TheAlbanian nobility was anelite hereditary ruling class inAlbania, parts of the westernBalkans and later in parts of theOttoman world. The Albanian nobility was composed of landowners of vast areas, often in allegiance to states like theByzantine Empire, variousSerbian states, theRepublic of Venice, theOttoman Empire and theKingdom of Naples in addition to theAlbanian principalities. They often used Byzantine, Latin or Slavic titles,[1] such assebastokrator,despot,dux,conte andžupan. Notably, they also constructed religious sites, castles and had powerful courts. The Albanian principalities were usually divided in history except during thePrincipality of Arbanon when there was only one Albanian state ruled by one dynasty, and also during theLeague of Lezhë where most of the Albanian nobility and peasant communities unified under a military alliance against the Ottoman Empire.
Noble Albanian families first arose during the Middle Ages and usually provided allegiance or were vassals to a certain kingdom or empire. They relied on their state’s economically and politically which would often cause for Albanian feudal lords to often convert religions to meet the demands of the state. During the Ottoman period, Albanian landowners would convert toIslam and pay a tribune to the Ottomansultan to remain in power.
The role of local Albanian lords became more and more important to the fate of the kingdom and the Angevins integrated them into their military structure especially in the second phase of the kingdom. When Philip of Taranto returned in 1304, one Albanian noble,Gulielm Blinishti, was appointed head of Angevin army in the Kingdom of Albania with the titlemarascallum regnie Albaniae. He was succeeded in 1318 byAndrea I Muzaka. From 1304 on, other western titles of nobility were bestowed by the Angevins upon the local Albanian lords. Although the Angevins tried to install a centralized state apparatus, they left great autonomy to the Albanians cities. In fact, in 1272 it was Charles of Anjou himself who recognized the old privileges of Durrës' community. Eventually, the Angevins lost most of their power within Albania and were left with the Duchy of Durrazzo, which some Albanian nobles managed to keep their titles. Although, this would not last for long as Albanian rulerKarl Thopia would eventually become the ruler of the city after the end of theAlbanian-Anjou Conflict, being later succeeded by his sonGjergj Thopia.
Byzantium was the first empire in history to have allowed Albanian nobility the privileges of Albanian landowners governing lands. TheMuzaka family is an example of this and were loyal to theByzantine Empire. During theMuzaka-Serbian Conflict they had protected the empire from the Serbian kingVukašin and had even managed to capture the king himself at the battle of Pelister which is in what is now modern dayNorth Macedonia. For their great victory, the head of the familyAndrea II Muzaka gained the title ofDespot in 1335, while other family members of the Muzaka continued to pursue careers in Byzantine administration in Constantinople.[2] They received impressive titles in the Byzantine empire such asSebastokrator,Protosebastos. Other families such as theMataranga family also gained similar titles and were vassals to the Byzantine empire. There were also numerous notable figures such asDavid Arianites, who was thought to have been from the noble AlbanianArianiti family, andProgonos Sgouros who carried significant Byzantine military titles and also governed lands within the empire.
