The Struggle for Independence (1900-1912)

Elton Varfi

In this chapter, we explore the roots of the movement that led to the emancipation of Albania, highlighting the historical context, key personalities and decisive events that shaped the country's trajectory towards independence. The struggle for Albania's independence turns out to be not only a fundamental chapter in national history but also an emblematic expression of the human desire for freedom and self-determination.

Albania's historical context at the beginning of the 20th century

At the beginning of the 20th century, Albania found itself in a historical context of momentous changes, marking the beginning of an era of significant metamorphosis for the Balkan nation. Inheriting the heavy legacy of Scanderbeg's death on 17 January 1468, Albania's destiny was once again intertwined with that of the Ottoman Empire, whose reconquest of the country ushered in a dark period that lasted four centuries. During this dark period, the Albanian people were subjected to unrelenting suffering, with the forced conversion to Islam profoundly affecting the cultural and social identity of the majority of the population.

Prisoner Albanian fighters parade through the streets of Belgrade (Source: (Robert Elise)

At the beginning of the 20th century, however, Albania found itself at the centre of a whirlwind of radical change. After centuries of Ottoman rule, the foundations of the empire, once the undisputed ruler of the Balkans, began to show signs of fragility. The once glorious and powerful Ottoman Empire was now a tottering colossus, wracked by internal contradictions and a growing inability to meet the challenges of a new century. This scenario of imperial decline offered Albania the opportunity to embark on the path of self-determination, laying the foundations for the struggle for independence that would finally free the nation from the Ottoman yoke.

In this context, Albania was about to experience a crucial period in its history, a time when the desire for freedom and independence began to germinate in the hearts of its people, eager to assert their national identity and rewrite their destiny in a rapidly changing world. While the 'Sublime Porte' showed tolerance towards its non-Islamic subjects, as evidenced by the freedom granted to the Greeks to teach their own language, it adopted a markedly different attitude towards the Albanians. Even those who had embraced Islam faced a categorical ban on the opening of Albanian schools and the official use of their language. This discriminatory policy was exacerbated by the rise of the Young Turks in 1908, who adopted an even more aggressive line towards the Albanian community. The Albanian reaction was immediate: demands for language and cultural rights emerged, marking the beginning of growing discontent.

These tensions intensified in the early 1910s, particularly in Kosovo, where the situation quickly degenerated into an insurrection that spread southwards. The Balkan context was further destabilised by Italy's declaration of war on Turkey on 29 September 1911, an event that contributed to plunging the region into a maelstrom of conflicts known as the Balkan Wars. These clashes were characterised by extreme violence, with mass executions and atrocities, mainly against Albanian civilians, perpetrated with unprecedented brutality by the Serbs and Montenegrins in the north and even more viciously by the Greeks in the south.

Indiscriminate violence, fuelled by racial and religious hatred and intolerance, devastated entire communities in a country still struggling to assert its sovereignty. Journalistic accounts and eyewitness testimony from the period tell of burnt villages, destroyed families, deportations and massacres that foreshadowed the similar tragedies of the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo at the end of the 20th century. In the absence of effective government authority, and in a climate of instability exacerbated by the widespread presence of weapons, episodes of extreme violence occurred, leaving indelible scars in the collective Albanian memory.The resurgence of the Albanian insurrection, starting vigorously in the north and spreading rapidly throughout the country, acted as a catalyst for a series of events that would irrevocably alter the power dynamics in the Balkan peninsula. This insurrectionary movement not only strained the remaining forces of the Ottoman Empire, but also prepared the ground for the victories that the allied Balkan states would later achieve against Turkey. The historical importance of this insurrection, at the time perhaps not fully recognised, was crucial in determining the outcome of the conflicts in the region.

During this period of transition and national rebirth, Albanian identity intensified, fuelled not only by the immediate political and social challenges, but also by a deep reconnection with a rich and varied historical and cultural past. The rediscovery and appreciation of the Albanian cultural heritage, enriched by millennia of history, was perceived as a return to the origins and a need for self-determination and sovereignty.

