Second review of GA nomination of Skanderbeg article by User:DeVerm:

"When contradicting information is available from different, but all reputable, sources, you have a controversy. Wikipedia guidelines then state that all those views must be put into the article, each with a weight that relates to the number of sources and/or their credibility."

Demography of Albania in 15. century

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Another portion of the north Albanian lands was included in the sancak of Debar, namely Kruja, Debar and the areas lying between the rivers of Mat and Black Drin. The bulky register of this sancak is another confirmation of the limited scope of the Ottoman colonisation in Northern Albania. The lack of Ottoman administrative officials in the sancak of Debar, as well as the low density of the Christian population in the villages during the second half of the 15th century resulted from the long-lasting resistance of the native people, taking into consideration that this province was the centre of the insurrectionary campaigns of the Albanian and Slav population against the conquerors..... According to the first timar registers for this territory from 1467, its sparse population was Christian only. It comprised motley groups of Albanians, Slavs, and Wallachians.:Zhelyazkova, Antonina (2000). "Albanian Identities" (PDF). Sofia: International Centre for Minority Studies and Intercultural Relations (IMIR). Retrieved March 18, 2011. {{cite web}}: More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)

A list of Albanians fighting for Ottoman Empire in period 1402—1479

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Copied from the the article Skanderbeg's Italian expedition: Constant news of Ottoman campaigns against Bosnia and Morea but not against Albania seemed to suggest that Mehmed II had been considering an armistice with Skanderbeg. The latter took advantage of this lull in the fighting by preparing for his voyage to Italy and by securing his northern frontiers from a possible attack by Skanderbeg's elusive ally, Lekë Dukagjini, who had been trying to expand his realm by reaching an agreement with the Turks.[1] In order to curb his ambitions, Skanderbeg seized Shat Fortress and presented it as a gift to Venice.[2] Skanderbeg then established an alliance with Venice against Dukagjini, while Dukagjni was strengthening his Turkish alliance.[3] The new pope issued a bull against Dukagjini, giving him fifteen days to break his alliance with the Ottomans and to reconcile with Skanderbeg, or be subject to interdiction; Dukagjini conceded and chose the former option. He then reestablished his alliance with Skanderbeg and Venice and accepted all of its losses.[4]


Jakub Muzake Arnauti, Hamzah Kastrioti, Kaptan Zaganos Pasha, Ballaban Badera, Ilias Bey Mirahori, Davud Pasche Dukagjini, Junus Bey Mati (brother of Ballaban) and his son Haydar

A list of non-Albanians fighting with Skanderbeg against the Ottoman Empire

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Controversies

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The works about Skanderbeg are subjected to controversial interpretations connected with:

  1. the ethnicity of Skanderbeg and population in the medieval Albania and the ethnicity of members of the armies fighting for Skanderbeg and against him
  2. Albanisation of Skanderbeg


The ethnicity of Skanderbeg and men that fought for him and against him

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Skanderbeg and his men were in some sources referred to as Epirotes and in some other as Albanians, depending on the name of the geographical region used — (Epirus or Albania). Ethnically, Skanderbeg's Albanian ethnicity is disputed by claims that he was of Serbian, Greek or mixed ethnicity.[5][6][7]

The men that fought for Skanderbeg were of different ethnic groups, not only because German, French or Italian[8] [9] soldiers were sometimes engaged to fight for him, but because both Albanians and Slavs[10] lived in the part of Albania under Skanderbeg's control and fought for him. In most cases they were not opposed by the foreign invaders, but by local forces loyal to the new empire and consisted of the local Albanians, Slavs and Vlachs willing to fight against the members of their own ethnic groups.[11]

