An approach to the influence of Albanian-Turkish Five-Century coexistence on the albanian national identity

Abstract

The discourse of political and intellectual Albanian elite on the nature of national identity is overwhelmed by Orientalism based on homogeneous and binary conceptual West-East structures.
At the crossroads between the Occident which presents the modern and civilized world and the Orient, the undeveloped and barbarous one, Albanian orientalist of Renaissance and contemporary period perceive the national identity in the effort “to escape” from East towards West.
This dichotomy approach was in opposite with the reality presented during the five-century Albanian-Turkish relations that symbolized a modus vivendi, based on the common set of values.
The peaceful coexistence between two peoples came as a result of the following factors:
1. The natural integration of Albanians into the state and civil administration of Ottoman Empire. The last ones cooperated loyally with Turkish politicians in favour of similar bilateral interests.
2. The process of making and law execution in complete conformity with Albanian territory stage of growth and also the customary law in special cases.
3. Relations and everyday activity established a common set of material values (Islamic and Christian buildings, monumental ones), social values (customs, music, gastronomy etc.) and spiritual ones.
4. Albanian education and cultural framework in the light of Tanzimate Reforms stimulated the advancement of nationalist movement which was proclaimed by Albanian Renaissance figures.
This modus vivendi is considered a constructive part of national identity that is established in the base of native Pelasgic-Illyrian substratum and enriched during intensive multilateral contacts with cultures of different countries.