A youth delegation from the cultural association Pro Loco “Arbëria” of Lungro, Italy, will take part in the commemorative events marking the 620th anniversary of the birth of Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, to be held in Pristina on May 6.
“This is an important occasion to honor a figure who unites our shared history and roots,” the organization announced in a statement on its official Facebook page. “We are pleased to invite all our Albanian and Kosovar friends and supporters to join this event. It will be a special moment to meet and strengthen the bonds that connect us.”
Skanderbeg, born on May 6, 1405, into the noble Kastrioti family of Dibra, is revered as a symbol of resistance and unity among Albanians. As a child, he was taken hostage by Sultan Murad II and served as a general in the Ottoman Empire until 1443. During a battle that year, he defected and returned to Kruja, reclaiming his identity and leading the fight for Albanian independence.
In 1444, he convened the Albanian princes in the historic League of Lezhë, where they unanimously agreed to join forces in the struggle against the Ottoman Empire. As commander of the Albanian army, Skanderbeg achieved 22 major victories, beginning with the Battle of Torvioll, and successfully defended Albanian territories for decades, with Kruja as his stronghold.
Known for his unwavering resistance at the crossroads of East and West, Skanderbeg also played a vital role in European affairs. He supported King Ferdinand of Naples during the civil war of 1460–1461 under the Treaty of Gaeta, and in 1463 he was named commander of the crusading forces by Pope Pius II. Skanderbeg died on January 17, 1468, at the age of 63.
Skanderbeg is widely recognized across Western Europe as the leader who helped halt the advance of the Ottoman Empire and as a symbol of Christian resistance.