The Albanisation of Skanderbeg

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Although Skanderbeg has already been used in the construction of the Albanian national code, especially in communities of Arbėresh, it was only after last years of the 19th century and the publishing of the work of Naim Frasheri "Istori'e Skenderbeut" in 1898, when his figure assumed a new dimension.[12] Albanian nationalists needed an episode from medieval history for centre of Albanian nationalistic mythology and they chose Skanderbeg, in the absence of medieval kingdom or empire. [13] The figure of Skanderbeg was subjected to the Albanisation and he was displayed as a national hero. [14] The other books and periodicals published later also began to more and more consider Skanderbeg as the national hero.[15] The nationalist writers subjected Skanderbeg to the laboratory which transformed the history into myth.[16] Transformation of Skanderbeg into national symbol served both national cohesion and as an argument for Albania's cultural affinity to Europe because the national narrative of Skanderbeg symbolized the sacrifice of the Albanians in "defending Europe from Asiatic hordes".[17]


Naim Frasheri was the biggest inspiration and guiding lights for most Albanian poets and intellectuals.[18]

Historical victimisation

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Besides cultural affinity to Europe, Europe is in Albania often conceived as threatening and untrustworthy partly because of the syndrome of historical victimisation created in 19th century and reinforced in 1913 when major part of territory inhabited with Albanians was divided between neighbouring Balkan states. Such nationalistic use of history which projects a vision of people as permanent victims creates an obstacle to a critical confrontation with the past.[19]


Before 1896, an image of Skanderbeg hero from Greek Orthodoxy was largely developed in the southern areas than in nearby regions of Montenegro, in 1897 again, epic poems in which he was famous as a warrior slave were more more broadcoast. Even if he was also already appeared in the construction of an Albanian national passes (especially Arbėresh) in the last years of the nineteenth century, his face assumed an nuovelle dimension. The publication in 1898 of History of Skanderbeg, an epic poem composed by Naim Frasheri, it helped LOTS. But other books and periodicals also began focusing on who was more widely regarded as the "national hero". Faik Konica collect materials on Skanderbeg, to feed the pages of Albania.[20]


Setton, Kenneth M. (1976), The papacy and the Levant, 1204–1571: The thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, American Philosophical Society, ISBN 9780871691279 that is listed in sources section of the article (p.101):

Skanderbeg and a determined force of 8.000 men, among whom were Slavs, Germans, Italians and others....

Here is description of this text (Barletius, Marinus (1508), Historia de vita et gestis Scanderbegi Epirotarum Principis (in Latin), Bernardinus de Vitalibus, OCLC 645065473), written by Marin Barleti, of people that lived in Dibra and fought for Skanderbeg.

Superior Dibra montuosa est et aspera, ferax tarnen et Macedoniam tum ipsa loci vicinitate, tum similitudine morum contingens. Bulgari sive Tribali habitant, ferox in armis gens et non minus Scanderbego multis praeclarae virtutis fidelque meritis grata. Propior tamen externis quam Epiroticis moribus et adhorens multo ab Albano cultu, Graecanico ritu victitabant et plerasque eorum superstitiones sequebatur

— Marin Barleti

Translated on English: Upper Debar is a land of hills and rough ground, but fertile. There are many proximities with Macedonia both for being close to it and for resemblance of customs of people. It is inhabitet by Bulgarians or Triballi, tribe that has merciless arms, but very dear to Skanderbeg because in many cases it proved its bravery and loyalty to him. Though, customs of this tribe were more like alien customs than Epirot. There are many differences in religion compared to Albanians, due to fact they belong to Greek religion, having many of its superstitions.

Here is link to "Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time", by Franz Babinger:

Skanderbeg had fortified himself with 8.000 faithful followers, including many Slavs, Italians, Frenchmen and Germans.

