Post by kartadolofonos on Jul 19, 2012 15:42:37 GMT -5
Σκεντέρμπεης ,Skander bey's Iskender or ,Scanderbeg. which means ;
" A l e x a n d e r - r u l e r "
The Greek that saved Europe ... 544 years after his death !!
How the Albanians show George Kastriotis as Albanian
One of the lesser known heroes of Greek history is George Kastriotis, known also as Skander beys. It is the national hero of Albanians at the same time is unknown or wrongly presented in Greece. as ethnic Albanian. Let's see who the final Skander beys. His real name is Georgios Kastriotis.
The last name and has true origin after his grandfather,
Konstantinos Kastriotis (1390), was ruler of the region of Kastoria and Imathia. His father was Ioannis Kastriotis, ruler of Kroias while his mother came from Serbia (Voisava).
Shortly before the fall of Constantinople, and while the Sultan Murad II conquered the Byzantine one province after another, ask the ruler of Kroias as a manifestation of subjugation and domination of the guarantee, the ransom of 4 sons one of whom was George. I. The Kastriotis accepted and children embraced Islam after (it was Christians) were found to be raised in the sultan's court Andrianoupoleos along with the later conqueror of Constantinople, Mehmed the Second. Sultan Murad, seeing the great progress and the gifts of Greek children gave him the Turkish name "Iskender Bey" (Skanderbeg) which means "Alexander ruler."
Despite the Ottoman upbringing, Georgios did not forget his roots. The news of the death of his parents and the oppression from the Turks gave rise to Skander beys in battle fleeing to Serbia and to return to the ancestral lands. Once married Androniki Comnena, George Kastrioti on November 28, 1443 declares the revolution against the Turks. As an emblem used the Byzantine double-headed eagle on a red background, the most current flag of Albania.
George Kastriotis thanks martial virtues was able to rid the province of the Turkish occupation and cause admiration in the Christian West who expect the Ottoman threat. It was so great successes Kastriotis that forced him to the sultan to war against him. Typical are the praise of Pope Kallistratos III, naming the Kastriotis "knight of Christ" and "athlete of God." Even after the fall of Constantinople (1453), the Skander bey operated undisturbed until his death. On January 17, 1467 at the age of 63 died of malaria. He was buried with the values expected of a legend in the Church of St. Nicholas in Alessio (ancient Lissos).
Evidence of the Greek origin of George Kastriotis:
Despite knowledge of the origin of the Albanians continue to believe and propagate some Greeks unknowingly that the Albanian Skander bey was active in the region because of today's Albania. Of course, except that they forget their Greek territories (from the time of Pyrrhus), do the methodological error of timing differences in their attempt to find a great hero in the Albanian history has had to show a hero as always succumbed to bribery and political pressures of the larger forces (see Ottoman Empire, Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany and Soviet Union).
Here are some proofs of the root of Georgios Kastriotis o himself Kastriotis were Greek speaking and all of the letters to the rulers of the West and the Sultan were written in Greek, even presented as a descendant of Epirus, not of Illyrian (see letter to the Italian Ursini, 1460). Brought Macedonian helmet and using the name of Alexander the Great, sample continuity national consciousness.
o Speaking of Pope Paul II said: "After Enslavement of Asia and Greece, after the slaughter of the offspring of Con sovereign / city of Trebizond and desolation ... most part of Macedonia and Epirus, opposite the savage conqueror of competitor to crush his cross, to lift on the Capitol Crescent and slaves to pay for the whole world I stand alone ... after the remains of soldiers after me and of my small Hellenic state".
The Turkish biographer of Ali Pasha, Ahmet Moufit, writes Kastriotis about "the year 1443 he escaped from the Ottoman camp of Morava the Greek sovereign Kastriotis and went to the headquarters of his ancestors, the Kroia."
o Italian, English and Swedish reports consider Skanderbeg Greek. Thus Italian A. Salvi in the tragedy (1718) refers to him as a Greek (Greco). The Englishman C. Randall in 1810 he calls Greek Hero (Grecian Hero) and the Swedish Barrau initially and Rudbeck later (1835) consider C. Kastriotis Greek.
The proofs are so many that it is impossible to record a few lines. Greek historians are invited to stop this misrepresentation and false to write books on Albanian ruler. Similarly, the Greeks called all know what a Skander bey's and respond appropriately to our guests misguided Albanians.
GEORGIOS The Forgotten KASTRIOTIS
The Greek History is full of great heroic figures known and unknown. In passages of unknown and forgotten heroes in modern times is the hero of Epirus the warlord George Kastriotis the Skander beys named by the Turks, as Alexander.
