Become ALBANIAN

DIVE INTO A LIFESTYLE

Need a place to get away? There is no better corner in the world to hide from the dull everyday than the magical Albania. Relax on the picturesque beaches, visit numerous spas and reside in the breathtaking resorts this location has to offer – and forget all of your worries.

HISTORICAL HERITAGE

Albania boasts a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years, deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of the Balkans and Mediterranean civilizations. From the ancient Illyrians to the Ottoman Empire, and eventually to its modern-day independence and communist period, Albania's history is a story of resilience, survival, and cultural fusion.

MODERN ALBANIA

Albania today is a country that beautifully blends its rich cultural heritage with rapid modernization and forward-thinking innovation. From bustling urban centers to technological advancements, modern Albania offers a dynamic landscape of opportunity and progress. Discover Albania's transformation over the past few decades, highlighting its economic growth, infrastructure development, and evolving cultural scene.

LOCAL CUISINE

Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and the Balkans, Albania’s culinary traditions combine elements from Ottoman, Italian, and Greek kitchens, resulting in a unique and flavorful gastronomy. We will explore the traditional dishes that define Albanian cuisine, from hearty stews and fresh seafood to savory pies and rich desserts. Albanian food is known for its simplicity, freshness, and seasonal ingredients, often sourced from local farms and markets.

BESA

THE ROLE OF BESA IN ALBANIAN SOCIETY

In Albanian culture, the concept of besa holds a unique and revered place. Rooted deeply in the traditional moral and social code, besa is more than just a word; it is a cultural cornerstone that reflects the honor, trustworthiness, and integrity of an individual and their community. Derived from the Albanian word meaning "oath" or "faith," besa embodies the sacred bond of trust that governs human interactions, particularly in matters of hospitality, loyalty, and protection. It is an unwritten but powerful law that has shaped the Albanian way of life for centuries.

Besa is difficult to translate fully into other languages because its meaning encompasses a broad range of values. At its core, besa represents a promise, a word of honor (fjala e nderit), and an unbreakable commitment to keep one’s word. In Albanian society, to have besa means to be reliable, trustworthy, and honorable. Breaking besa is seen as a severe betrayal, not only of the individual making the promise but also of the entire community.

Historically, besa was often invoked in situations requiring trust and cooperation, whether in personal relationships, conflict resolution, or even political alliances. It served as a guarantee that one's word would be upheld, no matter the cost. The belief in besa was so strong that it could transcend religious, social, and even familial boundaries, ensuring that a promise made would be kept under all circumstances.

One of the most significant applications of besa in Albanian society is in the tradition of hospitality, known as mikpritja. Albanians are famously hospitable, and this generosity is closely tied to the concept of besa. When a guest (mik) enters an Albanian home, they are guaranteed safety and protection under the host’s besa. This hospitality extends even to strangers or former enemies, reflecting the importance of honor and trust in maintaining social cohesion.

For example, during the period of gjakmarrja (blood feuds), when families were often in conflict, the practice of besa allowed for truces and peaceful interaction. A person could travel safely through enemy territory under the protection of besa, trusting that no harm would come to them during the agreed period. This truce might last for a specific time, such as for a wedding, funeral, or important negotiation, where the integrity of besa was crucial for maintaining peace.

One of the most well-known examples of besa in action occurred during World War II, when thousands of Albanians, predominantly Muslim, sheltered Jewish refugees from the Nazis. Despite the risks to their own lives and families, Albanians honored their besa to protect the lives of these refugees, hiding them in their homes and ensuring their safety. Many Albanians viewed protecting their Jewish neighbors as not just a moral obligation but also as a fulfillment of their besa. This courageous adherence to the code of besa has been internationally recognized, with Albania being one of the few countries where the Jewish population increased during the Holocaust.

In addition to its role in hospitality, besa also plays an essential role in conflict resolution within Albanian society. In the traditional Albanian legal system, known as the Kanun, besa was often used to mediate and resolve disputes. For example, during a blood feud (gjakmarrja), a besa might be granted to pause hostilities and allow negotiations for peace. This temporary truce provided a crucial opportunity for elders (pleqësia) to mediate between the conflicting parties and seek a peaceful resolution.

The power of besa in conflict resolution lies in its ability to override personal grievances and create a space for dialogue and reconciliation. A person who granted besa was bound by honor to respect it, even if it meant refraining from revenge or violence. In this way, besa served as both a practical and moral tool for maintaining social order and preventing the escalation of conflicts.

Although Albania has undergone significant political and social changes, especially in the past century, the values embodied by besa continue to resonate in modern Albanian society. While state laws and formal legal systems have largely replaced the traditional practices of the Kanun, the principles of besa remain ingrained in the cultural consciousness of the Albanian people.

BEKTASHISM

A UNIQUE BRANCH OF ISLAM IN ALBANIA

Bektashism, known in Albanian as Bektashizmi, is a distinct and significant spiritual tradition that has played an influential role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of Albania. It is a mystical Islamic sect within Sufism, which emphasizes inner spirituality, tolerance, and the unity of all people. Bektashism traces its origins to the 13th-century Anatolian mystic Haji Bektash Veli (Haxhi Bektash Veliu), whose teachings continue to inspire adherents around the world, particularly in Albania.