"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. "Robert Elsie (absolutely non-antialbanian) web site with Oliver Schmitt book

Skanderbeg attacked Venetian towns Bar and Ulcinj together with Serb princes Đurađ Branković, Stefan Crnojević.[21]

Skanderbeg's ethnicity

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One of the more remarkable was the Albanisation the figure of Skanderbeg and highlighted as a national hero.[22] In general, Skanderbeg became the symbol of glory and sovereignty past - and future - of the Albanian nation. [23] Apart from the question of origins, structures of the Albanian Identitet natonale was appealing still very succinct way the manufacture of a Pantheon - in particular the highlighting of Skanderbeg.[24]

Before 1896, an image of Skanderbeg hero from Greek Orthodoxy was largely developed in the southern areas than in nearby regions of Montenegro, in 1897 again, epic poems in which he was famous as a warrior slave were more more broadcoast. Even if he was also already appeared in the construction of an Albanian national passes (especially Arbėresh) in the last years of the nineteenth century, his face assumed an nuovelle dimension. The publication in 1898 of History of Skanderbeg, an epic poem composed by Naim Frasheri, it helped LOTS. But other books and periodicals also began focusing on who was more widely regarded as the "national hero". Faik Konica collect materials on Skanderbeg, to feed the pages of Albania.[25]

If Skanderbeg was the most important figure around which crystallized Albanian nationalism, it was not the only one. The manufacture of the "National Pantheon", which started well before 1896 around the characters like Alexander the Great, Pyrrhus, the Bushatli and Ali Pasha of Tepelene, or around the first albania, such Pashko Vasa, Jani Vreto Dora d'Istria, Konstantin Kristoforidhi and Demetrio Camarda, enriched further. In particular, of other Albanians were incorporated into this pantheon, and primarily the brothers Frasheri - Abdyl ...[26]


At the dawn of the twentieth century, as the figure of Skanderbeg Albanian national hero also took another dimension through the appearance of pretenders to the throne who claimed his descent.[27]

Controversial glorifying of Skanderbeg

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Albanian authors glorify Skanderbeg as mythical defender of his people and Christianity against Ottoman Empire. Figure of Skanderbeg was used both by nationalists during Albanian National Awakening and communists, during regime of Enver Hohxa.[28] In order to make Skanderbeg, who was the historical figure, relevant for Albanians, the communists continued to accent trough scholarship in Albania, the concept of the Albanian nation as an everlasting, unchanging entity. [29]

There is also different perspective of Skanderbeg being tragical figure that had waged a lost battle and plunged his Albanian homeland to disaster.[30]