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The first Albanian state in the Middle Ages, it was ruled by the nobleAlbanianProgoni family and extended from theDrin river to the southern boundary of theOhrid lake. Its rulers were known in Catholic sources with the titles of judices, while in Byzantine ones the titles mentioned are those of the grandarchon and thepanhypersebastos. In 1204, Arbanon attained full, though temporary, political independence, taking advantage of the weakening of Constantinople following itspillage during theFourth Crusade.[3] However, Arbanon lost its large autonomy ca. 1216, when the ruler of Epirus,Michael I Komnenos Doukas, started an invasion northward into Albania andMacedonia, taking Kruja and ending the independence of the principality.[4] During this period, the area was ruled by the Greco-Albanian lordGregorios Kamonas, the new spouse of Demetrius' Serbian former wifeKomnena Nemanjić, and byGolem (Gulam), a localmagnate who had married Kamonas' and Komnena's daughter. Arbanon was eventually annexed in the winter of 1256–57 by the Byzantine statesmanGeorge Akropolites. Golem subsequently disappeared from historical records.[5] Akropolites' historical writings are the main primary source for late Arbanon and its history. Many scholars note that the Principality of Arbanon was the firstAlbanian state to emerge during theMiddle Ages.[6][7] Arbanon is generally considered to have retained large autonomy until Demetrius death in 1216, when the principality fell under the vassalage of Epirus or theLaskarids of Nicaea.[3]
Between 1190 and 1204, Arbanon was a principality of the Byzantine Empire and possessed a considerable degree of autonomy, although the titles 'archon' (held by Progon) and 'panhypersebastos' (held by Dhimitër) are evident signs of Byzantine dependence.[8] In the context of a weakening of Byzantine power in the region following thesack of Constantinople in 1204, Arbanon attained full autonomy for 12 years until the death of Demetrios in 1215 or 1216.[3][9]
WhenDurrës was captured by theKingdom of Serbia,Milutin was titled the King of Albania while his rule was occasionally recognized by Albanian noblemen around Durrës.[10] Many Albanian noblemen were included in the feudal hierarchy of the Kingdom of Serbia and had titles and privileges of župans, voivodas orkaznacs.[11] Albanian nobility was included into hierarchy of the feudal system ofSerbian Empire without any discrimination and participated in the work of the highest government institutions, where Albanianarchons had the same rights as theSerbian nobility had.[12][13]Serbian emperor wanted to gain the support of the Albanian nobility so he confirmed the privileges Kruje had been granted by theByzantine Empire.[14]
A decisive point of the relation of Albanian nobility with Ottoman Empire was theBattle of Savra in 1385.[15] After the Battle of Savra Albanian nobility became vassals of the Ottoman Empire.[15]
Albanian nobility did not fight against Ottomans with united and compact forces like Serbian and Bulgarian aristocracy, but with small independent local rulers.[16] Therefore, the Ottomans, who have been since claimed to be "brutal and cruel" to the Serbian and Bulgarian nobility, might have been conciliatory with the Albanian nobility.[17]
When Albania became part of theOttoman Empire, it was divided intosanjaks with numeroustimars. Many members of the Albanian nobility held high rank positions within Ottoman the hierarchy, likeSkanderbeg andBallaban Badera who were Ottoman sanjakbeys.[18][19][20] Some members of the Albanian nobility were Ottomantimariots.[21] Through the implementation of thetimar system the Albanian nobility was absorbed into the Ottoman military class within not more than two generations.[22] They adopted theOttoman titles such asagha,bey orpasha. However, there was also a significant amount of resistance to Ottoman rule from Albanian nobility, as evidenced by theAlbanian revolt of 1432–1436 andSkanderbeg's rebellion. During a time period, there were alsoAlbanian Pashaliks which were 3 semi-independent states ruled by Albanian nobles who carried the Ottoman title ofPasha.
During the period of crisis for the Ottoman Empire after theBattle of Ankara in 1402 several Ottoman vassals from Albania includingGjon Kastrioti, Niketas Thopia and Nicola Zaccaria, recognized Venetian suzerainty.[23] Numerous members of Albanian noble families were Venetianpronoiers.[24][25][26][27][28][29] Many Albanian noblemen fought against Skanderbeg within Venetian forces duringAlbanian–Venetian War.[30][31] The VenetianDuchy of Durazzo was also under control of Venice and many Albanian nobles claimed citizenship rights to the city which is now modern-dayDurrës.
In 1451, many Albanian noblemen became vassals of theKingdom of Naples. The first was Skanderbeg who signed theTreaty of Gaeta on March 26, 1451 and after him many other Albanian noblemen likeGeorge Arianiti, Ghin Musachi,George Strez Balšić,Peter Spani,Pal Dukagjini, Thopia Musachi, Peter of Himara,Simon Zenebishi andCarlo II Tocco signed similar treaties.[32][33] Skanderbeg had to fulfill his vassal obligations tosend his forces to Italy to supportFerdinand I of Naples in his struggle against theAngevin Dynasty.[34] In return, the Kingdom of Naples provided financial and military support to its vassals in Albania and maintained a permanent garrison in Kruje.[35][36]
The Principality of Albania was founded byKarl Thopia in 1359 who ruled the lands in central Albania between the rivers ofMat andShkumbin. The principality was also able to conquerDurazzo from the Anjou who had controlled it at the time. He was later succeeded by his ill sonGjergj Thopia, who married Serbian princesssTeodora Branković and had no issue. The remaining lands were split and fought betweenHelena Thopia and Karl’s illegitimate sonNiketa Thopia.
