Albania is a large country in southeastern Europe. It is a country of vast terrain, from the towering mountains that make up its interior to the simple features that define its coastline (forests and swamps). Together, these physical features form a natural barrier which divides the Albanians into two distinct groups, the Tosks and the Ghegs, each with different dialects and distinct variations in their social structures. These two groups are separated from one another by the Shkumbin River which runs east and west, separating the Ghegs and the Tosks north and south respectively. Living in the mountainous regions to the north of the Shkumbin River is where the Ghegs reside.
The Ghegs are known to be reserved and warlike as they are direct descendants of the Illyrians who were the main inhabitants of Albania in the 17th century B.C. They are thought of as being warlike due to the major battles that the Illyrians encountered while trying to maintain their possession of Albania. After all the land disputes had ended, the Ghegs and the rest of Albania underwent several changes in their form of rule. They fought for national independence in 1912 from the Ottoman Empire and later they developed a communistic form of government. Today, the Ghegs have adopted a parliamentary democracy.
The Ghegs of northern Albania have a rich folk culture. Songs in the customary pattern of a heroic narrative tells about the everyday struggles that they once had with the Turks (the Tosks influential group). Many folk dances where performed by the Ghegs, which included the commoner dance where the performers moved in a rectangular pattern with occasional pirouettes, as they danced along to a flute or a bagpipe. The traditional clothing of the Ghegs consists of colorfully embroidered shirts and dresses and, in some areas, loose-fitting pants for women. Traditional costumes are still worn in many rural and upland areas, primarily among the women.
The Communists ended much of the traditional, male dominated clan systems and assured equal rights to women. Parts of the clan system lasted, but the men have far less authority today. Since the democratic change in their government, the women have become more organized. However, women's involvement in the country's political life is still quite limited.
Some of the more famous people of Albania include Mother Teresa (famous nun and humanitarian), the Bolushi Brothers (famous actors) and Ismail Kadare (a famous contemporary writer).
Sources:
Barer-Stein, Thelma. You Eat What You Are : People, Culture and Food Traditions. Toronto : Firefly Books, 1999.
Vickers, Miranda. The Albanians A Modern History. London: I.B. Tauris & Co, Ltd, 1995.
Swire, J. Albania The Rise of a Kingdom. New York: Arno Press & The New York Times, 1971.
"Albanians." Britannica www.britannica.com
Written By Adam Anderson