References

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  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Frasheri360 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Frashëri 2002, p. 361
  3. ^ Frashëri 2002, p. 362
  4. ^ Frashëri 2002, p. 363
  5. ^ Noli, Fan Stilian (1947), George Castrioti Scanderbeg (1405–1468), International Universities Press, OCLC 732882, He characterizes Scanderbeg as "per natura Serviano"
  6. ^ Hodgkinson, Harry (1999), Scanderbeg: From Ottoman Captive to Albanian Hero, Centre for Albanian Studies, ISBN 9781873928134, both Greeks and Slavs have claimed Scanderbeg as one of themselves.
  7. ^ Elsie, Robert, Benjamin Disraeli and Scanderbeg. The novel 'The Rise of Iskander' (1833) as a contribution to Britain's literary discovery of Albania, George Castriota (1405-1468), now the Albanian national hero, stemmed from a family of landowners from the Dibër region in northeastern Albania who were no doubt of mixed Albanian- Slavic ancestry
  8. ^ Setton, Kenneth M. (1976), The papacy and the Levant, 1204–1571: The thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, American Philosophical Society, p. 101, ISBN 9780871691279, ... among whom were Slavs, Germans, Italians and others
  9. ^ Babinger, Franz (1992), Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time, Princeton University Press, p. 60, ISBN 9780691010786, ... including many Slavs, Italians, Frenchmen and Germans.
  10. ^ Barletius, Marinus (1508), Historia de vita et gestis Scanderbegi Epirotarum Principis (in Latin), Bernardinus de Vitalibus, p. 122, OCLC 645065473, Superior Dibra montuosa est et aspera, ferax tarnen et Macedoniam tum ipsa loci vicinitate, tum similitudine morum contingens. Bulgari sive Tribali habitant, ferox in armis gens et non minus Scanderbego multis praeclarae virtutis fidelque meritis grata. Propior tamen externis quam Epiroticis moribus et adhorens multo ab Albano cultu, Graecanico ritu victitabant et plerasque eorum superstitiones sequebatur. (Upper Debar is a land of hills and rough ground, but fertile. There are many proximities with Macedonia both for being close to it and for resemblance of customs of people. It is inhabitet by Bulgarians or Triballi, tribe that has merciless arms, but very dear to Skanderbeg because in many cases it proved its bravery and loyalty to him. Though, customs of this tribe were more like alien customs than Epirot. There are many differences in religion compared to Albanians, due to fact they belong to Greek religion, having many of its superstitions.)
  11. ^ Schmitt, Oliver Jens (2009), Skanderbeg. Der neue Alexander auf dem Balkan (PDF), Verlag Friedrich Pustet, ISBN 978-3-7917-2229-0, 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
  12. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 441, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, Avant 1896, une image de Skanderbeg heros de l orthodoxie Grecque s'etait largement developpee dans les regions meridionales tandis que, dans le regions proches du Montenegro, en 1897 encore, des poemes epiques dans lesqueles il etait celebre comme un guerrier slave etaient de plus en plus difuses. Meme s'il etait egalement deja apparu dans la construction d'un passe national albanais (en particulier Arberesh) , dans les toutes dernieres annes du XIX siecle, sa figure prit une nuovelle dimension. La parution en 1898 de l'Historie de Skanderbeg, un poeme epique compose par Naim Frasheri, y contribua beacoup. Mais, d'autres ouvrages et periodiques mirent aussi l'accent sur celui qui etait de plus en plus largement considere comme le "heros national". Faik Konica rassembla des materiaux sur Skanderbeg, afin d'alimenter les pages de l'Albania.
  13. ^ Schwandner-Sievers, Stephanie (2002), "Invention of nationalism: Myth and amnesia", Albanian identities: myth and history, USA: Indiana University Press, p. 43, ISBN 0-253-34189-2, ..an episode taken from medieval history was central for Albanian national mythology. In the absence of medieval kingdom or empire the Albanian nationalists choose Skanderbeg.... {{citation}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |lay-date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last1= specified (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 441, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, L'une des evolutions les plus remarquables fut l'albanisation de la figure de Skanderbeg et sa mise en avant en tant que heros national
  15. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 441, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, Avant 1896, une image de Skanderbeg heros de l orthodoxie Grecque s'etait largement developpee dans les regions meridionales tandis que, dans le regions proches du Montenegro, en 1897 encore, des poemes epiques dans lesqueles il etait celebre comme un guerrier slave etaient de plus en plus difuses. Meme s'il etait egalement deja apparu dans la construction d'un passe national albanais (en particulier Arberesh) , dans les toutes dernieres annes du XIX siecle, sa figure prit une nuovelle dimension. La parution en 1898 de l'Historie de Skanderbeg, un poeme epique compose par Naim Frasheri, y contribua beacoup. Mais, d'autres ouvrages et periodiques mirent aussi l'accent sur celui qui etait de plus en plus largement considere comme le "heros national". Faik Konica rassembla des materiaux sur Skanderbeg, afin d'alimenter les pages de l'Albania.
  16. ^ Schwandner-Sievers, Stephanie (2002), "Invention of nationalism: Myth and amnesia", Albanian identities: myth and history, USA: Indiana University Press, p. 43, ISBN 0-253-34189-2, The nationalistic writers...subjecting him to that laboratory that serves to transform history into myth. {{citation}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |lay-date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last1= specified (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Schwandner-Sievers, Stephanie (2002), "... transformation of Skanderbeg into national symbol did not just serve national cohesion... in the national narrative Skanderbeg symbolised the sublime sacrifice of the Albanians in defending Europe from the Asiatic hordes.", Albanian identities: myth and history, USA: Indiana University Press, p. 43, ISBN 0-253-34189-2 {{citation}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |lay-date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last1= specified (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Elsie, Robert (2005), "Writing in the independence period", Albanian literature: a short history, London: I.B. Tauris in association with the Centre for Albanian Studies, p. 100, ISBN 1845110315, retrieved January 18, 2011, major