The progressive weakening of the Ottoman Empire offered Albania the opportunity to begin a new chapter in its history, marking the end of an era of foreign domination and the beginning of a period of freedom. The awareness of belonging to a unique nation, able to withstand adversity and to maintain its cultural identity unaltered through the centuries, provided the foundation for a profound desire for independence, steering Albania towards a path of self-determination and national sovereignty.

The Albanian nationalistic fervour of this period was not an isolated phenomenon, but the expression of a broader movement that saw Albania vigorously reassert its national identity, claiming a leading role among the independent nations of the world. The struggle for independence, underpinned by a revived cultural awareness and an unconditional commitment to self-determination, marked the dawn of a new era for Albania, an era in which the Balkan nation could finally embark on the path towards the realisation of its own destiny.

This aspiration was part of a broader context of emerging turbulence and nationalism throughout the Balkans, a region where independence movements were flourishing, questioning the old imperial order and anticipating the break-up of old regimes and the emergence of new nation-states. In this climate of fiery nationalism, Albania stood out not as an isolated entity, but as an integral part of a far-reaching regional phenomenon, bearing witness to an era of profound political and social transformations.

Albanian rebels with their leader Idriz Seferi.

The manifestations of this Albanian nationalism took many forms, ranging from the clandestine activities of secret societies to covert meetings, passing through patriotic publications to public demonstrations involving large sections of the population. Despite the variety of their manifestations, these initiatives converged towards one great goal: the reaffirmation of Albanian national identity and the achievement of self-determination that had been eluded for centuries.

In this context of renewed hope and unstoppable determination, the figure of Ismail Qemali emerged powerfully. His leadership, characterised by enlightened vision and shrewd political strategy, was instrumental in catalysing the independence aspirations of the Albanian people, bringing them to fruition in the historic Declaration of Independence of 1912. This crucial event not only marked the dawn of a new era for Albania, but also represented an act of collective courage and a firm declaration of faith in the nation's future.

The advent of the 20th century, therefore, represented a crucial transitional period for Albania. The long-dormant desire for self-determination and independence found new life and made its way through the meshes of a waning imperial order. This historical period, full of challenges and rich in opportunities, saw Albanian nationalism gain new vigour. Buoyed by an awareness of their own distinctive cultural identity and a determination to build a future based on freedom and self-government, the Albanian people began to write a new chapter in their history.

The struggle for independence, therefore, was not only a response to external pressures or the decline of the Ottoman Empire, but also and above all the manifestation of a deep desire for redemption and national affirmation. The Albanians, inspired by the example of other Balkan nations and sustained by a rich tradition of resistance and cultural pride, united under the leadership of charismatic figures such as Ismail Qemali, charting the course towards the realisation of the dream of a free and sovereign Albania.

The Albanian nationalist movement

The centuries-long rule of the Ottoman Empire, which had exerted its unmistakable influence over Albania for centuries, was beginning to show unmistakable signs of subsiding. This long period of suppression had imprinted in the souls of the Albanian people a feeling of growing dissatisfaction, turning into a palpable desire to reclaim their national identity and sovereignty.

This nationalist fervour was not a bolt from the blue, but the result of a slow and progressive awakening. The Albanians, with tenacity and courage, began to organise secret meetings, to print clandestine publications and to weave a network of alliances both within and outside the national borders. These activities were driven by a deep awareness of their own history and culture, as well as an irrepressible aspiration for freedom.

The end of the Ottoman Empire offered a unique opportunity: that of rebuilding Albanian society on a new basis, preserving the riches of its cultural heritage while opening up to modern influences. In this context, the Albanian nationalist movement was not only a struggle for political independence, but also a profound process of cultural and social rebirth.

The commitment of Albanian intellectuals, poets, warriors and politicians to the art of diplomacy and armed resistance thus became the symbol of a nation that, despite adversity and internal divisions, united with a common goal: the affirmation of its identity in a rapidly changing Europe and world.

