Glory Day’s
Albanian independence and Diplomacy of Great Power 1912-1914

Qendresa Krasniqi
ENG 105
PIR
01 November 2012
Albania Yesterday Essay

Honor Statement (Besa): I have neither given nor received, nor have I tolerated others’ use of unauthorized aid.

"It wasn't me who brought you freedom; I found it here, among you."* -George Kastrioti, Skanderbeg (1443) As one of the most ancient countries in Europe, Albanian history had many different periods among centuries .Known as strong and mature people they were always fighting for freedom and seeking the peace that they waited for so long.
Was that dream coming true? Would Albanians ever know the feel of living in a free and independent country?
Well yes! Even though, Albanians had two glorious Novembers.
First one is in 1443, when all Kruja was gathered cheering for the great happiness of freedom, enjoying the rise of flag among Krujas castle walls, by the greatest Albanian nation hero, George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, which unfortunately ended right after Skanderbeg death. Ottoman Empire re-dominance Albania territory for decades until Second November in 1912 came and which was so unfair with Albanians besides it become independent.
Although, surrounded by enemies and with a history developed in many wars, by molding blood and sacrificing their life for Albania nation, Albanians never stopped trying to fulfill their descendant’s desire so they kept revolting over times. After a long resistance under the Ottoman Empire and many revolts of Albanian people during nineteenth century and the beginning of twentieth century, especially those through 1908-1912 plus the First Balkan War, began dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. This period, Albanian patriots didn’t let to slip away from their hands, by using it in the best possible way. Although they were not in good circumstance ,these patriots decided to let the Great Power know the big step that they were about to take.

Ismail Qemali together with his right arm during these periods Luigj Gurakuqi, took a long journey from Istanbul through the road they were dreaming for such a long time, which passed in some stages.
First stage of the journey of Ismail Qemali and Luigj Gurakuqi was in Bucharest, capital of neutral Rumania, when the strongest and organized Albanians colonies were centered in. First decision was that Albanians should gain their powers and to create a leading committee to lead the government, secondly it was predicted the formation of a commission with smart and known Albanians to move out in Europe and to protect territorial and national rights in front of the well educated world and Great Powers (Puto. 1978, 103). Second stage got developed in Vein. Here Ismail Qemali wrote a telegraph for his Albanian sisters and brothers saying that “Albanian Feature is secured” (104) where he tries to encourage Albanians with good news.

Last stage, developed in Trieste, were selected the delegates who were supposed to participate in National Assembly and thinking that the only way of saving Albanian nation was to destroy dependence form Ports. Just after finishing this appointment, Ismail Qemali and Luigj Guaruqi took the road to Albania. All of the appointments that Albanian “Founding Fathers” had, adding revolts and many other opportunities made Albania to score a big goal in its history such as Independence. In 19 November Ismail Qemali declared that “as soon as they get in Albania, they will announce Albanian Independence and form a temporary government (109). After finishing all appointments with different countries and delegates, Ismail Qemali, Luigj Gurakuqi and many delegates arrived in Durres at 21 November 1412, to raise Albanian flag and to declare the Albanian Independence, but Durres was under the Ottoman rule, they decided to settle in Vlore.
Finally the most expected day, the holly day of Albanians came; the Independence was declared, Albanian all over the world celebrated this magnificent joy, which they have been fighting for a long time in many different ways. Act of the Albanian independence was approved on the first hours of congress, which ended the Ottoman Empire. While Ismail Qemali was speaking he said that “The only way that Albania can survive, is the fallout from Turkey. “Austria, Italy and Russia supported the declaration of independence of Albanian Nation” (Smirnova. 2004, 58). After the statement that Albania must be independent, in her own permanent governmental direction, 84 delegates that were from all over Albania signed another declaration which states that “Now on Albania has its freedom and independence”, and went to Ismail Qemali’s house to rise up Skanderbeg’s flag that had more than 400 years that was unused. When all this declarations of independence finished, another very important duty of these great patriots was the creation of a permanent government, which will work under the control of “senate”. Its duty was to lead the new country until assembly of Vlore establishes “unconstitutional order”.
The congress that was held in Vlore put in charge Ismail Qemali as the leader of the new government. At that time, government faced lots of dangerous duties. Albania was threatened to be torn, they were dealing with extreme poverty, and further more new government was constantly being under the resistance of large owner. During the governance leaded by Ismail Qemali, the most difficult prove was The Conference of Ambassadors held in London where was decided the future fate of Albania. More than half of the territory and the half of the population remained outside the border of the new country. However the raising flag and the declaration of independence was a triumph for all Albanian who suffered a lot during different regimes and different war, was a triumph for those who sacrificed themselves, and their family members, for freedom.
The act of declaration of independence ended the pain of citizens, who were longing for more than 500 years to hear their free voice. Benefits of having their own government were clear, citizens no longer had to deny their identity, and they had the right to be educated in their own language, reading Albanian books. Art and Culture had visible improvement; there were improvement in almost all fields which under foreign regimes were pore and controlled by them too. Also they could raise the flag on the roof of their houses without fear that they would be persecuted or expelled from the country. Reference
Puto, Arben. 1978. Albanian Independence and Diplomacy of Great Power 1912-1914. “8 November”
Puto, Arben. 2009. Political Albania 1912-1939. “Toena “
Smirnova, Nina. 2004. Albanian History through twentieth century. “Ideart”
* http://unitedalbania.blogspot.com/