On 28 November 1912, now 98 years ago, Albanians gained their independence from the Ottoman Turks who had occupied the country for close to five centuries.
This day is also called the Day of the Flag and it is celebrated by all people of Albanian origin or ethnicity, in and outside the territory of the country of Albania.
A short history leading to the country's independence:
The Illyrians, who are believed to have evolved directly from the Stone Age, occupied the western area of the Balkans, from modern Slovenia to approximately half of the way through modern Greece. Shkodra, now the most important city of northern Albania, was the capital. The Illyrians were sociable and hospitable people, much like Albanians today. They were also daring fighters and known for their bravery in war. Around eight to six century B.C., the neighboring Greeks began to create a string of colonies along the Albanian borders. Closer now to the more advanced Greeks, the Illyrians were greatly influenced and began to evolve politically and economically.Albania was attacked by more foreign powers. The Bulgarians, Norman crusaders, Serbs and Venetians all wreaked havoc on the Albanians until the conquest by the Ottoman Turks in 1388. In 1443, an Albanian military genius, Gjergj Kastrioti(Skanderberg), rallied the Albanians together and drove out the Turks. Although Kastrioti’s death meant the eventual return of the Turks in 1468, the 25 years of resilience gained two accomplishments for the Albanians.The drive for independence was still strong within the Albanians. Throughout the 19th Century, resisting the Turks attempts at assimilation, leaders led their country with the rallying cry,”The religion of Albanians is Albanianism!” The leaders formed the Albanian League in 1878 to unite the country and develop the native language, literature, education and to adopt a new alphabet. In 1908, the Albanians fought again, and by 1912, they succeeded in making the Turks agree to their demands for autonomy.
Our Flag's History:
The Albanian National Flag is black double headed eagle on a dark red background. It is one of the most ancient flags in Europe. It used to be Scanderbeg’s flag under whose leadership Albania fought against the Turks in the 15 century. The symbolism of the bicephalated eagle is that of the religiously divided Albanians, when the Albanians were divided into Christians of the Western Catholic tradition and the Orthodox East. The National Assembly of Vlora which proclaimed Albanian Independence on 28 November 1912 approved the flag as a symbol of the Albanian nation. The horizontal open-winged eagle symbolizes the lack of submission of the highland Albanians to foreign conquest.
Celebrating our independence day:
On the 28th of November the first thing that catches your eyes is the number of flags. You can see them everywhere: hanging on balconies, around corners, people waving flags and even wearing them. The atmosphere is really nice and makes you feel proud you were born in Albania. People usually dine together and go out to celebrate. In Vlora a flag is raised and a speech is held in the same balcony where Ismail Qemali declared our independence. Also, in Tirana, every year a great concert is organized on this day, which is called "The White Night"...
This day is also called the Day of the Flag and it is celebrated by all people of Albanian origin or ethnicity, in and outside the territory of the country of Albania.
A short history leading to the country's independence:
The Illyrians, who are believed to have evolved directly from the Stone Age, occupied the western area of the Balkans, from modern Slovenia to approximately half of the way through modern Greece. Shkodra, now the most important city of northern Albania, was the capital. The Illyrians were sociable and hospitable people, much like Albanians today. They were also daring fighters and known for their bravery in war. Around eight to six century B.C., the neighboring Greeks began to create a string of colonies along the Albanian borders. Closer now to the more advanced Greeks, the Illyrians were greatly influenced and began to evolve politically and economically.Albania was attacked by more foreign powers. The Bulgarians, Norman crusaders, Serbs and Venetians all wreaked havoc on the Albanians until the conquest by the Ottoman Turks in 1388. In 1443, an Albanian military genius, Gjergj Kastrioti(Skanderberg), rallied the Albanians together and drove out the Turks. Although Kastrioti’s death meant the eventual return of the Turks in 1468, the 25 years of resilience gained two accomplishments for the Albanians.The drive for independence was still strong within the Albanians. Throughout the 19th Century, resisting the Turks attempts at assimilation, leaders led their country with the rallying cry,”The religion of Albanians is Albanianism!” The leaders formed the Albanian League in 1878 to unite the country and develop the native language, literature, education and to adopt a new alphabet. In 1908, the Albanians fought again, and by 1912, they succeeded in making the Turks agree to their demands for autonomy.
Our Flag's History:
The Albanian National Flag is black double headed eagle on a dark red background. It is one of the most ancient flags in Europe. It used to be Scanderbeg’s flag under whose leadership Albania fought against the Turks in the 15 century. The symbolism of the bicephalated eagle is that of the religiously divided Albanians, when the Albanians were divided into Christians of the Western Catholic tradition and the Orthodox East. The National Assembly of Vlora which proclaimed Albanian Independence on 28 November 1912 approved the flag as a symbol of the Albanian nation. The horizontal open-winged eagle symbolizes the lack of submission of the highland Albanians to foreign conquest.
Celebrating our independence day:
On the 28th of November the first thing that catches your eyes is the number of flags. You can see them everywhere: hanging on balconies, around corners, people waving flags and even wearing them. The atmosphere is really nice and makes you feel proud you were born in Albania. People usually dine together and go out to celebrate. In Vlora a flag is raised and a speech is held in the same balcony where Ismail Qemali declared our independence. Also, in Tirana, every year a great concert is organized on this day, which is called "The White Night"...
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