The Albanian nationalist movement, rooted in a centuries-old tradition of resistance and defence of cultural identity, began to crystallise into a much more organised form at the beginning of the 20th century. This impetus towards national mobilisation was fuelled by a host of intellectuals, politicians and activists, who, animated by a deep sense of belonging to their homeland and Albania's cultural roots, created a path of struggle for self-determination. This path would reach its climax with the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence in 1912, marking a historic turning point for the Albanian people.

These pioneers of Albanian nationalism, united by a common ideal of freedom and sovereignty, worked on several fronts to awaken national consciousness and mobilise popular support for the cause of independence. Through the press, literature, education and diplomacy, they spread the ideals of self-determination and national unity, challenging the assimilation policies and restrictions imposed by the Ottoman Empire. Their efforts were not limited to mere political contestation; they also worked to preserve and enhance Albanian language, history and traditions, helping to forge a sense of collective identity that transcended regional and social divisions

The work of these visionaries was characterised by an exceptional ability to adapt to changing circumstances and a strategic astuteness that allowed the nationalist movement to navigate the complexities of the international context. Cooperation with other independence movements, the ability to exploit rivalries between European powers and the commitment to build a network of international alliances were key elements in the strategy of the Albanian nationalist movement.

The Declaration of Independence of 1912 was, therefore, the culmination of a long and complex process that saw Albania emerge from the yoke of the Ottoman Empire as a free and sovereign nation. This historic event was not simply the result of political aspirations; it was the fruit of a profound cultural awakening and a resilient struggle for the affirmation of Albanian identity. With its realisation, the Albanian nationalist movement not only achieved political independence, but strongly reaffirmed the existence of a unique culture and history, laying the foundation for the construction of a modern and cohesive Albanian state.

The founding of secret societies, together with the proliferation of publications and the meticulous organisation of political meetings, constituted an indispensable vehicle through which the ideas of freedom and national cohesion began to spread widely among the Albanian population. These instruments of mobilisation, distinguished by their remarkable effectiveness in both communication and organisation, revealed their ability to overcome internal barriers, weaving a feeling of national unity that managed to transcend the regional, social and cultural disparities previously entrenched in society.

The work carried out by these secret societies and other forms of political aggregation was characterised by intense awareness-raising and political education. Through clandestine meetings, undercover publications and disguised cultural exchanges, a collective awakening was promoted towards an awareness of a common Albanian identity, which went beyond the divisions imposed by geography or social classes. This underground network of cultural and political resistance played a crucial role in strengthening the bonds between members of the national community, fuelling a shared desire for emancipation and self-determination.

The effectiveness of these instruments of mobilisation lay not only in their ability to spread revolutionary ideas, but also in their ability to create a connective tissue between different individuals and groups, unifying the population under a single ideal of struggle for independence. The creation of a feeling of national belonging, so intensively pursued through these clandestine activities, provided the fertile ground on which the aspiration for a free and sovereign nation, capable of self-determination on the international stage, could germinate.

In this context, the foundation of secret societies, the proliferation of publications and the organisation of political meetings took on a significance that went far beyond mere opposition to Ottoman rule. They became an expression of a collective will for redemption, of a deep yearning to regain one's national identity and sovereignty. These initiatives, although operated in the shadows, illuminated the path to independence, consolidating the basis for a cohesive Albanian nationalist movement determined to claim its place among the free nations of the world.

The synergic action of these groups, animated by a collective vision of the future of Albania, proved to be a fundamental pillar in promoting a collective awareness of the real possibility of obtaining independence. Intellectual figures of the calibre of Ismail Qemali, with their visionary and inspirational capacity, were decisive in channelling the widespread desire for self-determination towards a well defined political project and towards the constitution of a structured national liberation movement. Albanian society, traditionally characterised by deep divisions of a variegated nature, discovered in the nationalist cause a point of convergence and unification, a higher purpose that justified the suspension of ancient rivalries in the name of a collective good.