George Kastriotis was like Constantine Paleologos forms are loved, sung, became a legend and tale of her grandmother during the many years of Ottoman rule in the Greek area.
Forgotten among the modern Greeks, though popular in the 15th and 16th century the famous "soldiers" who studied his accomplishments, but also during the Revolution, every captain who could read five letters read about the exploits of Skander bey in circulation and had a great time resonance. Kolokotronis says in his Memoirs:
"I read the life of the Skanderbeg, collect all his works ..."
THE EARLY YEARS
The Skanderbeg was born in 1405 in New Krougia Epirus, now called Albania. He was son of Ioannis Kastriotis, lords of the region.
The Old and the New Epirus during the first quarter of the 15th century in various feuds Indivisible without fixed limits. These continuously as a result of several wars between the feudal lords. In the northern part of the region were the fiefs of Balsa, the Dukaginis and Spanos Dousmani. Further south, namely New Epirus, the feudal families of the piece, Mouzaki Arianiti and Kastriotis, with centers in Dyrrachium,Berat in, Belgrade, and the current Krougia Elbasan, and south of the manor Ginos Bush Spata whom succeeded the Mauritius Bush Spata, and the Gini Zenempisi feud. The feud first extends in Arta and second in the Argirokastro (Gjirocastra) This form of government clans in the region lasted until the year 1415. The Turks left after an internal crisis, that the war between the descendants of Sultan Bayazid, highlighted the powerful Sultan Mohammed A and from 1415 until 1419 occupied all the feudalism of the area and established a new tax system. Most feudal succumbed and became a tributary to the Sultan. There were feudal who left the place as the Gini Zenempisis, Mauritius Bush Spata and Balsa. His father Kastriotis, despite initial resistance raised, subjugated to the new situation.
Among the obligations of landlords and was obliged to send to the Sultan at Adrianople one or more of their children to serve in the military school . In this school the young son of the feudal were islamized later to take various official government duties with proven loyalty to the Sultan. These tasks were as army chief of a region or province, commander of the garrison of a fortress, chief of police of a city, etc.
Among the military shool sent to the Sultan were the children of Iao nnis Kastriotis. The youngest son of all, Georgios (George) or was found at age 18 in Edirne. With a nice margin, with gigantic stature as reported by his biographers, nose and griffins, attracted admiration for the Turks and talents yielded Iskenter name (Alexander). There, apart from the Greek .speak the Arvanitic dialect, learned Turkish, Arabic and Italian.
As man and military leader outstanding for excellent mental talents, bravery, his prudence and eloquence of which won the souls of soldiers who were willing to undergo any sacrifice and to go even unto death example of the leader. After each battle comes scenes of the wounded person and watched their treatment. So he had won the confidence of his soldiers during the period of his life in which he was under the command of the Sultan, and during the period during which he raised the banner of revolution against the Turks in Arvanon and the wider region of Epirus
Sultan Murad II having recognized the bravery of the troops sent to the fronts of the Balkans and Asia Minor. During the subordination Kastriotis discontinued his ties with his family. Sometimes he come back at home near his father.
In 1438, the Skanderbeg served as the vilayet of Soumpasis Krougias, that as head of the province. In 1440 removed from Krougia and took Sanzak bey in Dibra, that belonged in the vilayet of Monastir. At that time he make ties with the people and their feudal lords. Historiography and analyst life Skanderbeg admit that he never changed his faith and always remained a Orthodox Christian. During his stay in his home country has sought to make contact with the Western powers (Venice, Raguza, Naples). Especially to the King of Naples Alfonso entrusted his intentions for future insurrection against the Turks. The Kastriotis we waited for the right opportunity to act. This did not take long. Hungary along with Contantinoplel, free remnant of once-mighty Byzantine Empire, were the only ones from European rebel forces against the Ottomans
During 1439-1442 the Hungarians apply the tactics of war "The best defense is attack" had embarrassed the Turks. The Skanderbeg asked to be sent to the front of the Danube under the command of the Bey of Rumelia. When in early November 1443 the Hungarians, the Turks Victory against Skanderbeg found the golden opportunity to implement his plan. In the confusion of defeat defected along with 300 loyal riders including his brother Stanisi Kastriotis and his nephew Hamza Murto, and after a course of seven days they arrived outside the Krougia against which attacks. Overwhelms her, and releases it raises red flag of the Byzantine double-headed eagle with which was the coat of arms and Kastriotis, which was imposed in the early 20th century as the national symbol of Albania, the new state - a creation of the interests of Great Powers .
