Written by Petrit Latifi

According to the German writer [Ernst Ziel], the Albanians are descendants of the ancient Pelasgians, whom he describes in his time as New Pelasgians.

The history of Albania and its inhabitants reaches back to the dark and grey prehistoric times of the Thracian Illyrians, or rather even further, to the northern inhabitants of the ancient Hellenes, the Pelasgians.

According to ancient Greek authors, southern Albania was called Epirus (i.e. mainland) for a long time, in contrast to Kerkyra, now Corfu (i.e. island country) opposite. The later name Albania means chalk land or white high mountain country (similar to “Albion”, “Albain” or “Albanach” in England and Scotland).

The appearance of the Albanians has much that is captivating, even impressive, especially the theatrically proud bearing of these sons of the mountains.

The faces usually have a noble cut; the skull shape is elongated, but the forehead is noticeably broad, the nose is almost Roman-shaped and long, the chest is usually very high and arched – everything indicates radiant strength and health. They are a robust and truly beautiful race of people, favored by nature like few other tribes.

Their natural way of life and diet protects them from many diseases. Lean and muscular, long-necked, with a proudly raised head and not very lush moustache, but long strands of hair on the neck, with well-formed, strong bodies.

Equipped with a muscular build, the Albanese looks like an athlete and hero from the time of ancient Thrace.

Most people wear their hair short all around the forehead, that is, shaved down to the center of the skull, the strands of which are hidden in twisted braids under the fez. Many also let their hair fall long over the nape of the neck, but also shave most of the front of the head. The light hair of many South Albanians is striking.

The clothing gives the impression of a peculiar originality and is generally quite pleasing. It consists mainly of the fustanella, a white woolen, multi-coloured skirt that falls to the knees, which is particularly peculiar to the Epirote Albanians, under which the northern Albanians wear blue trousers made of cotton. A brown, wide coat made of goat hair and sheep’s wool, called a kapota, is thrown over the fustanella.

The elegant [732] Flokate, a kind of overcoat made of woolen material without sleeves, which leaves the chest uncovered, is mainly the costume of the Tosk tribe of the Albanians.

It is worn tightly, and a wide, varied piece is attached to it at the bottom, reaching down to the lower legs; the whole thing is held together by a wide red belt. In southern Albania, gaiters richly decorated with embroidery, buttons and rosettes are also worn.

All thoughts and aspirations of the male half of this people are directed towards battle and war, and all their habits are based on their almost innate warlike nature, which could of course be compared to a human tiger.

All the others eke out a living in the mountains with cattle breeding and some agriculture, which is of course carried out in the most primitive way, perhaps just as it was in the times of Herodotus or Homer. The Turkish Vendée The abduction of girls in northern Albania and blood feuds. – Blood brotherhood. The warlike spirit of the Albanians. – Superstition, language and confession. The number of the Albanians. – The Miridites and their position in the Turkish army. The Prince of Oros. – Historical facts.

Reference

ERNST ZIEL Publication date:1878 Publisher:Ernst Keil Publishing House Place of publication:Leipzig 08-25