The spread of nationalist ideas, conveyed through the new channels of communication, played a crucial role in embodying this sense of collective belonging, facilitating the emergence of a united national consciousness determined to claim its sovereignty. The march towards independence was thus marked by a series of initiatives that, despite their diversity, contributed to forging a united front capable of challenging Ottoman authority and vigorously claiming Albania's right to exist as a free and independent nation. The Declaration of Independence of 1912 represented the culmination of this path, the moment when Albania, after centuries of foreign rule, could finally announce its national identity to the world, inaugurating a new era in its history.

The emblematic figure of Ismail Qemali emerged as a catalyst for these aspirations, symbolising the collective desire for independence. His leadership and strategic vision were decisive in consolidating the Albanian people around a common goal, demonstrating that determination and unity could indeed transform the aspiration for freedom into a tangible reality.

Ismail Qemal Bej Vlora together with Isa Boletini leader of the Kosovar uprising against the Turks.

The dawn of the 20th century marked a period of profound national awakening for Albania. Growing dissatisfaction with Ottoman rule, fuelled by European nationalist currents and the weakening of the Empire, found expression in an organised movement aimed at strongly reasserting Albanian identity. This process of mobilisation, which culminated in the historic Declaration of Independence, marked the dawn of a new era for Albania, . . . characterised by freedom and self-determination, in which the Albanian people would finally be able to walk the path to their own destiny.

The growing dissatisfaction of the Albanian population with Ottoman rule

In the early stages of the 20th century, the Albanian population was immersed in a climate of growing dissatisfaction with Ottoman rule. This sentiment transcended mere complaints about the economic difficulties or administrative inefficiencies of the empire. At the core of this widespread discontent lay a deep perception of cultural alienation, a sense of foreignness that permeated every stratum of Albanian society. The assimilation policies imposed by the Ottoman Empire, aimed at homogenising the variegated identities within its borders, threatened to erode, if not completely erase, Albania's rich cultural heritage. This heritage, forged through centuries of unique history and distinctive traditions, was now at risk.

The issue at the heart of this discontent transcended the mere preservation of customs or artistic expressions; rather, it was the very essence of Albanian national identity that was at stake. The imposition of restrictions on the use of the Albanian language, the suppression of traditional festivals and the obstruction of the transmission of the founding stories that had shaped the community's collective identity were perceived as acts of cultural oppression. Any attempt to undermine the Albanian cultural heritage was seen not only as an attack on its individual components, but as an assault on the very existence of the Albanian nation.

In this context of cultural resistance, the Albanian people began to mobilise, seeking ways to preserve their identity and oppose imperial policies. The struggle for cultural survival was inextricably intertwined with the growing movement for independence, outlining a path of resistance that would define Albanian history in the new century. The preservation of language, traditions and history was not only an act of rebellion against the oppressor, but became the affirmation of a cultural sovereignty that went hand in hand with the aspiration for political sovereignty.

It was in response to this pressing cultural threat that Albanian nationalist sentiment began to mature with accelerated intensity, rooted in a deep awareness of belonging to a unique land and culture. This sentiment, although not new in the soul of the Albanian people, was catalysed by Ottoman policies in such a way as to transform an identity that until then had been preserved relatively passively, into an active and vibrant cause worth fighting for.

This resurgence of Albanian nationalism was fuelled by the idea that Albanians, as a people, were the bearers of inalienable rights to their own land, language and traditions; rights that no outside power had the authority to suppress or deny. At this crucial historical turning point, the desire for self-determination began to crystallise not only as a reaction to the policy of forced assimilation, but also as the assertion of a fundamental and inalienable right.

