Kontributi i Familjeve Feudale Shqiptare në Luftën Antiosmane
The Feudal Family Contribution on the Anti-ottoman War

Summary/Abstract: After the dissolution of Stefan Dushan’s Empire in 1355, strong and important local familjes, such as Blinishti, Dukagjini, Balshaj, etc, came out to rule the Albanian inhabited territories. Blinishti family became a very important and strong one after that Philip of Anjou recognized to them the title of “Marshal of Arberia”. Into a short lapse of time, this feudal family lost its importance and there is no mention of it. Balsha family was another important local one, who distinguished itself in the Albanian state-creation processes. Its orgins date back to the late XIV century and it came from the Eastern part of Scutari lake. After the destruction of the Serbian medieval Empire, Balsha Father, supported by his there sons, managed to subdue most part of the local nobility, capturing Scutari and turning it into his seat. Balsha’s power reached it climax under the rule of Balsha II, who extended his rule far into the Southern territories, comprising Vlora, Kanina and Berati. Balsha family, under the instigation of Papacy and Venice, became a pillar aroung which other noble local families rallied around in their fi ghts against the Ottomans. After the death of Balsha III, who did not left behind heritors, his dominions were incorporated into the Kastriotis’area of infl uence, stretching in between Lezha and Kruja. Dukagjini was a very important feudal Albanian family, with its fi rst head Gjin Tanushi, holding the title of Duke since 1281. Dukagjini family had under its control far extended territories in the Northern part of today Albania. One of the most known members of this family was Lek Dukagjini, son of Pal Dukagjini, who was a skilled military commander and a legjislator. This family held the banner of the anti-Ottoman resistance for 10 years following the Scanderbeg’s death. After the Ottoman occupation, most members of this family crossed into Appennini Peninsula, or entered the Sultan’s services.

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