Bektashism originated within the context of Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam that seeks direct personal experience of the divine. The movement was founded by Haji Bektash Veli in the 13th century in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), and it spread across the Ottoman Empire, eventually taking root in Albania and other parts of the Balkans.

Bektashi teachings focus on the inner search for God (Zoti) through love, tolerance, and self-purification. Central to Bektashism is the belief in the unity of being (uniteti i qenies), which holds that all creation is interconnected and that the divine is present in all aspects of life. This belief is closely tied to the idea of the perfect human (njeriu i përsosur), an ideal that followers strive to attain through spiritual practice and moral conduct.

Some of the key principles of Bektashism include:

• Love and Tolerance (Dashuri dhe Tolerancë): Bektashism teaches that all human beings, regardless of their background, religion, or ethnicity, should be treated with respect and compassion.

• Equality (Barazi): The Bektashi order rejects rigid hierarchies within religious practice, emphasizing equality between men and women, as well as among all believers.

• Mysticism and Personal Spirituality (Misticizmi dhe Shpirtërorja Personale): Bektashis focus on an internal, personal connection with God, often through meditative practices, rituals, and poetry.

• Veneration of Ali (Nderimi i Aliut): Like other branches of Shia Islam, Bektashis hold Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, in high regard. Ali is seen as a symbol of justice, wisdom, and spiritual purity.

The Role of Bektashism in Albania

Bektashism has found a particularly strong foothold in Albania, especially after the 18th century, when it became the dominant form of Islam in the country. The spread of Bektashism in Albania was facilitated by the teqe (also spelled tekke), or religious lodges, which served as centers of learning, spirituality, and community life.

The influence of Bektashism grew further during the late Ottoman period and the early years of Albanian independence. Its emphasis on tolerance, egalitarianism, and the spiritual essence of religion made it appealing to many Albanians, especially in contrast to more orthodox Islamic practices. Bektashi teqe became hubs of intellectual and cultural activity, contributing to the preservation and development of Albanian identity during times of foreign rule.

Bektashism's liberal and progressive stance on religious matters, particularly its embrace of national identity, played a significant role in the Albanian National Awakening (Rilindja Kombëtare). Prominent Bektashi leaders and intellectuals actively participated in the movement for Albanian independence from the Ottoman Empire, advocating for religious freedom and the promotion of Albanian culture.

Bektashism and the Communist Era

During the communist era in Albania (1946–1992), the Bektashi order, like all religious institutions, faced severe persecution. In 1967, Albania was declared the world's first officially atheist state (shtet ateist), and all religious practices were banned. Many teqe were destroyed, and religious leaders were imprisoned, killed, or forced into exile. Despite this repression, the Bektashi order survived, largely due to the resilience of its followers and the preservation of its teachings in private homes and small communities.

Following the fall of communism in 1992, Bektashism experienced a revival in Albania. Many teqe were rebuilt, and the order reestablished its religious and cultural presence in the country. The Bektashi headquarters, known as the World Headquarters of Bektashism (Kryegjyshata Botërore e Bektashizmit), is located in Tirana, Albania’s capital, signifying the importance of the country to the global Bektashi community.

Bektashi Rituals and Practices

Bektashism incorporates many unique rituals and practices, blending Islamic tradition with Sufi mysticism and local customs. These practices include:

• The Zikr (Zikri): This is a form of prayer and meditation involving the repetitive chanting of God’s name or other sacred phrases. The goal is to achieve a state of spiritual ecstasy and connection with the divine.

• Pilgrimage to Teqe (Pelegrinazhi në Teqe): Bektashi followers often make pilgrimages to the tombs of saints (tyrbe), as well as to the Bektashi teqe, where spiritual leaders, known as dede, provide guidance and blessings.

• Feasts and Celebrations (Festa dhe Festimet): Bektashis celebrate various religious festivals, including Ashura and Sulltan Nevruz, the latter marking the Persian New Year and symbolizing spiritual rebirth. These gatherings often include communal meals, music, and poetry.

One of the most distinct practices in Bektashism is the veneration of saints (nderimi i shenjtorëve). Bektashis believe that certain individuals, due to their spiritual purity and closeness to God, can intercede on behalf of believers. These saints are often associated with specific teqe or tombs, which become pilgrimage sites.

Today, Bektashism remains a significant religious and cultural force in Albania, as well as among the Albanian diaspora in places like Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Turkey.

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

If you are interested in learning more about Albanian culture and history as well as the language, we recommend that you download our complete Albanian language course!

You will not only receive all the contents available on our website in convenient pdf or epub formats but also additional contents, including bonus vocabulary, more grammar structures and exclusive cultural insights with additional vocabulary that you won't in any other textbook.

The additional articles include specific words or expressions related to the culture of the Albanian and Kosovar people. Not only will you be able to speak the Albanian language with confidence but you will amaze your listeners thanks to your knowledge of their country and history.