Women and Family in Albanian Society According to Moral Codes, 15th – 20th Centuries
Women and Family in Albanian Society According to Moral Codes, 15th – 20th Centuries

Summary/Abstract: The origin of Albanian moral codes derives from the tribal society, its pre state formation. These codes had passed through generations from the 15th to the 20th century in the regions of north Albania and Kosovo; but for the first time they were codified and put in written in the 19th century by an Albanian priest Shtjefën Gjeçovi. Since these norms were functional at the time of the Albanian Prince Lekë Dukagjini (1410-1481), he formally named them Kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit (English: The Code of Lekë Dukagjini). During the time when these codes were written and many decades later, they were used as family and society regulations and rules, covering a wide range of instances, such as church, marriage, house, livestock and property, labour, transfer of property, heritage, etc. This paper explores the position of women in Albanian society according to these moral codes. It reveals details on women’s position and premarital duties, as a girl in her maiden home and after marriage, as a woman in her husband’s home; as well as her rights on property and heritage in both families.

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