For 25 years Skanderbeg create a free zone in the Turkish-Balkan peninsula and scrap and would humiliate the forces of two Sultans of Murad II and Mehmed II the Conqueror consisting of hundred thousand troops.
"If Georgios Kastriotis Skanderbeg, was not born said Mehmet II, I would have connected the bay of the Adriatic to the Venetian Republic, I would have put the turban on the head of the Pope and the crescent on the dome of St. Peter."
The influence of Skanderbeg and the outbreaks of rebellion reached up Amvrakikos Gulf and the leading form united the various factions battle areas. The Skanderbeys took care to create homes outside Krougias rebellion and south, as in Pogoni, Fort Vellas and the stream. The torrent of that time and throughout the period of Ottoman rule until today is a stronghold of Hellenism. The Greek historians have not specifically address the short-lived independent state of Georgios Kastriotis. The size and significance of the rebellion testifies to the fact that Murad II led force was 200 000 men, enormous through the season, which certainly will not needs if were only occupied the fortress of Krougias.
The Cheimarriotes stood by the Kastriotis and, in defense of Krougias participated and clans of Androutsos of Tuba, etc., which after the collapse of the revolution and the death of Skanderbeg fell to the south and colonized the inaccessible mountains of Souli. According to General Dimitrios Notis Botsaris, leader of the indigenous Volunteer Corps in Epirus in 1912-13: "The deceased's Skanderbeg Botsaraioi battle with Turks and Turkish Albanians, fell to Dragana. When the principalities of the 17th century they established with other unconquered Greeks Soulliottes Confederacy. "The Cheimarriotes a century after the death of Skanderbeg call the Kastriotis the ruler. In their letter to Pope Gregory XIII dated July 12, 1577 Skanderbeg called the "King" them.
Similarly the people of Koritsa Korca, renowned for their bravery, fought hard in the side of Kastriotis.
The Hellenic Conscience of Kastriotis
The Greek Christian Kastriotis was conscious and was the holder of the Greek culture. The documents were prepared in the Chancellery was written in Greek. In 1461 his address to the Sultan Mehmed II wrote:
"George is renamed Skanderbeys, ruler of Epirus and the soldier of Jesus Christ The Cross the Cross Hail Iskander Epirus and Greece ...". Similarly addressed to King Alfonso himself "Prince of Epirus."
The revolt of Epirus to European leaders stunned. As said before, immediately after Krougia riots followed the other areas. For this purpose the meeting in March 1444 the lords of the region Old and New Epirus - characteristics Arianiti mention George, Theodore Thopia, Nicholas Dukakinnis, Paul Dukakinnis, Theodore krone Mouzaki Leka Leka Dousmani in George Balsa, Peter Spano, etc. Participated in the meeting and Stefan Tsernogievits, as representative of the people of Montenegro. There Skanderbeg proclaimed the General Chief and all vowed resistance against the Turkish oppressor.
The Hungarians also encouraged by promises of Pope and in consultation with Skanderbeg with Polakis and Romanian forces crossed the Danube and reached Varna, Bulgaria. Similarly Skanderbeg's forces led by George Arianiti entered into Macedonia where they gathered armies of volunteers to strengthen the forces of Hungarian king Vladislau. When the Hungarian king was mortally wounded by the forces of the Sultan who arrived in Varna with the help of Genovese ships, the alliance of Christian forces was wound up.
The Ianesku Ouniadis, leader of the battle of Varna, keep in touch with Skanderbeg, which infuriated the Sultan who brought the whole army of Asia and Europe and with his successor Mehmed II entered the area north of Epirus (North Albania), and through the river GENUSIUS arrived in Krougia, during the siege which first used battering rams.
But until you reach the army of the Sultan Krougia had suffered such damage from commando actions of the soldiers of Skanderbeg as a Turkish Bey Dursun chronicler writes: "Only the demons, like the inhabitants of those parts may, familiar with the mountains, They are accursed infidels, strike with poison arrows. "
The siege failed and left Murad II defeated ashamed to die shortly there after in Adrianople.
AFTER THE FALL
Meanwhile Skanderbeg signs alliance in March 1451 by King Alfonso of Naples, who dreamed up the Mediterranean Empire.