source of inspiration and guiding lights for most Albanian poets and intellectuals {{citation}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |lay-date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last1= specified (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ Schwandner-Sievers, Stephanie (2002), "... Europe is both dreamed about and yearned for as well as concieved of being threatening, slippery and not to be trusted but rather to be avoided. Part of this pattern is syndrome of "historical victimisation" (created in 19th century and reinforced in 1913 when major part of Albanian-inhabited territories was partitoned among neighbouring Balkan states... The use of nationalism to project the people as permanent victims constitutes an obstacle to a critical confrontation with the past.", Albanian identities: myth and history, USA: Indiana University Press, p. 43, ISBN 0-253-34189-2 {{citation}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |lay-date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last1= specified (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 441, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, Avant 1896, une image de Skanderbeg heros de l orthodoxie Grecque s'etait largement developpee dans les regions meridionales tandis que, dans le regions proches du Montenegro, en 1897 encore, des poemes epiques dans lesqueles il etait celebre comme un guerrier slave etaient de plus en plus difuses. Meme s'il etait egalement deja apparu dans la construction d'un passe national albanais (en particulier Arberesh) , dans les toutes dernieres annes du XIX siecle, sa figure prit une nuovelle dimension. La parution en 1898 de l'Historie de Skanderbeg, un poeme epique compose par Naim Frasheri, y contribua beacoup. Mais, d'autres ouvrages et periodiques mirent aussi l'accent sur celui qui etait de plus en plus largement considere comme le "heros national". Faik Konica rassembla des materiaux sur Skanderbeg, afin d'alimenter les pages de l'Albania.
  21. ^ Schmitt, Oliver Jens (2001), Das venezianische Albanien (1392-1479) (in German), München: R. Oldenbourg Verlag GmbH München, ISBN 3-486-56569--9, Georg Branković, Stefan Crnojević und Skanderbeg erschienen mit starken heeren vor den venezianischen Stadten (Georg Branković, Stefan Crnojević and Skanderbeg appeared with a strong army before the Venetian cities) {{citation}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |lay-date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last1= specified (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 441, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, L'une des evolutions les plus remarquables fut l'albanisation de la figure de Skanderbeg et sa mise en avant en tant que heros national
  23. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 442, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, De facon generale, Skanderbeg devenait le symbole de la gloire et de la souverainete passees - et futures - de la nation Albanaise.
  24. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 189, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, En dehors de la question des origines, les constructions de l'identitete natonale albanaise faisaient appel de facon encore tres succincte a la fabrication d'un Pantheon - en particulier a la mise en avant de Skanderbeg.
  25. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 441, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, Avant 1896, une image de Skanderbeg heros de l orthodoxie Grecque s'etait largement developpee dans les regions meridionales tandis que, dans le regions proches du Montenegro, en 1897 encore, des poemes epiques dans lesqueles il etait celebre comme un guerrier slave etaient de plus en plus difuses. Meme s'il etait egalement deja apparu dans la construction d'un passe national albanais (en particulier Arberesh) , dans les toutes dernieres annes du XIX siecle, sa figure prit une nuovelle dimension. La parution en 1898 de l'Historie de Skanderbeg, un poeme epique compose par Naim Frasheri, y contribua beacoup. Mais, d'autres ouvrages et periodiques mirent aussi l'accent sur celui qui etait de plus en plus largement considere comme le "heros national". Faik Konica rassembla des materiaux sur Skanderbeg, afin d'alimenter les pages de l'Albania.
  26. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 442, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, Si Skanderbeg etait la plus importante figure autour de laquelle se cristallisait le nationalisme albanais, elle n'etait pas la seule. La fabrication du "Pantheon national", entamee bien avant 1896 autour des personnages comme Alexandre le Grand, Pyrrhus, les Bushatli et Ali pacha de Tepelene, ou encore autour des premiers albanistes, tels Pashko Vasa, Jani Vreto, Dora d'Istria, Konstantin Kristoforidhi et Demetrio Camarda, s'enrichit encore. En particulier, d autres albanistes furent integres a ce pantheon, et au premier chef les freres Frasheri - Abdyl,...
  27. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 441, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, A l'aube XX siècle, la figure de Skanderbeg comme heros national albanais prit egalement une autre dimension a travers l apparition des pretendants au trone qui se reclamerent de sa descendance.
  28. ^ [http://sdraper.ece.wisc.edu/researchDir/pdf/ERS_97.pdf The conceptualization of an Albanian nation by Stark Draper, "As is often the case with nationalist ideologues, the communists first tried to establish a link between their movement and the past. In this case the connection was to the fifteenth century warrior George Kastriote, or as he is better known, Skanderbeg. Kastriote was born into the family of a Christian Illyrian nobleman in what is today Albania"]
  29. ^ The conceptualization of an Albanian nation by Stark Draper, ", scholarship on Albania often conceptualizes the Albanian nation as an everlasting, unchanging entity...Initially, to make the historical figure of Skanderbeg relevant for Albanians, the communists accented the continuity and distinctiveness of an Albanian people throughout the centuries of Ottoman rule."
  30. ^ "Schweizer Historiker weckt den Ärger der Albaner" [Swiss historian arouses the anger of the Albanians] (in German). Archived from the original on February 7, 2011. Retrieved February 7, 2011. Doch im Unterschied zu den albanischen Autoren, die Skanderbeg als mythischen Verteidiger seines Volkes und des Christentums gegen die Übermacht der Osmanen verklären, beschreibt der Historiker Schmitt den albanischen Fürsten als tragischen Helden, der einen aussichtslosen Kampf geführt und seine albanische Heimat ins Unheil gestürzt habe.