Thereligion of the Albanian nobility depended on the religion of their lords, or the power that could threaten their political existence.[37] Until the end of 14th century the Albanian nobility wereChristians (Orthodox or Catholic). After theBattle of Savra in 1385 most of the local Albanian nobility became vassals of the Ottoman Empire[38] and began converting to Islam. In the end of 17th century the Albanian nobility was majorityislamized.[39] The official language of correspondence in theMedieval principalities in Albania controlled by local nobility wereGreek,Latin orSlavic.[40]
Many constructions and reconstructions of religious buildings and castles or fortresses were built by the Albanian nobility, such as the construction ofKardhiq Castle by Albanian nobleJohn Zenevisi.
Religious buildings were also constructed, such asSaint John Vladimir's Church inElbasan, which was constructed by Karl Thopia and held the relics of Serbian Prince,saint and martyrJovan Vladimir as well as the graves of Karl and his son Gjergj who both ruled the principality of Albania. Another example was part of thechurch of Saints Clement and Panteleimon was reconstructed and significant donations were made to the church by Karl, and was recognised as aKtitor who’s coat of arms, almost identical to the one found in Jovan Vladimir’s church in Elbasan, is present.
Another notable religious construction by Albanian nobility was theChurch of St. Athanasius of Mouzaki inKastoria, modern-day Greece. It was constructed by 2 members of theMuzaka family,Stoya Muzaka andTeodor II Muzaka as well as the Greek monk Dionisyius. A fresco ofSaint George can also be seen with Byzantine attire and a double headed eagle, similar to the one awarded by Byzantine emperorJohn V Palaiologos to Andrea II Muzaka. This could be a possible reference or depiction of the noble. Another Albanian nobleAndrea Gropa, who was in an alliance with the Muzaka, also constructed a church inOhrid, thus being mentioned in the founding inscription as a Ktetor.
The Albanian nobility used a variety of different symbols, coats of arms and heraldry which was usually entitled to them by the state they aligned to. These symbols were often passed down amongst generations.
An attempt to restore themonarchy in 1997 was rejected by about two-thirds of those voting in areferendum.[41] Former noble families and their descendants are still a part of society in Albania, but they no longer retain any specific privileges.
This is a list ofAlbanian noble families, which also includes families that are of Albanian descent.
Albanian nobility used intensively a titulature* of Byzantine, Latin or Slavic origins
Kasnije, kad je Drač pao u srpske ruke, nosiće kralj Milutin naslov kralja Arbanije.[title missing][author missing]
srpskog kralja Milutina [1282–1321]... vlast srpskog kralja priznavali su povremeno i albanski velikaši u zaleđu Drača...Još u doba kralja Milutina albanski feudalci ce uključuju u feudalni poredak srpske države sa zvanjima i beneficijama župana, vojvode ili kaznaca.
U Dušanovom carstvu albanske zemlje i velikaši Albanije obuhvaćeni su bez ikakvog izdvajanja i diskriminacije hijerarhijskim feudalnim sistemom....Politička integracija Albanaca u srednjovekovnoj srpskoj državi izvršena je u okviru feudalnog sistema bez diskriminacije prema albanskoj vlasteli. Sa svojim starim ili novim zvanjima, stečenim ili tek dobijenim povlasticama, sa baštinama, pronijama i drugim feudalnim pravima albanski feudalci, u meri u kojoj su ulazili u srpsku državu, bili su aktivan činilac te države. U titulama srpskih kraljeva odnosno careva, kao što smo videli, albanski narod je došao i do svojevrsnog državnopravnog legitimiteta. Ovaj ce legitimitet izražavao i u pravima albanske vlastele da učestvuje u radu najviših organa vlasti srpske države, srpskih sabora. Već sa širenjem granica srpske države preko grčkih i albanskih oblasti, kako je primetio Nikola Radojčić, javilo ce pitanje o učestvovanju Grka i Albanaca na srpskim saborima; grčki i albanski arhonti su i učestvovali u radu sabora sa svim pravima srpske vlastele.
