Paraqitja dhe shtrirja e etnonimit Arbër, Arbanon në Bizant
The presence and the extension of the ethnonym Arbër, Arbanon in the Bizantium

Summary/Abstract: In addressing the issue of the appearance and extend of the ethnonym arbanon the historiographic studies have presented different ideas and interpretations which have had diametrically opposite conclusions. These ideas have shifted toward different viewpoints. One, would consider that the distribution of the national name Arbër (Arbëri/Albani) is closely connected with the geographical area inhabited by the Illyrians therefore later by the Albanians. While other opposing viewpoints, deny the Albanian autochthony hence the Illyrian-Arbëror interconnection. In the Albanian and foreign historiographic studies a significant amount of analysis has considered the issue of the period of time when Albanians have first appeared in the lands they inhabit even nowadays. The group of authors who defends the viewpoint of the controversial issue as regards space and time of the appearance of the ethnonym arbanon take as a reference point the insufficient historical sources. However, if those few sources are analyzed correctly in the context of the time period and place, then they determine relatively clearly the extent, the meaning and timing of the ethnonym Arbër and the connection of this ethnonym with the Albanians. This research work by examining the scientific work of authors such as: K. Jireçek, M. Shufflay, A. Ducelier, K. Frashëri, P. Xhufi, K. Biçoku etc. notices the constant presence of the Albanian ethnos during the Middle Ages in the autochthonous territories that had a much wider ethnic extend than the Albanian political state entities and although the Arbër or Albanians are mentioned in medieval historical of the XIth Century they were constant participants in the political and military events before this before. The fact that their name is not mention does not mean non presence; instead being autochthonous and incorporated into the Byzantine structures they are hided behind the name romios or any other generalising name until the moment when they begin to form their own separate political community.

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