Controversies (section that was inserted into the text of the Skanderbeg article)

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Skanderbeg and his men were in some sources referred to as Epirotes and in some other as Albanians, depending on the name of the geographical region used — (Epirus or Albania). Ethnically, Skanderbeg's Albanian ethnicity is disputed by claims that he was of Serbian, Greek or mixed ethnicity.[1][2][3]

The men that fought for Skanderbeg were of different ethnic groups, not only because German, French or Italian[4] [5] soldiers were sometimes engaged to fight for him, but because both Albanians and Slavs[6] lived in the part of Albania under Skanderbeg's control and fought for him. In most cases they were not opposed by the foreign invaders, but by local forces loyal to the new empire and consisted of the local Albanians, Slavs and Vlachs willing to fight against the members of their own ethnic groups.[7]

Although Skanderbeg has already been used in the construction of the Albanian national code, especially in communities of Arbėresh, it was only after last years of the 19th century and the publishing of the work of Naim Frasheri "Istori'e Skenderbeut" in 1898, when his figure assumed a new dimension.[8] Albanian nationalists needed an episode from medieval history for centre of Albanian nationalistic mythology and they chose Skanderbeg, in the absence of medieval kingdom or empire. [9] The figure of Skanderbeg was subjected to the Albanisation and he was displayed as a national hero. [10] The other books and periodicals published later also began to more and more consider Skanderbeg as the national hero.[11] The nationalist writers subjected Skanderbeg to the laboratory which transformed the history into myth.[12] Transformation of Skanderbeg into national symbol served both national cohesion and as an argument for Albania's cultural affinity to Europe because the national narrative of Skanderbeg symbolized the sacrifice of the Albanians in "defending Europe from Asiatic hordes".[13]