Murad's successor, young Sultan Mehmed II prepared other two campaigns against the Hellenic state of Kastrioti - Skanderbeg but they failed and were in the summer of 1452 and April 1453, ie the time when the brave garrison of Constantinople in Emperor Constantine XI Palaeologus gave everything for the race.
The capture of Constantinople made sense and spread panic throughout Europe. The Skanderbeg from now on would not only face the Turks and Islamized Albanians campaigners against him, but the former feudal faithful.
Even the nephew Hamza after the birth of the son of Skanderbeg, John, after losing hope of succession, conquered the enemy and led his forces against his country, providing valuable information to the Turks for both the region and strategies for tactics uncle.
Died in 1464 Pope Pius II, who tried unsuccessfully to join the European powers divided and organized crusade against the Sultan. That same year the Sultan sent army against Skanderbeg to the devastation of the country and the sources of supply of. Once again, the Skanderbeg in August 1464 has split the Turkish forces.
The other four 1465 campaigns led Albanians Feudal fail.
In 1466 he led Mohammed 150 000 to 200 000 soldiers, janissaries, Ottomans and the East the feudal clan of Krougia displayed in front. The chronicler says Kritovoulos Epirus.
When militants from the forces of the Turks prefer to come down from the rocks and killed but delivered supplicants. And this campaign has failed after repeated commando operations in the camp of the Sultan which led even the death of a military leader, feudal Balaban Pasha.
DEATH IN 1468
In 1466 the brave leader George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, wearing the fur of the war presented in person to Pope Paul II and the Cardinals in order to help organize the campaign against the European rulers of Muhammad.
His presence provoked the curiosity of the world who gathered to the famous hero. According to the Skanderbeg Varletio finished his speech to the Pope as follows: "After the destruction of Asia and Greece, after the slaughter of the princes of Constantinople, in Trebizond, Serbia, Bosnia, Moldovlachia after the Enslavemt Looting of Peloponnese and the major part of Macedonia and Epirus, I stayed by myself in the impossible and my small country, with my soldiers worn out by so many wars, many battles that Epirus is no longer in the bowels of part of healthy life to handle new wounds and did not stay longer in this life-blood pouring favor to the Christian people. Macedonia the witness, all the more abundant at the soldiers, to prince and is left to other warlords, or only ours prowess and soul . Come to our help while it is yet time, as probably do not want no more athletes of Christ from the other part of the Adriatic Sea. "
In April 1467, the Skanderbeg returned to his homeland. The assistance received from the Pope was only in money and such was just 3000 amount to five shillings, to be classified as a dishonor of the Christian forces. The Kastriotis remained loyal to the Vatican and agreed between Paleologus union of churches, and this is one of the reasons ignored by the official Orthodox Greek state.
The country was in a difficult situation and in January 1468, Kastriotis convened a second conference in order to cope with Alesio and new campaign of Muhammad. The Skanderbeg did not take part in the battle because he was weak from a wound he had on his shoulder. Once again, however, the soldiers without their leader won a new victory.
The state of health deteriorated and he died January 17, 1468 at Alesio where it was buried in the cathedral of St. Nicholas.
The Legendary EVERY FORM OF THE CENTURIES
George Kastrioti was a great political and military figure of his time. In an era of ferment and upheaval rose to the occasion and the giant form, literally and figuratively, was the rock resistance in Asian storm. Said that was initiated and the ideas of George Plython filled, the state whose request was to separate the warriors from farmers. The Kastriotis sent to Balaban Pasha hoe, plow and scythe inviting him to return to the art of his ancestors.
With the death of Skanderbeg increased the wave of immigration from Epirus in southern Italy and Sicily. The Turks conquered the country and Mehmed II in 1474 arrived in Alesio which ordered the exhumation of the dead of Skanderbeg to admire all the frame and then attach the hegemonic values.
The form of Skanderbeg became a legend who kept tight until the Revolution.
The defence of Missolonghi him as their own so that in one of the canuns (emplacements) had given the name of Skanderbeg, third largest after those of Dracula and Kanaris.
But the vivid recollection of Skanderbeg Guard and the State remained the area of Himara which continued uprisings against the Turks led by George Stresio in Pelion Kasnetsi, etc., culminating in the provision of special privileges that lasted until early 20th century and made the area somewhat autonomous and independent.
From the Ottomans Albanians driven by foreign powers (Austria-Hungary, and especially Italy), was born the new state imposed its nationals a special, rather than Epirote or conscience but Arvanite Albanian and anti-Greek, making their national hero George Kastrioti and the national symbol two-headed eagle. In 1960 the main square of Tirana, where it was at the statue of Stalin that had been transferred elsewhere in the city, erected a statue of Skanderbeg on horseback. Oh! what irony! Descendants of Albanians those who betrayed their leader, then appropriated as a "national hero" and to place the statue of the great warlord from Epirus near the mosque that dominates the square.
