By MSc. Albert Habazaj. Translation Petrit Latifi

University “Ismail Qemali”, Vlorë
Originally published: October 4, 2017 | Translated and structured by ChatGPT

Introduction: the discovery of a toponym

The toponym “Varri i Pellazgut” (The Tomb of the Pelasgian) is located in Tërbaç, a village in the municipality of Himarë, Vlorë County. This report brings to light an ancient name passed down through generations, revealing a cultural and historical legacy yet to be formally studied.

Personal motivation and background

I am originally from Tërbaç, currently residing and working in Vlorë. I frequently return to my hometown, and it was during one such visit that my mother, Bejre Abazi—an 80-year-old lifelong resident with seven years of formal education—first mentioned the term “Varri i Pellazgut”.

It happened during a conversation when she suggested we visit a relative:

“Let’s go visit Xhelo to congratulate him—his son just got engaged. You know, he lives near the Tomb of the Pelasgian…”

Initially, I corrected her:

“You mean the Tomb of the Illyrians, mother.”

But she firmly replied:

“No, my son, the Illyrian tombs are farther, in Bramyshnjë and beyond Elim Pass. This is the Tomb of the Pelasgian, I told you.”

Her insistence left me intrigued and a little confused. Why such certainty? And why had I never heard this name before? Her recollection triggered an informal debate between us that persisted over time, ultimately compelling me to investigate further.

Verification through oral testimony

Phase one: oral transmission

I began by questioning my mother repeatedly during my visits. Her answer remained consistent:

“I heard it from my grandmother, Shero Lushaj (1912–2012), who lived to be 100. She heard it from her mother, Bako, who also lived 100 years. I’ve also heard it from other elders.”

This generational transmission piqued my interest in its historical authenticity.

Phase two: community testimonies

I engaged with various villagers to cross-reference her account. Among those I spoke to were:

• Adriatik Mehmeti, 59, a lifelong resident – confirmed the name.
• Flamur Gjika, 60, former village elder – confirmed it as well.

Several others from the community also casually referred to the site by the same name. Eventually, I accepted the validity of the toponym, as recognized by the local population.

Thus, the toponym “Varri i Pellazgut” (The Tomb of the Pelasgian) is in common use at the base of Tërbaç, near a location known as Sinadane—above the homes of Xhelo Jaho, in the Shúrbe Pass area.

4. Literary echoes of the Pelasgians

In the course of my academic research on the Vlora War (1918–1920), I encountered a poetic reference that reinforced this ancient identity:

From the book “Memories and Folk Songs of the Liberation War (1918–1920)” (Tirana, 1970), a folk poem collected in 1956 in Vranisht begins:

“Albanians, sons of the Pelasgians,
Brave and proud of their blood,
With Austrian rifles in their hands,
They tore open the belly of the beast…”

This poetic allusion aligns with the persistence of Pelasgian identity in the collective memory.

Archaeological inquiry

Phase three: scientific exploration

As a modest researcher in ethnology and folklore, I felt the need to consult specialists. I invited:

• Prof. Dr. Aleks Trushaj, historian and archaeologist, Dean of Humanities at the University of Vlorë,
• Prof. Dr. Hajdar Kiçaj, biologist,
• Doctoral candidate Ermal Sina, trained in archaeological field methods in Italy.

We conducted a field expedition on April 29, 2017. Although I guided the group, I intentionally remained anonymous to avoid influencing their interpretations. My mother guided them directly to the site.

Upon arrival, the team began examining the area. Prof. Trushaj commented:

“These appear to be protohistoric graves. Let’s study them more carefully. The artifacts speak for themselves.”

Photos were taken and analyzed. The evidence pointed to prehistoric burial mounds, possibly linked to proto-Illyrian or even Pelasgian cultures.

6. Local history and damage to the site

Locals shared that during a 1980s afforestation project involving pine trees, many ancient artifacts were destroyed or displaced due to a lack of awareness about their archaeological value. Some fragments were later salvaged and placed near homes—particularly by Xhelo Jaho, whose house sits adjacent to the site.

Grave structures, slabs, and other remnants suggest the presence of gigantic pre-Illyrian burial types, yet definitive conclusions await expert evaluation.

7. Final thoughts: between legend and science

Despite the lack of formal scholarly treatment, the collective memory of the villagers, handed down orally and observed in field studies, continues to recognize this location as “Varri i Pellazgut”.

Whether this tomb truly belongs to the Pelasgians, proto-Illyrians, Illyrians, or another ancient people, remains a question for qualified archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians to answer.

However, one thing is clear:
As long as the people of Tërbaç continue to live there, they will call this place “The Tomb of the Pelasgian”, just as their ancestors did, and likely, so will their descendants.

Respectfully submitted,
Albert Habazaj
Vlorë, Albania
Wednesday, October 4, 2017“