The Albanians began to recognise themselves no longer merely as subjects of a declining empire, but as effective members of a nation with its own intrinsic dignity, a rich and complex history, and, above all, a future to be defined and shaped autonomously. This realisation marked the beginning of a transition from a general feeling of discontent towards an organised and united movement for independence, ushering in a new era for Albania. In this context, the struggle for freedom and national sovereignty became the axis around which the destiny of the entire nation began to orbit, outlining a path of resistance and redemption that would profoundly mark Albanian history during the 20th century.

The influence of nationalist ideas in Europe and the weakening of the Ottoman Empire

In the European context of the early 20th century, the nationalist ferment that was spreading represented a powerful and transformative force. This current of thought exerted considerable influence on peoples still chained to the yoke of multinational empires, including the Albanians, who lived under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The ideologies of liberty, equality and fraternity, principles that had found their first concrete expression during the French Revolution, continued to resonate across the continent as an echo of universal principles, inspiring and fuelling resistance movements and independence aspirations throughout Europe.

The assembly of nationalists gathered in Vlora that proclaimed the nation's independence. In the centre Ismail Ismail Qemal Bej Vlora.

These ideals, far from being mere philosophical abstractions, were embodied in concrete models of government and social organisation, offering tangible hope to those peoples who aspired to freedom and national self-determination. The impulse towards the creation of nation states, in which populations could express and preserve their cultural and linguistic identity, found fertile ground in an era marked by profound political and social changes.

At the same time, the weakening of the Ottoman Empire helped create a favourable context for these nationalist aspirations to flourish. The progressive erosion of the Ottoman central power, aggravated by internal crises and growing external pressures, outlined a scenario in which the subjugated peoples saw increased possibilities to claim their independence. Albania, within this framework, emerged as a key theatre in this struggle for self-determination, as Albanians faced not only the challenges posed by imperial oppression, but also the opportunity to rewrite their own destiny.

The influence of nationalist ideas in Europe, therefore, was not only a process of accelerating independence movements, but also a key element that helped to shape the collective identity of the subject peoples, including the Albanians. The latter, inspired by the victories and struggles of other nations, began to perceive more clearly the possibility of a future based on self-government, recognition of their rights and celebration of their cultural heritage. Against this backdrop of effervescence and change, Albania was about to embark on its journey towards independence, marking the beginning of a new era in its thousand-year history.

At the same time, the Ottoman Empire was confronted with a series of internal challenges and external pressures that highlighted its growing structural fragility. This large political entity, once dominant over vast territories stretching across three continents, now faced the daunting challenge of modernisation in an era marked by rapid technological, economic and political change. Its inability to modernise effectively and adequately manage growing national claims within its borders made the Empire particularly vulnerable to the expansionist interests of European powers, increasingly eager to redraw the geopolitical balance to their own advantage.

This situation of imperial instability opened a unique window of opportunity for nationalist movements, including the Albanian one, which saw in the weakening of the empire the possibility of advancing their claims to sovereignty and independence with greater force. The struggle for self-determination was, therefore, part of a broader context of international rivalries and political transformations, which offered subjugated peoples the hope of finally emerging as sovereign actors on the world stage.

The Albanians, in particular, interpreted this conjuncture as a signal to intensify their organisational and diplomatic efforts, aiming to build a united front capable of effectively claiming the right to independence. The international ecosystem of the early 20th century, characterised by widespread nationalism and a declining Ottoman Empire, served as a stimulus for the strengthening of Albanian national identity and the advancement of its project as an independent state. At this crucial historical juncture, the Albanian nationalist movement not only drew inspiration from the independence struggles of other nations, but also found itself navigating the complex dynamics of a Balkan region that was the scene of opposing tensions and ambitions. The ability to strategically exploit the international conjuncture and mobilise both internal and external support thus became a key element in the Albanians' struggle for independence, marking a decisive step towards the realisation of their aspired nation-state.

