by Aleksander Hasanas
Summary
This 19th-century Greek book presents the early life of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Albania is described as a mountainous, strategically important land between the Adriatic and Serbia, once called New Epirus. Born around 1405 as the youngest son of Prince Gjon Kastrioti and Vojsava (of noble Pollog origin), Gjergj showed early military talent. As Ottoman pressure grew under Murat II, Gjon surrendered four sons as hostages. Gjergj, noted for his intelligence and grace, was favored by the Sultan, who educated him at court in Adrianople. After circumcision, he was renamed Skënderbe (“Lord Alexander”), likening him to Alexander the Great.
Summary of the chapter
Description of Albania. — The Province of Kastrioti. — Birth of Skanderbeg. — His inclination toward the military art. — Murat II’s expeditions against Albania. — Gjergj is given as hostage. — Murat orders his circumcision and names him SKËNDERBE. — The Sultan’s care for his education and upbringing.
Main Text:
Albania lies between the 40th and 43rd degrees of latitude and the 16th and 19th degrees of longitude. Its length from South to North is about 110 common French leagues; while its width from East to West does not exceed 35 leagues.
On the side of Serbia it is bordered by a mountain range which, turning toward the West, also separates it from Dalmatia. It includes within itself all that part once called New Epirus.
It is a very mountainous country, crossed by various rivers and beautiful lakes rich in different kinds of fish. On its western coast there are safe ports; and the northern parts appear more cultivated than the southern ones.
Interesting notes on the text:
New Epirus: The text uses classical terminology to refer to Albanian lands, linking Albania with “Epirus Nova,” a name known since Roman/Byzantine times.
League: The mention of “French leagues” shows the influence of French sources (such as Paganel) on the Greek author.
Description: It is interesting that the author describes Albania as a “very populated” land with safe ports, portraying it as a region of strategic and natural importance.
Translation of page 2:
“Among the provinces of this country (Albania), that of Kastrioti was one of the most distinguished. The family of princes who governed it traced its origins to the most ancient times and was known for its bravery and loyalty to the homeland.
Gjergj Kastrioti, who was born around 1405, was the youngest son of Gjon Kastrioti, Prince of Albania, and his wife Vojsava. From a very young age, he showed rare intelligence and an extraordinary inclination toward military exercises, which foreshadowed his future glory.
At that time, the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Murat II was rapidly expanding in the Balkans. Gjon Kastrioti, facing the overwhelming force of the enemy, was forced to make an agreement with the Sultan to preserve the partial independence of his principality. As a condition for this peace, the Sultan demanded Gjon’s four sons as hostages, so that he could raise them at his court in Adrianople (Edirne).
Gjergj, who was the youngest of the brothers but the most distinguished for his beauty and grace, immediately caught the Sultan’s eye. Murat, impressed by the youth’s qualities, ordered that he be educated with the greatest care, treating him almost like his own son.
It was precisely here, after the circumcision, that the Albanian youth was given the name Skënderbe (Iskender Bey), meaning ‘Lord Alexander,’ as a comparison with Alexander the Great of Macedonia.”
Key points of this section:
Name “Skënderbe”: The text explains that the name was an honor given to Gjergj by the Sultan himself, comparing him to Alexander the Great due to his military talent.
Vojsava’s origin: This Greek edition (like many biographies of the era) emphasizes the noble origins of his parents.
Life as hostage: It is described as a turning point, where his education at the Ottoman court gave Gjergj knowledge of Turkish military strategy, which he would later use against them.
Origin of Vojsava according to this edition
The book describes Vojsava as a woman of high virtue and rare beauty, noting:
Noble lineage: She is identified as the daughter of “Tribald” (or lord of Tripalda), described as an important prince or ruler in the region of Pollog (today’s North Macedonia).
Connection with Macedonia: In the old Greek of the book, her region of origin is often called “Illyria” or part of “Macedonia,” referring to ancient geography.
Role in the family: She is portrayed as the pillar of the Kastrioti family, who gave Gjon nine children (4 sons: Stanisha, Reposh, Kostandin, and Gjergj; and 5 daughters: Mara, Jella, Angjelina, Vllajka, and Mamica).
Sources
https://www.searchculture.gr/…/000095-20.500.11855_581
https://anemi.lib.uoc.gr/…/3/e/4/metadata-413-0000020.tkl
https://digital.lib.auth.gr/record/50275
