by Ermal Nurja

An entry in the Ottoman registers identifying the first commander (dizdar) of the fortress of Koxhaxhik (Sfetigrad)—appointed by the Ottomans after they captured the fortress from Skanderbeg in 1448.

“A timar (fief) is granted to the dizdar of the fortress of Koxhaxhik (Sfetigrad), Andre Amuza, between August 21–30, 1448, in Përlep. His sons, Nikolla and Gjon, are also included in the timar; they hold it jointly and take turns performing military service. Andre Amuza’s share passes to his sons, Nikolla and Gjon, in November 1452, in Dimetoka. It is alleged that they have been traveling back and forth to Skanderi (Skanderbeg); consequently, the timar is revoked from them and granted to Sinan and his sons, Hysen and Jusuf, between November 22–30, 1454.”