The chrysobull that Dusan issued in June 13h3, by which he confirmed the privileges of Kroja that had been granted by the Byzantine emperors, clearly indicates that the Serbian ruler sought to win the support of the Albanian nobility. From the evidence of this document we may assume that Dušan entrusted to the local nobility the administration of various Albanian cities
A turning point in the first contacts between the Albanian nobility and the Ottomans was the Battle of Savra (ca. 1385).
...the Bulgarian and Serbian aristocracies...In the first place, the Albanian feudal lords did not fight against the Ottomans, as the Bulgarians and Serbs in an orderly battle, with united and compact forces.
One might wonder why the Ottomans, who were so harsh on the Bulgarian and Serbian aristocracies, were so conciliatory with the Albanian nobility.
In 1440, he was promoted to sancakbey of Debar
Balaban Aga, qui a accordé des timar à ses propres soldats dans la Basse- Dibra et dans la Çermeniça, ainsi qu'à son neveu à Mati, doit être ce même Balaban Aga, sancakbeyi d'Ohrid, connu pour ses batailles sanglantes contre Skanderbeg.
Some timars were acquired by members of the Albanian nobility,
After the adoption of timar system, the absorption of Albanian nobility into Ottoman military class did not take more than two generations
Among those disloyal vassals was Ivan Kastrioti, Niketas Thopia and Nicola Zaccaria.
Радич Хумој био је врло истакнути пронијар у Скадарском крају
Радич Хумој је умро пре но што је пописан скадарски крај. Балеч је, после њега, припао његовом брату Андрији, који је био војвода предела изнад Скадра, и сину Којчину.
Наиме, женећи се 1433 године ћерком Петра Спана, Радич II Хумој је добио село Серељи у барском дистрикту
Radic und Maran Humoj verwalteten seit 1441 Gleros bei Skutari, das einst den Bonzi gehört hatte.
In einer getreidearmen Gegend war dies ein Anschlag auf die Lebensgrundlagen der Gemeinde. Venedig ging in dieser Frage äusserst behutsam vor, denn Koja und Andreas Humoj hatten der Signoria bedeutende Dienste geleistet. Zusammen mit Simeon Vulkata waren sie an der Spitze der venezianischen Verbände gegen Skanderbeg ins Feld gezogen (1447). In ihren Machtgebieten um Balezo und Drivasto wurde besonders heftig gekämpft.
Многи домаћи људи учествовали су у борбама на Млетачкој страни. Која Хумој... Василије Угрин,...Јован Запа и његов брат...седморице браће Педантари...више њихових рођака...три сина Рајка Монете...Петар Малонши са два сина...и Буша Сорња из Дања...Другима и нема трага...
Later on Alphonse concluded similar treaties with George Araniti, Ghin Musachi, George Stresi Balsha, Peter Spani, Paul Ducaghini,...
Scanderbeg now entered into special close relations with King Alphoso of Naples....on 26 March 1451. They got along very well together, as lord and vassal...Besides Alphonso's assertion of suzerainty over Skanderbeg and the latters father in law George Arianiti Topia Golem Cominović,... Alphonso gave recognition as vassals to Ducagjini family, to Simon Zenevisi, ...
In 1458, Scanderbeg was summoned to Italy to fulfil his obligations as vassal under the treaty of Gaeta.
Skanderbeg in 1451 made an alliance with King Alfonso I of Naples (Alfonso V of Aragon), whose vassal he became, and a permanent Neapolitan garrison was installed in his fortress
Кастел Нови код Напуља, 21. октобар 1454: Краљ Алфонс V јавља Скендербегу да му је Павле Дукађини преко свог посланика изјавио оданост и покорност и да му је као свом вазалу, одредио годишњу провизију од 300 дуката ...
The Albanian nobility embraced the religion of their lord or of that power which could threaten its political existence.
The Albanian nobility and townfolk from Kosovo were totally Islamized in the end of the 17th century.
Local principalities... using Greek, Ladin or Slavic as the official languages of correspondence in their courts.
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