Albanian History and Geography

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Questions and Answers

What is the origin of the name 'Albania'?

It's derived from the name of the Balkan Mountains.

It's derived from an ancient Illyrian tribe called the Albanoi. (correct)

It is the short form of 'Shqipëri', Land of the Eagle.

It comes from the Turkish word for mountain.

What is the Albanian name for their country, and what does it translate to?

Balkans, meaning 'mountain'

Ottoman, meaning 'land of Turks'

Albanoi, meaning 'land of the people'

Shqipëri, meaning 'Land of the Eagle' (correct)

Which empire controlled Albania for almost 500 years?

The Byzantine Empire

The Ottoman Empire (correct)

The Austro-Hungarian Empire

The Roman Empire

Who led the Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s?

Skanderbeg Signup and view all the answers

When did Albania gain independence from the Ottoman Empire?

1912 Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major ethnic groups in Albania?

The Ghegs and the Tosks Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate size of Albania compared to a U.S. state?

About the same size as Maryland Signup and view all the answers

What is a major difference between the Ghegs and the Tosks?

Their dialect of Albanian Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a typical element of traditional southern Albanian women's clothing?

A blouse with wide cuffs, an embroidered vest, and a heavily embroidered apron. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between traditional clothing of northern and southern Albanian women?

Northern women use gold coins in headbands and necklaces, with different embroidery. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most commonly used meat in Albanian cuisine?

Lamb Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is the normal word for 'meal' in the Albanian language?

Bukë Signup and view all the answers

What was the historical significance of Mësonjtorja?

It was the first school to teach in Albanian language. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a traditional Albanian folk instrument?

Trombone Signup and view all the answers

What economic changes occurred in Albania after the communist era?

An increase in the formation of private businesses. Signup and view all the answers

Which is the most popular sport in Albania?

Soccer Signup and view all the answers

What is qëndisje?

Elaborate embroidery. Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of the current Albanian government mentioned in the content?

Using dictatorial methods and restricting freedom of the press. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the number of vowel sounds in Albanian?

Albanian has seven vowel sounds and some can be silent at the end of the word. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Albanian language incorporate the 'ch' sound?

By using the added letter ç. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor in the standardization of the Tosk dialect in Albania?

The leadership of Tosk political figures post-World War II. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'kucedër' in Albanian folklore?

A snake or dragon with multiple heads. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is considered the ultimate insult in Albanian culture?

To call someone 'kukudh' meaning a dwarf who can't rest in his grave. Signup and view all the answers

When did Albania restore freedom of religion after it was outlawed?

Between 1989 and 1990 after a political shift. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is one of the five pillars of Islam observed by Albanian Muslims?

Fasting from dusk to dawn during the month of Ramadan. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'Dita e Verës' in Albanian culture?

It is an ancient celebration, of pagan origin and celebrated in Mid-March. Signup and view all the answers

How do Albanians express 'no' nonverbally?

By shaking the index finger or sometimes nodding the head. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'qerasje', a custom related to greeting guests in Albania?

A treat of sweets and a drink offered to a visitor upon arrival. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the most sacred part of an Albanian pledge?

The giving of 'besa' or a pledged word. Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic of many Albanian dwellings during the communist rule?

They were poorly constructed apartment buildings with limited space. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is generally true about smoking in Albania?

Smoking is unregulated and happens anywhere in public. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical role of the Albanian husband regarding housework?

He generally does not do housework and views it as the wife's duty. Signup and view all the answers

What piece of clothing was a common item for men in Albania until the 1400s?

The fustanella or Albanian kilt, varying in material according to status. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Albanian Origins and History

Albania's name derives from the Illyrian tribe Albanoi, inhabiting the territory from 1225 BC to AD 200.
Albanians call their country Shqipëri, meaning "Land of the Eagle."
The Ottoman Empire controlled Albania for nearly 500 years.
Skanderbeg, a national hero, led Albanian resistance against the Ottomans in the 1400s, fighting in at least 25 battles.
Ottoman rule lasted 445 years, after Skanderbeg's death in 1468.
A majority of Albanians converted to Islam during Ottoman rule.
Albania gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.
Post-World War I, Albania's borders were officially established by the Paris Peace Conference in 1919.

