PROJEKTE KUNDËROSMANE NË SHEK. XVI-XVH MES FANTAZISË, INTERESIT DHE REALITETIT
THE ANTI-OTTOMAN DESIGNS OF 16™ AND 17™ CENTURY AMIDST FANTASY, INTEREST AND REALITY

Summary/Abstract: The projects of different nationalities for liberation from Ottoman rule cannot be perceived separated from the measures taken by the imperial government against potential rebellions and uprisings. For the Ottomans, as for every political rule, self-preservation and continuity were of major concern. The attempts to undermine the stability of the central power were dealt with great attention. The challenge to Ottoman rule came at times from the imperial state structures as well as from within the Ottoman ruling class itself. As in other similar cases, the rule’s structure and negotiation in Albanian territories evolved through the centuries we are referring to in this study, due to several factors. Firstly, the evolvement of the central power contributed to such a change; secondly, the dynamics of social development in Albanian territories; and thirdly, the shift in international balance of power. Thus, the dynamics and frequency of anti-Ottoman endeavours in general was closely related with the international situation and its influence in the Albanian territories. The uncertainty to rely on a firm support from the Spanish or the Venetians, and later on from the Austrians and Russians, made the local population aware that foreign backing was temporary and shaky. This was one of the reasons that made the secular and religious leaders to act cautiously and avoid becoming part of adventurous local enterprises or ambiguous foreign projects. In contrast to Venice which was interested in maintaining peace with the Ottomans rather than fighting them, Spain as the centre of the Habsburg dynasty, was clearly positioned as the Ottomans’ foe. However, although a perpetual adversary of the Ottomans, Spain was situated very far away to threaten the Ottoman rule, at least in the Balkans. This is a central element in understanding the history and dynamics of the Albanians’ anti-Ottoman attempts and plans for liberation., Interest And Reality

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