References

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  1. ^ Noli, Fan Stilian (1947), George Castrioti Scanderbeg (1405–1468), International Universities Press, OCLC 732882, He characterizes Scanderbeg as "per natura Serviano"
  2. ^ Hodgkinson, Harry (1999), Scanderbeg: From Ottoman Captive to Albanian Hero, Centre for Albanian Studies, ISBN 9781873928134, both Greeks and Slavs have claimed Scanderbeg as one of themselves.
  3. ^ Elsie, Robert, Benjamin Disraeli and Scanderbeg. The novel 'The Rise of Iskander' (1833) as a contribution to Britain's literary discovery of Albania, George Castriota (1405-1468), now the Albanian national hero, stemmed from a family of landowners from the Dibër region in northeastern Albania who were no doubt of mixed Albanian- Slavic ancestry
  4. ^ Setton, Kenneth M. (1976), The papacy and the Levant, 1204–1571: The thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, American Philosophical Society, p. 101, ISBN 9780871691279, ... among whom were Slavs, Germans, Italians and others
  5. ^ Babinger, Franz (1992), Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time, Princeton University Press, p. 60, ISBN 9780691010786, ... including many Slavs, Italians, Frenchmen and Germans.
  6. ^ Barletius, Marinus (1508), Historia de vita et gestis Scanderbegi Epirotarum Principis (in Latin), Bernardinus de Vitalibus, p. 122, OCLC 645065473, Superior Dibra montuosa est et aspera, ferax tarnen et Macedoniam tum ipsa loci vicinitate, tum similitudine morum contingens. Bulgari sive Tribali habitant, ferox in armis gens et non minus Scanderbego multis praeclarae virtutis fidelque meritis grata. Propior tamen externis quam Epiroticis moribus et adhorens multo ab Albano cultu, Graecanico ritu victitabant et plerasque eorum superstitiones sequebatur. (Upper Debar is a land of hills and rough ground, but fertile. There are many proximities with Macedonia both for being close to it and for resemblance of customs of people. It is inhabitet by Bulgarians or Triballi, tribe that has merciless arms, but very dear to Skanderbeg because in many cases it proved its bravery and loyalty to him. Though, customs of this tribe were more like alien customs than Epirot. There are many differences in religion compared to Albanians, due to fact they belong to Greek religion, having many of its superstitions.)
  7. ^ Schmitt, Oliver Jens (2009), Skanderbeg. Der neue Alexander auf dem Balkan (PDF), Verlag Friedrich Pustet, ISBN 978-3-7917-2229-0, 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
  8. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 441, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, Avant 1896, une image de Skanderbeg heros de l orthodoxie Grecque s'etait largement developpee dans les regions meridionales tandis que, dans le regions proches du Montenegro, en 1897 encore, des poemes epiques dans lesqueles il etait celebre comme un guerrier slave etaient de plus en plus difuses. Meme s'il etait egalement deja apparu dans la construction d'un passe national albanais (en particulier Arberesh) , dans les toutes dernieres annes du XIX siecle, sa figure prit une nuovelle dimension. La parution en 1898 de l'Historie de Skanderbeg, un poeme epique compose par Naim Frasheri, y contribua beacoup. Mais, d'autres ouvrages et periodiques mirent aussi l'accent sur celui qui etait de plus en plus largement considere comme le "heros national". Faik Konica rassembla des materiaux sur Skanderbeg, afin d'alimenter les pages de l'Albania.
  9. ^ Schwandner-Sievers, Stephanie (2002), "Invention of nationalism: Myth and amnesia", Albanian identities: myth and history, USA: Indiana University Press, p. 43, ISBN 0-253-34189-2, ..an episode taken from medieval history was central for Albanian national mythology. In the absence of medieval kingdom or empire the Albanian nationalists choose Skanderbeg.... {{citation}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |lay-date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last1= specified (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 441, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, L'une des evolutions les plus remarquables fut l'albanisation de la figure de Skanderbeg et sa mise en avant en tant que heros national
  11. ^ Clayer, Nathalie (2007), Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation, Karthala, p. 441, ISBN 978-2-84586-816-8, Avant 1896, une image de Skanderbeg heros de l orthodoxie Grecque s'etait largement developpee dans les regions meridionales tandis que, dans le regions proches du Montenegro, en 1897 encore, des poemes epiques dans lesqueles il etait celebre comme un guerrier slave etaient de plus en plus difuses. Meme s'il etait egalement deja apparu dans la construction d'un passe national albanais (en particulier Arberesh) , dans les toutes dernieres annes du XIX siecle, sa figure prit une nuovelle dimension. La parution en 1898 de l'Historie de Skanderbeg, un poeme epique compose par Naim Frasheri, y contribua beacoup. Mais, d'autres ouvrages et periodiques mirent aussi l'accent sur celui qui etait de plus en plus largement considere comme le "heros national". Faik Konica rassembla des materiaux sur Skanderbeg, afin d'alimenter les pages de l'Albania.
  12. ^ Schwandner-Sievers, Stephanie (2002), "Invention of nationalism: Myth and amnesia", Albanian identities: myth and history, USA: Indiana University Press, p. 43, ISBN 0-253-34189-2, The nationalistic writers...subjecting him to that laboratory that serves to transform history into myth. {{citation}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |lay-date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last1= specified (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ Schwandner-Sievers, Stephanie (2002), "... transformation of Skanderbeg into national symbol did not just serve national cohesion... in the national narrative Skanderbeg symbolised the sublime sacrifice of the Albanians in defending Europe from the Asiatic hordes.", Albanian identities: myth and history, USA: Indiana University Press, p. 43, ISBN 0-253-34189-2 {{citation}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |lay-date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last1= specified (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)


