Albania's Independence: The Flag, Sacrifices, and the Legacy that Unites

Diary of Albanian Chronicles

November 28, 1912

On November 28, 1912, Ismail Kemal Bey Vlora raised the red flag with the black double-headed eagle from the balcony of his family home in Vlora, a symbolic gesture that represented the culmination of a long and arduous journey toward Albanian independence. This event was not merely a solemn gesture but a powerful and significant manifestation of the end of centuries of Ottoman oppression and the beginning of a new chapter for the Albanian people. Behind this seemingly simple act lay a complex web of sacrifices, hopes, and delicate diplomatic efforts. These efforts were carried out not only by Ismail Qemali but also by numerous Albanian patriots who had dedicated their lives to this common cause. The raising of the flag marked, in effect, the endpoint of a long and tortuous path filled with resistance, astute diplomacy, and an impressive capacity to forge relationships with the European powers of the time. Without the unwavering determination of these men and women, Albania could never have found its place in the international debates of that era, nor could the Albanian people have affirmed their right to freedom and self-determination.

Ismail Kemal Bey Vlora, known as the founding father of the Albanian nation, proclaimed independence in Vlora in 1912, thus ending more than four centuries of Ottoman rule. Qemali's figure was as charismatic as it was tireless in his commitment to the national cause. Born probably on January 16, 1844, his exact birth date remains shrouded in mystery, partly due to the period of communist dictatorship that altered the historical narrative. This reflects how Qemali's personal history intertwines with that of the Albanian people, characterized by continuous revisions and uncertainties dictated by the political circumstances of the time. His ability to navigate tensions and forge alliances was crucial to the success of the independence movement.

The proclamation of independence was not an isolated act but rather the result of a complex and prolonged series of meetings, agreements, and understandings between representatives of the various Albanian regions and key figures of the nationalist movement. These negotiations culminated in the formation of the National Assembly in Vlora. The assembly included influential local leaders, intellectuals, and patriots, who contributed their diplomatic and political skills to obtain the necessary consensus and secure the support of European powers. During this historic meeting, Ismail Kemal Bey Vlora, leader of the provisional government, together with the Albanian delegates, raised the red flag with the double-headed eagle, the symbol of the Albanian nation, thus marking the birth of modern Albania. This historic meeting was marked by numerous logistical difficulties, including the need to bring together delegates from distant regions amidst significant instability and Ottoman surveillance. Ensuring security during the journey to Vlora was paramount, avoiding interference from Ottoman authorities or other regional powers. Politically, the participants had to overcome profound differences in vision and interests among the various factions, negotiating compromises to secure unified consensus around the proclamation of independence.

The flag was not merely a political symbol but also a powerful call to the history and identity of the Albanian people, a direct link to the legacy of Skanderbeg, the national hero who in the 15th century fought against the Ottoman forces. The association between Qemali and Skanderbeg was intentional: both represented the unity of the Albanian people against foreign oppressors, and their stories served to strengthen the sense of belonging and national identity, crucial elements at such a delicate moment for the future of the country. This act was imbued with profound historical significance, aimed at legitimizing the new political entity and reminding the Albanian people that the fight for freedom was a continuous thread running through their past, their present, and would continue into the future.

The historical context in which the declaration of independence took place was extremely complex, marked by intense tensions between the Balkan powers, each of which harbored conflicting interests in the region, and territorial claims that threatened the stability of the nascent Albania. The Balkans had long been known as the "powder keg of Europe," crossed by conflicts and expansionist ambitions that threatened to overwhelm the entire region. The Balkan War, involving the main powers of the peninsula, was rapidly shifting the balance and posed a direct threat to the territorial integrity and very survival of the Albanian nation. In this scenario, Albanian independence was not merely the result of skillful diplomatic negotiations but also the outcome of a long and arduous process of popular mobilization, armed resistance, and a calibrated diplomatic strategy. The challenges were not only about expelling occupying forces but also about gaining recognition of the Albanians' right to exist as a sovereign entity in a context where neighboring powers had deeply divergent interests.

Ismail Qemali and the delegates gathered in Vlora, by raising the flag, sanctioned not only the formal separation from the Ottoman Empire but also the reaffirmation of a national identity with deep roots. The reference to the era of Skanderbeg was intentional: it legitimized the new political entity and reminded the Albanian people that the struggle for freedom was part of their historical heritage. The choice of the flag and the location of the declaration were symbols carefully chosen to strengthen the idea of an unbroken link between the glorious past and the aspirations of the Albanian people in the present.

The proclamation of independence, however, was only the beginning of a series of challenges for the new state. Albania had to consolidate its existence in an extremely unstable regional environment, characterized by pressures from neighboring powers, each of which harbored territorial ambitions over Albanian lands. Tensions with Serbia, Montenegro, and Greece posed a constant threat to the equilibrium of the young state. For example, Serbian territorial claims over Kosovo and Montenegro's ambitions to expand its influence into northern Albania fueled frequent border skirmishes and a climate of constant instability. Greece, for its part, laid claim to parts of Epirus, generating tensions and mistrust that continually jeopardized the territorial integrity of the newly formed Albanian state. The Albanians had to defend not only their borders but also their right to cultural identity while seeking international recognition from the main European powers.

The London Conference of 1913 represented a crucial turning point in this process. While formally recognizing Albania's independence, the decisions made by the great powers regarding the borders of the new state excluded many Albanian communities, thus sowing the seeds of future tensions. Territories such as Kosovo and Chameria, historically inhabited by Albanians, were assigned to other nations, creating fractures that would have repercussions for decades. These divisions fueled feelings of injustice and territorial claims that profoundly influenced relations between Albanian populations and neighboring powers. In particular, Kosovo became a symbol of the struggle for Albanian reunification and self-determination, leading to subsequent conflicts, such as the Kosovo War in the 1990s. The issue of Chameria remained unresolved in relations with Greece, contributing to an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility. These events highlighted how the decisions made by European powers in 1913 failed to consider the cultural identities and aspirations of local populations, creating divisions that continue to influence regional relations to this day. This externally imposed territorial compromise represented one of the first major disappointments for the Albanian people, who saw the dream of a united Albania fade in the face of European powers' interests.

The celebration of November 28 today is much more than a mere national holiday: it is a symbol of resilience, hope, and unity for Albanians all over the world. On this day, the red and black colors of the national flag evoke a history of sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs that have defined the fate of the Albanian people. Commemorative ceremonies held both at home and abroad aim to honor the heroes of independence, reinforcing the sense of identity and national cohesion. This celebration is also an opportunity to reflect on the historical challenges overcome and those still present: although independence has been formally achieved, the path toward full sovereignty and prosperity remains incomplete and requires constant commitment and a vision for the future.

Today, more than a century after that crucial day, Albania looks forward with hope, aware of the price paid for its independence and the journey still to be traveled. The celebrations of November 28 are not only a tribute to the glorious past but also an invitation to the new generations to remember the sacrifice of their ancestors and to continue building a free, prosperous country integrated into the international community. It is a legacy that constantly calls on every Albanian to respect and preserve the deep roots that bind each of them to the history of their people—a history of struggle, determination, and a continuous aspiration for a better future.