Introduction

The national hero of Albania, Skanderbeg, is widely recognized for his successful resistance against Ottoman rule in the 15th century. However, debates have emerged regarding his exact ethnicity and the origin of his heritage. This article addresses the question of whether Skanderbeg was Albanian or of Serbian origin, examining historical evidence, traditions, and cultural references to uncover the truth behind his identity.

The Anatomy of the Debate

Historical records and scholarly discussions have been divided on the issue of Skanderbeg's ethnicity. Proponents of the Albanian origin claim that Skanderbeg was primarily an Albanian nobleman and military leader, while some consider him to be of Serbian origin. This article aims to examine the evidence supporting both claims and provide a thorough examination of the debate.

Albanian Origin Arguments

Historical Documentation and Traditions: Numerous historical documents and traditions suggest that Skanderbeg was Albanian. For instance, the well-known Albanian historian Marin Barleti mentioned in his works that Skanderbeg's mother came from the Triballi tribe, which was historically known as ethnic Albanians.

Family Heritage: The Kastrioti family, from which Skanderbeg hailed, is of Albanian descent. The surname Kastrioti is derived from "castle" or "Kastoria," an Albanian city known for its historical significance. Additionally, Skanderbeg's parents were AlbanianToUpperCasabase; his father Gjon Kastrioti was an Albanian noble, and his mother, believed to be from the Muzaka family, also appears to be Albanian.

Serbian Origin Theories

Historical Claims and Documentation: Some historical claims suggest a Serbian origin for Skanderbeg. Georgios Castriotis, who is believed to be Skanderbeg, was reported to have a Serbian mother named Vojsava from the Golubi family. Furthermore, the Orthodox Christian emblem on his flag, which included a double-headed eagle, is reminiscent of Serbian symbols.

Family Connections and Name Connotations: The name "Kastrioti" could have roots in the Latin word "castro," meaning "castle," or the Hellenic land of Kastoria, which is historically Albanian. This raises doubts about the Serbian origin theory, as no direct evidence supporting Serbian heritage has been found in historical records or cultural traditions.

Evidence from Historical Family Records

Several key pieces of evidence support the Albanian origin hypothesis over the Serbian origin theory:

Non-Inclusion of Serbian Background: Neither Marin Barleti nor the Muzaka family, who first mentioned Skanderbeg’s mother, wrote about her Serbian origins. Furthermore, if Skanderbeg were of Serbian origin, it would be expected that his descendants would have mentioned it, especially given their proximity in time. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this was the case.

Family DNA Evidence: A recent DNA test conducted on Skanderbeg’s descendants showed no Serbian genetic markers, further corroborating the Albanian origin theory.

Conclusion

While debates over Skanderbeg's ethnicity continue to persist, the weight of historical documentation, cultural connections, and family records suggest that Skanderbeg was primarily Albanian. Despite the efforts of some to claim otherwise, the available evidence strongly supports the Albanian origin hypothesis for this national hero of Albania.

Skanderbeg's resilience and leadership remain celebrated by Albanians, and his story continues to inspire pride and resistance against foreign domination in the region.