Albania’s history is a story of resistance, identity, and survival across millennias. Its roots stretch back to the Illyrian tribes, who inhabited the western Balkans from around 2000 BCE. These tribes, including the Taulanti and Albanoi, lived in fortified settlements and interacted with Greek colonies such as Apollonia and Dyrrhachium. The Illyrians were known for their warrior culture and marine skills, Where you can mentionthe infamous Liburnian ships one of the fastest ships of Mediterrian Sea. By the 2nd century CE, the region was occupied by the Roman Empire, becoming an important crossroads of trade and military routes between Western and Eastern thanks to Via Egnatia, a very important street that connected Rome and Costandinople. After Rome’s division, Albania fell under the Byzantine Empire, which left its mark through Christianity and fortified towns.

   During the medieval period, Albania was contested by various powers, including Bulgarians, Normans, and Serbs. The first organized Albanian kingdom, the Principality of Arbanon or Arbania, emerged in the 12th century, signaling a growing sense of identity. By the late Middle Ages, Albania faced increasing pressure from the expanding Ottoman Empire. The most celebrated figure of this era was Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg (1405–1468), the national hero of Albania, who led a remarkable 25-year resistance against the Ottomans and becoming a symol of defence, uprising and unity.

   Under Ottoman rule (15th–20th centuries), Albania experienced profound changes. Many Albanians converted to Islam, while others remained Orthodox or Catholic, creating a diverse religious landscape. Ottoman architecture, traditions, and governance shaped Albanian society for over 400 years. Yet, Albanians kept their distinct identity, expressed through language, folklore, and clan structures. By the 19th century, nationalist movements began to rise, inspired by the decline of Ottoman power and the broader currents of European nationalism.

   In 1912, Albania declared independence during the Balkan Wars, establishing itself as a sovereign state. However, the early decades were marked by instability, territorial disputes, and foreign interference.

   Self-proclaimed King Zog I ruled from 1928 until Italy invaded in 1939, turning Albania into a protectorate. During World War II, Albania was occupied by Italy, just like Illyria by the Rome. After all history repeats itself. Later Germany invaded too. What is important to mention is that no jews were let to be captured by the nazist army, because albanians protected, sheltered and hide them. It is an albanian tradition that the guest on your house must be protected.

   After 1944, Enver Hoxha established one of the world’s most isolated and rigid communist regimes. Albania severed ties with Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union, and China, pursuing extreme isolation under the fear of an outside enemy attack. The country became infamous for its 700,000 bunkers and underground tunnels. Religion was banned in 1967, making Albania the world’s first officially atheist state. Daily life was marked by shortages, censorship, and strict control. Also industrialization became the main sector of economy but under the unpaind work of political preasoners and voluntary job.

   Communism collapsed in 1991 due to the poverty and total isolation, opening the country to the democracy and open-market economic. Albania faced mass emigration, political turmoil, and the 1997 financial crisis of pyramid schemes, but gradually stabilized. Joining NATO in 2009 and becoming an EU candidate in 2014, Albania has started integration to the Western European World while preserving its cultural heritage. Albania has yet to much to learn and it is in the right direction.

   Today, it is getting more and more attention for its natural beauty, hospitality, and deep traditions, attracting global tourism and investment. It would be a great choices to pay a visit to this magnificent country in middle of Mediterranean.