High in the mountains about 35km from Tirana sits Kruja. This small village is of huge historic importance in Albania. In ancient times it was home to the Albanis who were part of the Illyrians. In 1190 it became the capital of the first Albanian state, and later capital of the Kingdom of Albania. More importantly, maybe, it is home to the National hero Skanderberg.
Gjergj Kastrioti, commonly known as Skanderbeg, was a member of the noble Kastrioti family. As a young man he was sent as a hostage to the Ottoman court. He converted to Islam, was educated in Turkey, and was given the name Iskander—after Alexander the Great—and the rank of bey. During the defeat of the Turks in Serbia (1443), Skanderbeg abandoned the Turkish service and joined his Albanian countrymen against the forces of Islām. He embraced Christianity, reclaimed his family possessions, and in 1444 organized a league of Albanian princes, over which he was appointed commander in chief.
In the period 1444–66 he effectively repulsed 13 Turkish invasions, making him a hero throughout the Western world. Until the end of his life he continued to successfully resist all Turkish invasions. Within a few years of his death, however, his citadel at Kruya had fallen (1478), and Albania passed into five centuries under Ottoman rule.
We were treated to a special display of folkloric dance and song.
Our farewell dinner. This was a truly fabulous group of 17 that we would travel with again!
Such a contrast to what is happening so close to Belfast. Thank you for sharing as the mood is sombre and the lock down by choice is suggested. Maybe you should stay a few more days and bask in the beauty and warmth of the love that emanates from your photos.