Influential Albanians Individuals: The Top Names to Know
Albanians have made significant contributions in various fields, including music, acting, sports, politics, and more. Here is a list of 10 popular celebrities and notable people of Albanian ethnicity:
- Rita Ora: A highly successful singer-songwriter, Rita Ora was born in Kosovo to Albanian parents. She has released multiple hit singles and collaborated with renowned artists.
- Dua Lipa: Born to Albanian parents in the United Kingdom, Dua Lipa is a Grammy-award-winning singer and songwriter. She has gained international recognition for her powerful vocals and unique style.
- Eliza Dushku: A renowned actress, Eliza Dushku has starred in popular films and TV shows such as “Bring It On” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She is of Albanian and Danish descent.
- Mother Teresa: One of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, which was part of the Ottoman Empire and is now North Macedonia. She founded the Missionaries of Charity and dedicated her life to serving the poor and destitute.
- Biniam Ghezai: A professional boxer of Albanian and Eritrean descent, Biniam Ghezai has represented Albania in international competitions. He is known for his speed, agility, and impressive boxing skills.
- James Belushi: Born to Albanian parents in the United States, James Belushi is a well-known actor, comedian, and musician. He has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including “About Last Night” and “According to Jim.”
- Enez Limani: A talented ballet dancer, Enez Limani is of Albanian and Kosovar descent. He has performed with prestigious ballet companies and is celebrated for his technical skills and expressive performances.
- Xherdan Shaqiri: An internationally famous football player, Xherdan Shaqiri was born in Kosovo to Albanian-Kosovar parents. He has represented Switzerland in numerous tournaments and is known for his speed and precision on the field.
- Rudina Magjistari: A popular television presenter, Rudina Magjistari is of Albanian descent. She has hosted various talk shows and has become a well-known media personality in Albania and Kosovo.
- Sali Berisha: A prominent politician, Sali Berisha was the President of Albania from 1992 to 1997 and served as the Prime Minister multiple times. He played a significant role in Albania’s political and economic development during the 1990s.
Most Famous Albanians People
Albanians’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances
The Albanian community is known for its rich heritage and historical significance. The Albanians have a long and proud history that has left a lasting impact on the world. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Albanian heritage:
- Language: The Albanian language is one of the oldest living Indo-European languages. It is unique in its structure and has not been significantly influenced by other languages. From ancient times to the present day, the Albanian language has been spoken by the Albanian people, making it a significant part of their cultural identity.
- Traditions and Folklore: Albanian traditions and folklore are deeply rooted in their history and have been passed down through generations. The Albanians have a rich tradition of oral storytelling, where tales of heroes, legends, and mythical creatures are shared. Traditional Albanian clothing, music, and dance also play a vital role in their cultural heritage.
- Patriotism and Resistance: Throughout history, the Albanian people have displayed an unwavering spirit of patriotism and resistance. Through various periods of foreign invasions and occupations, the Albanians fiercely defended their independence and cultural identity. From Skanderbeg’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire to the Albanian independence movements of the 20th century, the Albanians have consistently fought for their freedom and sovereignty.
The deep-rooted language, traditions, and patriotic spirit of the Albanian people have shaped their historical inheritances and contributed to their strong sense of cultural identity. These elements continue to be celebrated and preserved by the Albanian community around the world.
![The Albanians ( a(w)l-BAY-nee-ənz; Albanian: Shqiptarët, pronounced [ʃcipˈtaɾət]) are an ethnic group native to the Balkan Peninsula who share a common Albanian ancestry, culture, history and language. They primarily live in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia as well as in Croatia, Greece, Italy and Turkey. They also constitute a large diaspora with several communities established across Europe, the Americas and Oceania.
Albanians have Paleo-Balkanic origins. Exclusively attributing these origins to the Illyrians, Thracians or other Paleo-Balkan people is still a matter of debate among historians and ethnologists.
The first mention of the ethnonym Albanoi occurred in the 2nd century AD by Ptolemy describing an Illyrian tribe who lived around present-day central Albania. The first certain reference to Albanians as an ethnic group comes from 11th century chronicler Michael Attaleiates who describes them as living in the theme of Dyrrhachium.
The Shkumbin River roughly demarcates the Albanian language between Gheg and Tosk dialects. Christianity in Albania was under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome until the 8th century AD. Then, dioceses in Albania were transferred to the patriarchate of Constantinople. In 1054, after the Great Schism, the north gradually became identified with Roman Catholicism and the south with Eastern Orthodoxy. In 1190 Albanians established the Principality of Arbanon in central Albania with the capital in Krujë.
