The political and diplomatic portrait of Skanderbeg, the last crusader

Skanderbeg was not just an ordinary warrior, but a thinker and the last crusader who represented Europe in the war against the Ottoman Empire. Reading the study “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg - The Last Crusader, “Fast Track Albania”, Tirana, 2018, it becomes clear that Skanderbeg was not a peripheral factor in the war against the Ottoman Empire, but the opposite, with great weight, because by defending Albania, he also protected others, which has been proven in practice with various alliances as well as not only military aid. The author offers us interesting data, not only year after year, but month after month, offering us a diplomatic diary like no other so far. The title “The Last Crusader” is not accidental either

In the wide range of studies and special publications related to the personality of the National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti - Skanderbeg, there is also an interesting book written by Virgjil Kule, entitled "Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg - Kryqtari i Fundit", published by "Fast Track Albania", Tirana, 2018. We are dealing with the second edition because the first edition by OMBRA-GVG was published in 2011. It is a special book both in terms of conception, content and narration dedicated to the political and diplomatic activity of the National Hero like no other by an Albanian author to date. The author addresses issues of the life and activity of Gjergj Kastrioti-Skanderbeg, focusing on the most important aspects of his career: from his emergence on the political scene, to the organization of the Albanian resistance against the Ottomans, as well as the connections with the European powers of the time. There is no doubt that this study attempts to provide an overview of Skanderbeg for the creation of an independent Albanian state, where thanks to the literature consulted, but also to the documents presented, the role of Skanderbeg in the great military coalition (crusade) of Western Europe against the Ottoman invasion in the 15th century clearly emerges. And there is no way it could be otherwise, because Skanderbeg for a quarter of a century was the shield of Europe from the invasion of the Ottoman Empire. With his political, diplomatic and military engagement, Skanderbeg proved in practice the protection of Albanian civilization, which was identical to the European one. 
When analyzing the role and contribution of Skanderbeg in the 15th century, it should be noted that in this period of time it was the Arbëri, or rather Arbëria, who sacrificed much in defense of their identity to survive freely in their native lands. However, such a challenge was not easy, as Skanderbeg defied the circumstances of the time with political and diplomatic skill.

Diplomatic diary

From the moment of Skanderbeg's return and the establishment of power in Krujë on November 28, 1943 until his death on January 17, 1468, the author offers us interesting data, not only year after year, but month after month, offering us a diplomatic diary like no other so far. It is precisely such an approach that allows the reader to follow the evolution of events and to better understand the portrait of Skanderbeg in many aspects, where in this specific case the political and diplomatic activity is primary, not neglecting the military one either. Because according to the author, Skanderbeg was not just an ordinary warrior, but a thinker and the last crusader who represented Europe in the war against the Ottoman Empire.

Alliances for survival

In such social and especially military circumstances, Skanderbeg, in addition to the Northern Danube Front, created the Second Front in the Western Balkans, preventing the Turks from penetrating this part of Southeastern Europe. Although the Albanians were few in number, thanks to Skanderbeg they played an important role in defending European values. Such an action initially conditioned the achievement of the unification of the Albanian principalities, which was achieved on March 2, 1444, known as the Lezha Covenant, while later there was also an alliance with others dominated by those from the Italian countries, such as Venice, the Kingdom of Naples, the Pope of Rome, Hungary, etc.

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Master of diplomacy

Thanks to his age and experience, in new social circumstances, the skill of Skanderbeg is to be appreciated, as he distinguished himself with diplomacy by exploiting conflict situations, especially inter-Italian ones, to ensure peace and political stability not only in Albania but also in the wider region. 
Reading this study, it becomes clear that Skanderbeg was not a peripheral factor in the war against the Ottoman Empire, but quite the opposite, with great weight, because by defending Albania, he also protected others, which has been proven in practice with various alliances and aid, not just military. 

There is no doubt that such an action could be carried out in practice by a statesman who masterfully exploited the political and military potential of the Crusades to create the Albanian state in the form of a kingdom, under the Kastriot dynasty. This mission, in addition to military genius, also required an extraordinary talent for jurisprudence and diplomacy, which are offered to readers in this publication by the author of this publication, which is rightly called a diplomatic diary.

Contribution to historical studies

From what was said above, the book "Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg-Kryqtari i Fundit" by Virgjl Kule represents a valuable contribution to historical studies dedicated to our National Hero. The author, with professional competence, has addressed historical issues of the Albanian Middle Ages, providing data of interest to the broad scientific and cultural public. 

We are mainly dealing with the political and diplomatic aspects of Skanderbeg, which have not been treated in this form by any Albanian author so far. In preparing this publication, the author, in addition to historical literature, has also used archival documents, commenting on them depending on the events of the time, while the language and writing style demonstrate the author's intellectual approach.

The book is rightly called a diplomatic diary, because the subject is treated in diachrony and synchrony according to the relevant years (1443-1467), and even according to months and weeks, offering interesting data with social and historical dimensions for Albania like no other publication to date. This publication presents historical facts and analyses that shed light on many aspects of Skanderbeg's life that have mostly been unknown to the general public.

The challenger of time

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Only after reading this book will anyone understand the circumstances in which Skanderbeg masterfully managed to face the challenges, for a quarter of a century, against the largest empire of the time. 

The author describes Skanderbeg as a smart, capable individual with a clear vision for the future of his country and Europe. The author presents him not only as a national hero, but also as a complex and international figure with great influence on the fate of the continent.

By reading this book, the reader has the opportunity to understand the geopolitical circumstances in the region, where Skanderbeg, although alone and without state experience, with diplomatic skill managed to cooperate with allies, making Albania invincible for a quarter of a century, against the Ottoman Empire. 

A special dimension of Skanderbeg's diplomacy is the issue of marriage with famous family personalities, a phenomenon that was known not only in the Middle Ages. Such an action is undoubtedly imposed to stabilize power and strengthen relations with the principalities of the time. It remains for researchers to treat this issue seriously, because so far only a few have been mentioned as cases and not any specific sociological research.

While the title “The Last Crusader” is not accidental, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg played a significant role in the war against the Ottomans, making him a symbol of European resistance to the Ottoman Empire. Skanderbeg is often seen as the last crusader, being one of the last Christian leaders to wage open wars against Ottoman conquests in the Balkans. This has elevated him to an epic figure in Albanian and European history.

cONcluSiON

And finally, we note that the book by journalist, publicist and researcher Virgjil Kule is the result of several years of serious work full of passion and professionalism, and is welcome to all readers passionate about historical publications and in particular about the personality of the National Hero, because it complements knowledge in the political and diplomatic aspects. 

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From the data provided in this study, it is clear that Skanderbeg's politics and diplomacy were a special gift, serving as a model for later times, but unfortunately not sufficiently known until our days.

Meanwhile, thanks to the issues addressed, this publication should be mandatory not only for history students, but especially for those who have political sociology as a professional designation, because we are dealing with the most special study in Albanological publications to date.