The influence of European nationalist ideas, combined with the weakening of the Ottoman Empire, played a crucial role in the evolution of Albanian nationalism. This international context acted as an engine for the movement, offering not only an ideological frame of reference, but also concrete examples of successful independence that could be emulated. The Albanians, witnessing the changes that were taking place in other parts of Europe and aware of the growing vulnerability of the Ottoman Empire, found in the historical and political circumstances of the time a fertile ground for the affirmation of their national aspirations.

In this climate of renewed optimism and political awareness, the Albanian nationalist movement began to organise and articulate its demands with greater determination. The principles of freedom, equality and fraternity became the pillars on which to build the project of a sovereign Albanian nation, inspiring a generation of intellectuals, activists and patriots to fight for the realisation of an independent state. The convergence between the inspiration drawn from European independence movements and the specific circumstances of Albania under the Ottoman Empire outlined a path of struggle that, while rooted in Albania's peculiar history and culture, was also part of a broader national liberation movement that swept across Europe at the beginning of the 20th century.

The figure of Ismail Qemali

In the panorama of Albanian history, Ismail Qemali emerges as a figure of extraordinary relevance, embodying not only the role of a political leader but also that of an authentic driving force of an era. More than a mere participant in historical events, Qemali reveals himself to be a beacon of ideals, whose influence extends far beyond the chronology of events to become deeply rooted in the Albanian national identity. His existence, characterised by intense political activity, periods of exile and enlightened strategic vision, unfolds as a crucial chapter in history, inextricably intertwined with Albania's national awakening process at the dawn of the 20th century.

Ismail Qemal Bej Vlora (Vlora, 16 January 1844 - Perugia, 24 January 1919)

Born into the distinguished Vlora family in 1844, Ismail Qemali grew up in an environment still under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, an entity that had exerted its control over the Balkan regions for centuries. From his youth, Qemali was distinguished by intellectual acumen and an unwavering dedication to the cause of Albanian self-determination, a commitment that led him to pursue advanced studies and immerse himself in Ottoman reformist currents. It was within this environment that he began to perceive the profound limitations and contradictions of a declining empire, unable to appreciate and value the cultural and national diversity of its various peoples.

Qemali's career within the Ottoman administration, although marked by some successes, quickly proved incompatible with his growing commitment to the liberation and self-determination of Albania. His political vision, deeply influenced by the European context of the time, marked by a lively nationalist ferment and independence movements, pushed him towards a clear opposition to the centralist policies of the Empire. Qemali saw Europe, with its ideals of freedom, equality and fraternity, not only as a source of inspiration but also as a potential ally in the battle for Albania's independence.

Through his actions and leadership, Ismail Qemali emerged as a key figure in guiding Albania towards the goal of independence, demonstrating with his life that it was possible to transform the dream of a free and sovereign nation into a tangible reality. His legacy, marked by a tenacious struggle for sovereignty and Albanian national identity, continues to be a fundamental pillar in the collective imagination of the Albanian people, inspiring future generations to value their culture and defend their rights.

Ismail Qemali's commitment saw him through exile and persecution, but also as a skilful weaver of alliances and an expert navigator of the complex international dynamics of his time. His existence was a constant balancing act between pragmatism and lofty ideals. The proclamation of Albanian independence, on the memorable 28 November 1912, stands as the pinnacle of his political career: a moment of triumph in which Qemali's vision is realised in the founding act of a nation.

However, Ismail Qemali's life did not end with the achievement of independence. The years that followed were dense with diplomatic commitment, culminating in his stay in Italy, where he worked to consolidate the international recognition of the Albanian state. His death, on 26 January 1919 in Perugia, closed a significant chapter, but not the echo of his legacy: that of a man who, armed with vision, courage and unwavering dedication, mapped out the path to a free and sovereign Albania.

In Ismail Qemali is embodied the very essence of Albanian nationalism: a movement deeply anchored to its own cultural and historical identity, but open to dialogue with Europe and the entire world, in a quest for modernity that does not abdicate the fundamental values of freedom and independence. His biography thus reveals itself not only as the narrative of an exceptional existence, but as an inescapable chapter in the history of Albania, a network rich in lessons for the nation's present and future.

