Understanding Albanian Faith and Their Heroes: Beyond Religion and History

Albania, a nation known for its rich cultural heritage and complex history, often grapples with questions surrounding its heroes and the predominant faiths of its people. Specifically, why the great Illyrian/Albanian heroes like Justinian I, Kastrioti, and Mother Teresa were Christians, yet the majority of modern Albanians have chosen to be Muslims. Is this a result of Ottoman/Turkish influence?

The Nature of Albanian Heroes

The true heroes of Albania are not the famous figures of the 21st century such as Mother Teresa or those from the past like Justinian I Kastrioti or even Skanderbeg. Instead, the anonymous masses who have preserved the distinct Albanian language, culture, and identity under the most challenging conditions deserve the accolade. These individuals, often overlooked in historical narratives, laid the foundation for the Albanian nation without religious mandates or political demands.

One of the most celebrated Albanian figures, Skanderbeg, while often portrayed as a national hero, did not contribute to the Albanian cause as much as one might think. Though he endeavored to create a form of Albanian nationhood, his political interests led him to convert Christians to Islam for practical reasons. Skanderbeg's legacy, though significant, is muddied by these actions.

Albanian Anarchism and Irreligiosity

Albanians are deeply anarchistic in nature, and it is this inherent dislike for authoritative rule that makes them irreligious. To accept a lord—even if it is a divine one—conflicts fundamentally with their anarchist principles. Additionally, Albanians do not easily submit to governmental control. This spirit of individual freedom and self-reliance is deeply ingrained in Albanian culture.

During the Ottoman Empire, Christian Albanians and Aromanians had certain rights, such as the right to carry weapons, which other Christians did not have. These rights were fundamental to their way of life. Therefore, Albanians did not need to convert to Islam to exercise these rights. The major shift came during the Ottoman Tanzimat reforms, which stripped Albanians of self-governance and the rights to carry weapons. This shift catalyzed the development of a strong national consciousness that was strongly anti-Ottoman and later anti-Serb and anti-Greek.

Moderne Albanians and Their Views on Islam and Christianity

Today, many Albanians still carry the spirit of their ancestors, believing in self-reliance and the right to protect their family and land. While there are those who support the idea of a centralized state, the core values of individual freedom and the right to bear arms for personal protection remain deeply ingrained in the Albanian psyche.

True Heroes

The true heroes of Albania are those who have spilled blood or invested their lives for the Albanian cause. Among these, there are many Muslims, Christians, Greeks, Aromanians, and Bulgarians. These individuals fought not for religious reasons but for the preservation and advancement of Albanian identity and culture. They truly embody the spirit of the Albanian people.

Albania, therefore, is a land of complicated religious and cultural identities. While it is important to recognize and honor its great historical figures, the true heritage lies in the silent, often unacknowledged, contributions of its people. Understanding these nuances can provide a deeper appreciation of the complexities that shape Albania today.