Once, Prince of Taranto John Anthony had described its soldiers as Kastriotis sheep. Life can take Skanderbeg's response: "The fathers were Epirotes Prayer, of which he was raised Pyrrhus, whose only attack the Romans been unable to refute, that he who through the weapons Captures the other country and Taranto, Italy. You have strong man to resist them in their possessions except in Epirus
" A l e x a n d e r - r u l e r "
The Greek that saved Europe ... 544 years after his death !!
How the Albanians show George Kastriotis as Albanian
One of the lesser known heroes of Greek history is George Kastriotis, known also as Skander beys. It is the national hero of Albanians at the same time is unknown or wrongly presented in Greece. as ethnic Albanian. Let's see who the final Skander beys. His real name is Georgios Kastriotis.
The last name and has true origin after his grandfather,
Konstantinos Kastriotis (1390), was ruler of the region of Kastoria and Imathia. His father was Ioannis Kastriotis, ruler of Kroias while his mother came from Serbia (Voisava).
Shortly before the fall of Constantinople, and while the Sultan Murad II conquered the Byzantine one province after another, ask the ruler of Kroias as a manifestation of subjugation and domination of the guarantee, the ransom of 4 sons one of whom was George. I. The Kastriotis accepted and children embraced Islam after (it was Christians) were found to be raised in the sultan's court Andrianoupoleos along with the later conqueror of Constantinople, Mehmed the Second. Sultan Murad, seeing the great progress and the gifts of Greek children gave him the Turkish name "Iskender Bey" (Skanderbeg) which means "Alexander ruler."
Despite the Ottoman upbringing, Georgios did not forget his roots. The news of the death of his parents and the oppression from the Turks gave rise to Skander beys in battle fleeing to Serbia and to return to the ancestral lands. Once married Androniki Comnena, George Kastrioti on November 28, 1443 declares the revolution against the Turks. As an emblem used the Byzantine double-headed eagle on a red background, the most current flag of Albania.
George Kastriotis thanks martial virtues was able to rid the province of the Turkish occupation and cause admiration in the Christian West who expect the Ottoman threat. It was so great successes Kastriotis that forced him to the sultan to war against him. Typical are the praise of Pope Kallistratos III, naming the Kastriotis "knight of Christ" and "athlete of God." Even after the fall of Constantinople (1453), the Skander bey operated undisturbed until his death. On January 17, 1467 at the age of 63 died of malaria. He was buried with the values expected of a legend in the Church of St. Nicholas in Alessio (ancient Lissos).
Evidence of the Greek origin of George Kastriotis:
Despite knowledge of the origin of the Albanians continue to believe and propagate some Greeks unknowingly that the Albanian Skander bey was active in the region because of today's Albania. Of course, except that they forget their Greek territories (from the time of Pyrrhus), do the methodological error of timing differences in their attempt to find a great hero in the Albanian history has had to show a hero as always succumbed to bribery and political pressures of the larger forces (see Ottoman Empire, Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany and Soviet Union).
Here are some proofs of the root of Georgios Kastriotis o himself Kastriotis were Greek speaking and all of the letters to the rulers of the West and the Sultan were written in Greek, even presented as a descendant of Epirus, not of Illyrian (see letter to the Italian Ursini, 1460). Brought Macedonian helmet and using the name of Alexander the Great, sample continuity national consciousness.
o Speaking of Pope Paul II said: "After Enslavement of Asia and Greece, after the slaughter of the offspring of Con sovereign / city of Trebizond and desolation ... most part of Macedonia and Epirus, opposite the savage conqueror of competitor to crush his cross, to lift on the Capitol Crescent and slaves to pay for the whole world I stand alone ... after the remains of soldiers after me and of my small Hellenic state".
The Turkish biographer of Ali Pasha, Ahmet Moufit, writes Kastriotis about "the year 1443 he escaped from the Ottoman camp of Morava the Greek sovereign Kastriotis and went to the headquarters of his ancestors, the Kroia."
o Italian, English and Swedish reports consider Skanderbeg Greek. Thus Italian A. Salvi in the tragedy (1718) refers to him as a Greek (Greco). The Englishman C. Randall in 1810 he calls Greek Hero (Grecian Hero) and the Swedish Barrau initially and Rudbeck later (1835) consider C. Kastriotis Greek.
