt Ltd. p. 571. ISBN 978-93-85505-66-9.
Following the Treaty of Gaeta, in the end of May 1451, a small detachment of 100 Catalan soldiers, headed by Bernard Vaquer, was established at the castle of Kruje.
- Gegaj, Athanas (1937). L'Albanie et l'Invasion turque au XVe siècle (in French). Bureaux du Recueil, Bibliothéque de l'Université. p. 88. ISBN 9780598935991. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
En vertu du traité, Alphonse V envoya en Albanie, au mois de juin 1451, un officier de sa trésorerie, Bernard Vaquer, avec les pouvoirs de commissaire spécial.
- Marinescu, Constantin (1994). La politique orientale d'Alfonse V d'Aragon, roi de Naples (1416-1458). Institut d'Estudis Catalans. pp. 181, 182. ISBN 978-84-7283-276-3.
- Jens Schmitt, Oliver; Konrad Clewing, Edgar Hösch (2005), "Die venezianischen Jahrbücher des Stefano Magno (ÖNB Codd 6215–6217) als Quelle zur albanischen und epirotischen Geschichte im späten Mittelalter (1433–1477)", Südosteuropa : von vormoderner Vielfalt und nationalstaatlicher Vereinheitlichung : Festschrift für Edgar Hösch (in German), Oldenbourg Verlag, p. 167, ISBN 978-3-486-57888-1, OCLC 62309552,
...Ivan Strez Balsics, des von Venedig anerkannten Nachfolgers Skanderbegs,...
- Schmitt 2001, p. 297 harvnb error: no target: CITEREFSchmitt2001 (help)
die Skanderbegs Personlichkeit gelassen hatte, nicht zu füllen. Deshalb muste Venedig wie in den Jahrzehnten vor Skanderbeg mit einer Vielzahl von Adligen zusammenarbeiten; neben Leka, Progon und Nikola Dukagjin gehörten zu dieser Schicht auch Comino Araniti, wohl derselbe, der 1466 Durazzo überfallen hatte; die Söhne von Juani Stexi, di Johann Balsha, Machthaber zwischen Alessio und Kruja; Gojko Balsha und seine söhne der woiwode Jaran um Kruja (1477), und auch der mit seinem Erbe überforderte Johann Kastriota.
Sources
- Schmitt, Oliver Jens (2012), Die Albaner: eine Geschichte zwischen Orient und Okzident (in German), C.H.Beck, ISBN 978-3-406-63031-6
- Setton, Kenneth Meyer (1978), The Papacy and the Levant, 1204–1571, DIANE Publishing, ISBN 978-0-87169-127-9
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- Srpska Akademija Nauka i Umetnosti (1980). Glas (Volumes 319–323) (in Serbian). Belgrade: Serbian Academy of Science and Arts.
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