Ismail Qemali's legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the importance of political vision and action in shaping the destiny of a people. His story is a reminder of an individual's ability to profoundly affect the course of events, emphasising the importance of pursuing ideals of justice, unity and national sovereignty with determination and strategic intelligence. His life, intricately woven into the fabric of Albanian history, remains a beacon for those who aspire to build a future in which independence and freedom are the pillars of a strong and proud nation.

Albania's Declaration of Independence in 1912

The choice of 28 November as a significant date and the homage to the mythical figure of Scanderbeg were not events left to chance. This day resonates in Albanian history as an echo of a crucial moment: the liberation of Kruja, the fortress under Scanderbeg's command, from Ottoman occupation. It was the time when the Albanians were ready to finally free themselves from the last vestiges of the Ottoman Empire. The cult of Scanderbeg emerged as an irreplaceable pillar of national identity, uniting the Albanians beyond their differences. This phenomenon of union transcended regional and cultural distinctions between North and South, between Gheghi and Toschi, culminating in a unanimous patriotic response. 28 November 1912 earned an indelible place in Albanian historical memory, celebrated as 'Flag Day', symbolising Albania's acquisition of independence.

This context of national awakening saw 28 November 1912 turn into a date of epochal significance, thanks to the decisive leadership of Ismail Qemali Bey Vlora, one of the leading exponents of the independence movement. In Vlora, in a gesture rich in symbolism, Qemali hoisted the red flag with Scanderbeg's black double-headed eagle, thus proclaiming the sovereignty of Albania. With this gesture, Albania announced its independence from the Ottoman Empire, establishing a provisional government headed by Qemali and providing for the formation of a Senate to support the nascent state structure.

Act of Declaration of the Independence of Albania.

The declaration of independence was immediately communicated to the 'Sublime Porte' and the major European powers, accompanied by the sending of international delegations to defend and promote the rights of the Albanian people. Although independence was not immediately recognised internationally, it was warmly welcomed by the Albanian diaspora, especially at the Congress of Trieste in March 1913, where the legitimacy of the Qemali government received wide support. The official recognition of Albanian independence came with the signing of the Treaty of London on 30 May 1913, at the end of the First Balkan War, although the borders delineated were narrower than the original ambitions of the independentists.

Despite these territorial restrictions, the Declaration of Independence of 1912 remains an emblem of pride and resilience for Albania, ushering in an era of new challenges and opportunities for modern state-building. During the First Balkan War, Albania showed remarkable resilience against the territorial ambitions of its Balkan neighbours, maintaining control over key areas of the national territory.

This period of transition and national affirmation highlighted the resilience of a united people under the leadership of charismatic personalities like Ismail Qemali, ready to navigate geopolitical complexities and claim a sovereign place in the world. The Declaration of Independence, therefore, was not just a formal achievement, but the culmination of a long struggle for freedom, profoundly affecting Albania's cultural and historical identity and setting it on a path of self-determination, sovereignty and relentless progress towards the realisation of a democratic and modern society.

The discovery of 'post-independence Albania' continues with us. In our next post, we will explore Albania's path between the ambitions of the great powers at the Paris Peace Conference, revealing the birth of a resilient and determined nation. Don't miss our in-depth look at the struggle for sovereignty in an era of change. Leave your thoughts in the comments and follow us so you don't miss this exciting narrative.

Bibliography

Vlora, Ismail Kemal Bey. Memoirs. Edited by Nermin Falaschi, We Publicists, 1978.

Salleo, Ferdinand. Albania: a kingdom for six months. Sellerio publisher, 2000.

Lopez, Beppe. The prince in the tangle. Zines, 2009.

Vaina, Eugenio. Albania in the making. Francesco Battiato publisher, 1914.

Frashëri, Kristo. Shpallja e pavarësisë së Shqipërisë. Publication of the Ministry of Education and Culture, 1957.