The Albanian diaspora has its roots in migration from the Middle Ages initially across Southern Europe and eventually across wider Europe and the New World. Between the 13th and 18th centuries, sizeable numbers migrated to escape various social, economic or political difficulties. One population, the Arvanites, settled in Southern Greece between the 13th and 16th centuries. Another population, the Arbëreshë, settled across Sicily and Southern Italy between the 11th and 16th centuries. Smaller populations such as the Arbanasi settled in Southern Croatia and pockets of Southern Ukraine in the 18th century.By the 15th century, the expanding Ottoman Empire overpowered the Balkan Peninsula, but faced successful rebellion and resistance by the League of Lezhë, a union of Albanian principalities led by Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. By the 17th and 18th centuries, a substantial number of Albanians converted to Islam, which offered them equal opportunities and advancement within the Ottoman Empire. Thereafter, Albanians attained significant positions and culturally contributed to the broader Muslim world. Innumerable officials and soldiers of the Ottoman State were of Albanian origin, including more than 40 Grand Viziers, and under the Köprülü, in particular, the Ottoman Empire reached its greatest territorial extension. Between the second half of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century Albanian Pashaliks were established by Kara Mahmud pasha of Scutari, Ali pasha of Yanina, and Ahmet Kurt pasha of Berat, while the Albanian wālī Muhammad Ali established a dynasty that ruled over Egypt and Sudan until the middle of the 20th century, a period in which Albanians formed a substantial community in Egypt.
During the 19th century, cultural developments, widely attributed to Albanians having gathered both spiritual and intellectual strength, conclusively led to the Albanian Renaissance. In 1912 during the Balkan Wars, Albanians declared the independence of their country. The demarcation of the new Albanian state was established following the Treaty of Bucharest and left about half of the ethnic Albanian population outside of its borders, partitioned between Greece, Montenegro and Serbia. After the Second World War up until the Revolutions of 1991, Albania was governed by a communist government under Enver Hoxha where Albania became largely isolated from the rest of Europe. In neighbouring Yugoslavia, Albanians underwent periods of discrimination and systematic oppression that concluded with the War of Kosovo and eventually with Kosovar independence.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Map_of_the_Albanian_Diaspora_in_the_World.svg)
Albanians People
Factsheet About Albanians People
| Country | Population | % of Albanians |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | 2,800,138 | 82.6% |
| Kosovo | 1,804,838 | 92.9% |
| Macedonia | 509,083 | 25.2% |
| Montenegro | 30,439 | 4.9% |
| Greece | 433,386 | 3.2% |
| Italy | 260,000 | 1.3% |
| Turkey | 150,000 | 0.2% |
| Germany | 125,000 | 0.1% |
| Switzerland | 109,103 | 1.2% |
| Sweden | 115,000 | 1.3% |
The Ancient Heritage of Albanians Ethnic Groups
Albanians Ethnicity: References and Resources
There are various references and resources that can be used to dig deeper into the Albanians ethnic group, providing valuable information about their history, culture, language, and more. Some of these references and resources include:
- “The Albanians: A Modern History” by Miranda Vickers: This book offers a comprehensive overview of the history of the Albanian people, from their origins to the modern day. It explores various aspects such as social, political, and economic developments.
- “Albania: A Short History” by Owen Pearson: This resource provides a concise yet informative account of Albania’s history, including the emergence of the Albanian identity and its impact on the region.
- Academic articles and research papers: There are numerous scholarly articles and research papers available that delve into different aspects of Albanian history, culture, and language. These articles can provide in-depth analysis and understanding of specific topics.
- Documentaries and films: Watching documentaries and films can offer a visual and immersive experience, exploring the Albanian culture, traditions, and daily life. Some notable documentaries include “The Death of Yugoslavia” and “Landscape of Emotions: Albanians in Macedonia.”
- Online resources and websites: There are various online resources that provide valuable information and research on Albanian history, culture, language, and more. Websites like the Albanian Institute of History and the Albanian Ministry of Culture provide access to historical documents and cultural resources.
These references and resources can serve as a starting point for those interested in understanding the Albanian ethnic group more deeply. Whether through books, academic articles, documentaries, or online resources, individuals can explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the Albanians and gain a better appreciation for their contributions to the wider world.
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