by Xhoni Qoku. Translation Petrit Latifi

Abstract

A letter from Himara, Albania, dated 1532, addressed to the representative of the Spanish Empire, the Marquis of Atripalda, provides a valuable account of the region’s military organization and village structure. It includes a detailed register of villages and the number of men each could provide for military service. The letter highlights Albania’s alliance with the Spanish Empire and expresses concerns about territorial disputes, specifically over the status of Vlora. This historical document offers insights into the geopolitical landscape of 16th-century Albania, its military preparedness, and the relationship with foreign powers.

A Register of Albanian Warriors from Himara from 1532

A letter sent from Himara, Albania, in 1532, addressed to the representative of the Spanish imperial power, the Marquis of Atripalda, captain of Himara and Arbëria, provides an insightful glimpse into the military organization of the region during the period. This letter emphasizes the Cimarra-Albanian origin and includes a register detailing the names of villages across different regions, along with the number of men capable of serving as soldiers that each village could contribute, as documented in the original text.

Villages by the Sea (appresso la marina)

1. Prima castello de la Cimmarra – 300
2. Vonu (Vuno) – 150
3. Sanlites – 80
4. Drimates (Dhërmi) – 100
5. Balassa (Palasa) – 200
6. Candesaliti (Kudhësi) – 200
7. Claperis (Qeparo) – 60
8. Stilina – 120
9. Alosteni – 50

Villages of Arbërija Above the Mountains (Li casali de l’albania sopra le montagnie)

1. Crilisei – 600
2. Innovozi – 200
3. Ovogrotis – 500
4. Progonates (Progonati) – 700
5. Isulati (Zhulati) – 300
6. Tornichei (Turriqi – Kalasa) – 100
7. Erasia – 200
8. Valcheri – 70
9. Cernachei – 250
10. Efterna (Fterra) – 100

Inland Villages (In la parte de li presi casali)

1. Cangnerati – 150
2. Casili Ducati (Dukati) – 130
3. Cozii (Kuçi) – 100
4. Polinirei (Piluri) – 140

In the Part of Vlorë (Villages) (In la parte de La Velona casali)

1. Pratates – 250
2. Pancritis – 140
3. De le Pignotte – 100
4. Cattuna – 180
5. Approlichi – 70

Copy translated from Greek into Italian
General Archives of Simankas
(E 1018 / 208)
⸻
Main text
The Excellency and Most Honorable Captain of Himara and Albania,
The Most Excellency Marquis, Viceroy of the Kingdom, Most High Lord of the Empire and our Honorable Protector.

We, the elders of Himara and Albania, respectfully and respectfully receive the majesty of Your Excellency. We have received and read your letter and are responding to you according to its purpose, regarding the country of Albania.

Therefore, we inform you of the situation of Albania and, with full soul and heart, we declare that we are friends of Your Excellency, as we have informed you before. Albania is among those most advanced countries, both in small and large ways.

There are many important villages in this country and we act according to the order of Your Excellency. Everything we have heard about Your Great and General Excellency in our country, with high consideration, has shown us friendship and loyalty.

For this reason we have sent people to Vlora and they have seen the situation there. But from this a field of doubt has arisen, because it is not certain whether the land of Vlora belongs to those of Albania or to Your Excellency.

We continue to be anchored, as Your Excellency knows, with the armed forces of the Turks stationed in Preveza. We believe that they are prepared to come towards Vlora, and this we have understood and are now writing to Your Excellency.

We also inform you that the Venetian captain Christopher, armed and equipped in that area, is between Vlora and Sazan. In this matter we confirm to Your Excellency that, if by chance this place were to fall under Your command, there would be three thousand more houses within the province of Albania.

Your Excellency’s people are good and loyal.
August 13, 1532
⸻
List of settlements and men
The servants present this list:

• The first village of Himara near the sea – 300 men
• Another village near the sea with men – 150
• Samilë village with men – 80
• Dhërmi village with men – 100
• Palasë village with men – 200
• Kudhës village with men – 200
• Qeparo village with men – 60
• Shën Gjergj village – 120
• Vuno village with men – 50
  All of these are located near the coast.

Transcribed from:

First: Këlcyra

• Këlcyra with men — 600
• Another village, Snovoci, with men — 200
• Another village, Dukatë, with men — 500
• Another village, Progonat, with men — 700
• Another village, Tërbac, with men — 300
• Another village, Zotaj, with men — 100
• Another village, Eras, with men — 200
• Another village, Vallç, with men — 70
• Another village, Cermachë, with men — 250
• Another village, Gjorm, with men — 100
  ⸻
  In the part of these villages
• Kanina, with men — 150
• Kastel i Dukati, with men — 130
• Another village, Kozhë, with men — 100
• Another village, Polinë, with men — 140
  ⸻
  In the part of Vlorës – villages
• Pronas, with men — 250
• Another village, Panarit, with men — 140
• Another village, Piqeras, with men — 100
• Another village, Cakran, with men — 180
• Another village, Asproleqi, with men — 70
  ⸻
  Final note
  All these villages that we are describing are under the vassalage of the Holy Emperor,
  and have been entrusted to the Marquis, Viceroy of the Kingdom of Naples,
  and the Captain of Himara and Albania.
  But, in any case, we give Your Excellency full notice.

Transcribed from:

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