Geographic and Demographic Characteristics

Two major Albanian ethnic groups exist: Ghegs and Tosks.
The Ghegs inhabit the north, and the Tosks the south.
Language variations distinguish Ghegs from Tosks.
Albania's size is comparable to the state of Maryland.
Dimensions: 230 miles long, and 90 miles wide at its widest point.
Western border: Adriatic Sea, approx. 50 miles from Italy's "boot".
Albania is surrounded by itself geographically, as it borders only with Balkan countries forming a peninsula surrounded by the Adriatic, Aegean, and Black Seas.
Population: Approximated at 3.5 million in the late 1990s, projected to be 3.6 million by 2000.
Rural population decreased—from about 80% living on farms in 1950 to around 60% by the mid-1990s.

Language and Culture

Albanian (Shqip) is one of Europe's oldest languages, belonging to the Indo-European family.
Albanian has seven vowel sounds.
The Albanian alphabet includes the English alphabet, plus the letter ç (representing the "ch" sound).
Ghegs and Tosks use different pronunciations of Albanian.
Albanian mythology includes figures like fairies, snakes, dragons, witches, and guard-like flame-throwing winged beings.
Albanian mythology includes the kucedër, (a multi-headed snake/dragon-like creature),shtrigë or shpriga (witch), and the stuhi (a flame-throwing winged being that guards treasures).
Albanian folklore also features the mythical female figures called Zana.
Albanians have a strong emphasis on gestures (hand movements, shrugs, eye movements) in their communication.
"Besa" is a sacred pledged word or promise.
Albanian greeting customs are unique, and involve refreshments (liko and drinks) and inquiries about host and guest family members.
Smoking is permitted almost everywhere, with no regulations against.
Albanians are typically modest and do not wear revealing clothing.

Albania has no official state religion.
The communist government, in power 1946-92, outlawed religion in 1967.
Freedom of religion was restored in 1989-90.
Islam is the most prevalent religion (>70% of the population), with five pillars: prayer, alms giving, Ramadan fasting, pilgrimage, and reciting the Shahada.
Christians (Evangelical, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic) comprise around 20% of the population.
Albanians celebrate Dita e Verës (Spring Day) in mid-March.
Albanian independence day is commemorated on November 28th.
Wakes for the deceased are held at home for two to three days before burial.
Traditional Albanian homes often have elderly parents living with their children, where they receive honor and respect.

Family and Gender Roles

Albanian families are generally small, with an average of two children.
The wife is considered the primary person responsible for household tasks—the husband does not typically do housework.
The oldest son is traditionally trained as head of household upon the father's death.

Economy and Education

Albanians have adopted a five-day work week since 1992.
Women comprise more than 40% of the labor force.
Literacy rate is high (88%) in Albania, amongst the highest in the Balkan region.
Mandatory school attendance is from age seven through fifteen.
Teaching in Albanian was only allowed after 1887, teaching had previously been conducted in Turkish and Persian.

Cultural Expressions and Entertainment

Albanian cuisine is influenced by Ottoman rule.
Common meats include lamb, while foods such as Lakror and Fergesë are common dishes.
Bread is considered a major part of any meal.
Raki is a popular brandy.
Albanians enjoy music and classical music performances in the country.
Folk instruments include the civility, gërnetë, gajda, bishnica, sharkia, and lahuta.
Albanian art includes qëndisje (embroidery), weaving rugs, lace-making, and metalworking.
Ismail Kadare is a renowned Albanian writer.
Albanians enjoy storytelling in coffee shops.
Television programs from Italy are popular.

Politics (post-communist era)

Albania transitioned to democracy under President Sali Berisha, but accusations exist about dictatorial methods continuing.
Allegations involve silencing political dissent, press restrictions, and election rigging.

Additional Notes:

A fustanella is an Albanian kilt that was traditionally worn by men in the country before the 1400s.
The traditional costume of southern Albanian women includes gold necklaces, aprons, and embroidered vests.

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Description

Explore the rich origins and history of Albania, including its name derived from the Illyrian tribe Albanoi and the significant impacts of Ottoman rule. Learn about the unique characteristics of the two main Albanian ethnic groups, Ghegs and Tosks, and the geographical aspects of the country.