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"Mais, dans le discours interne tourne vers les membres de la nation, on pouvait au contrare deplorer la faible diffusion de l'albanisme, denoncer les ennemies et les traitres. D'autres preferaient encourager l'albanisme et louer les patriotes qui montraient l'exemple.

Le nouveau contexte politique et surtout l'accroissement du caractere mobilisateur de l'albanisme enrichirent ce discours dominant et ses techniques de diffusion de plusieurs elements. L'une des evolutions les plus remarquables fut l'albanisation de la figure de Skanderbeg et sa mise en avant en tant que heros national."<ref>{{citation | last = Clayer | first = Nathalie | title =Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d'une nation| publisher = Karthala |page=441|quote=| year = 2007| isbn = 978-2-84586-816-8| url=http://books.google.com/books?id=umotBF3KFWgC&pg=PA666&dq=Themistokli+G%C3%ABrmenji&hl=en&ei=JGgzTYqHEpPr4gar2PyTCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Themistokli%20G%C3%ABrmenji&f=false}}</ref>

It is true that he made an alliance with other feudal families, Thopias, Balshas, Dukagjini, Dushmani, ... 1444), but the idea of an Albania unified by a national leader is far from reality. He controlled only northern Albania while

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Skanderbeg bat um eine Venezianische Schutzherrshaft und bot dafür 6000 Dukaten, die er bisher als Vasall dem Sultan gezahlt hatte.

Weiter stellte er sich mit seiner Gefolgschaft der Signoria zur Verfügung und drangte auf den raschen Wiederaufbau der Festung Skutari.

Dies war nichts anderes als eine versteckte Kapitulation Skanderbegs, der innerhalb von wenigen Monaten seinen wichtigsten Verbundeten, Johann Hunyadi, und seine wichtigste Festung, Svetigrad, verloren hatte und einen Angriff des sultans auf Kruja befürchtete.