By Gjon Keka

The Symbol of the Independence Flag

Often in history, some things remain unsaid or hidden behind the mysterious curtain of time and the circumstances of that era.

To understand why the history of our people is written with the blood of martyrs and heroes, it is enough to look at the sacrifices and challenges faced in achieving the freedom and independence of Arbëria (Albania) under the leadership of our supreme hero and visionary, Gjergj Kastrioti (Skanderbeg).

Years had passed since the bloodthirsty Ottoman Empire occupied Arbëria, taking hostages and forcing service in the Sultan’s court. Meanwhile, Arbëria and its people suffered, sweating and bleeding, just to remain in the lands of their ancestors. This great sacrifice and resistance, this heroic act by Arbërian men and mothers, best shows how precious freedom was — a freedom that the people brought forth from within once the most loyal and patriotic Arbërian in the history of the Illyro-Arbërians returned: the wise leader, strategist, and king Gjergj Kastrioti.

Gjergj Kastrioti’s return in November brought with it great hope — that Arbëria would be free, and that all Arbërians, great and small, would enjoy liberty. And, as is known, this great hope was fulfilled. Under the leadership of Lord Gjergj Kastrioti, Arbëria experienced the most successful royal governance in its history and in that of Europe at the time.

He not only brought freedom and independence but also unified the Arbërian people at the League of Lezhë. In doing so, he showed that for Arbëria to have strong and successful foundations, it must be united and remain so until the end. Indeed, this unification assembly convened by Gjergj Kastrioti served as a lesson and example for the unification of the peoples of Europe themselves.

Thus, this wise king of Arbëria was not only a hope for Arbëria in his time but was also seen by the eyes of Europe’s peoples as their hope and protection for as long as he lived, acted, and ruled. In this way, he defended to the end not only the foundations of his own homeland but of all European civilization. He was the only one who defended and preserved the honor and fundamental principles of his homeland.

Despite all this, regarding the symbol he raised upon his return to his Arbëria, the question that was asked yesterday, is asked today, and will continue to be asked until this enigma is solved is: Who made, preserved, and held the flag with the Eagle and the Star that he raised on the occasion of Arbëria’s Independence on November 28, 1443?

In my research, I have come across chronicles and authors who have dealt with the history of our people. They mention the raising of the flag and the act of that important day but do not reveal who brought the flag, who made it, or who preserved it.

However, to open a path toward solving this enigma — by analyzing the circumstances and the patriotism of Gjergj Kastrioti’s father and mother — it is possible that the symbol of the Eagle of the Kastrioti nobility, which later became the flag of independence and the Arbërian state from November 1443, was made and preserved by Gjergj Kastrioti’s mother, Vojsava. She most likely left it as a testament to her daughters: that if her son Gjergj ever returned one day, they should keep, preserve, and raise it as a flag of victory against evil and the enemies.

This may have happened because the mother and father of Gjergj Kastrioti had raised him and their other children in a spirit of patriotism. This rooting of patriotism could not have been otherwise, as he never forgot his Motherland — Arbëria — but returned to her as a savior.