The proofs are so many that it is impossible to record a few lines. Greek historians are invited to stop this misrepresentation and false to write books on Albanian ruler. Similarly, the Greeks called all know what a Skander bey's and respond appropriately to our guests misguided Albanians.
GEORGIOS The Forgotten KASTRIOTIS
The Greek History is full of great heroic figures known and unknown. In passages of unknown and forgotten heroes in modern times is the hero of Epirus the warlord George Kastriotis the Skander beys named by the Turks, as Alexander.
George Kastriotis was like Constantine Paleologos forms are loved, sung, became a legend and tale of her grandmother during the many years of Ottoman rule in the Greek area.
Forgotten among the modern Greeks, though popular in the 15th and 16th century the famous "soldiers" who studied his accomplishments, but also during the Revolution, every captain who could read five letters read about the exploits of Skander bey in circulation and had a great time resonance. Kolokotronis says in his Memoirs:
"I read the life of the Skanderbeg, collect all his works ..."
THE EARLY YEARS
The Skanderbeg was born in 1405 in New Krougia Epirus, now called Albania. He was son of Ioannis Kastriotis, lords of the region.
The Old and the New Epirus during the first quarter of the 15th century in various feuds Indivisible without fixed limits. These continuously as a result of several wars between the feudal lords. In the northern part of the region were the fiefs of Balsa, the Dukaginis and Spanos Dousmani. Further south, namely New Epirus, the feudal families of the piece, Mouzaki Arianiti and Kastriotis, with centers in Dyrrachium,Berat in, Belgrade, and the current Krougia Elbasan, and south of the manor Ginos Bush Spata whom succeeded the Mauritius Bush Spata, and the Gini Zenempisi feud. The feud first extends in Arta and second in the Argirokastro (Gjirocastra) This form of government clans in the region lasted until the year 1415. The Turks left after an internal crisis, that the war between the descendants of Sultan Bayazid, highlighted the powerful Sultan Mohammed A and from 1415 until 1419 occupied all the feudalism of the area and established a new tax system. Most feudal succumbed and became a tributary to the Sultan. There were feudal who left the place as the Gini Zenempisis, Mauritius Bush Spata and Balsa. His father Kastriotis, despite initial resistance raised, subjugated to the new situation.
Among the obligations of landlords and was obliged to send to the Sultan at Adrianople one or more of their children to serve in the military school . In this school the young son of the feudal were islamized later to take various official government duties with proven loyalty to the Sultan. These tasks were as army chief of a region or province, commander of the garrison of a fortress, chief of police of a city, etc.
Among the military shool sent to the Sultan were the children of Iao nnis Kastriotis. The youngest son of all, Georgios (George) or was found at age 18 in Edirne. With a nice margin, with gigantic stature as reported by his biographers, nose and griffins, attracted admiration for the Turks and talents yielded Iskenter name (Alexander). There, apart from the Greek .speak the Arvanitic dialect, learned Turkish, Arabic and Italian.
As man and military leader outstanding for excellent mental talents, bravery, his prudence and eloquence of which won the souls of soldiers who were willing to undergo any sacrifice and to go even unto death example of the leader. After each battle comes scenes of the wounded person and watched their treatment. So he had won the confidence of his soldiers during the period of his life in which he was under the command of the Sultan, and during the period during which he raised the banner of revolution against the Turks in Arvanon and the wider region of Epirus
Sultan Murad II having recognized the bravery of the troops sent to the fronts of the Balkans and Asia Minor. During the subordination Kastriotis discontinued his ties with his family. Sometimes he come back at home near his father.
In 1438, the Skanderbeg served as the vilayet of Soumpasis Krougias, that as head of the province. In 1440 removed from Krougia and took Sanzak bey in Dibra, that belonged in the vilayet of Monastir. At that time he make ties with the people and their feudal lords. Historiography and analyst life Skanderbeg admit that he never changed his faith and always remained a Orthodox Christian. During his stay in his home country has sought to make contact with the Western powers (Venice, Raguza, Naples). Especially to the King of Naples Alfonso entrusted his intentions for future insurrection against the Turks. The Kastriotis we waited for the right opportunity to act. This did not take long. Hungary along with Contantinoplel, free remnant of once-mighty Byzantine Empire, were the only ones from European rebel forces against the Ottomans
During 1439-1442 the Hungarians apply the tactics of war "The best defense is attack" had embarrassed the Turks. The Skanderbeg asked to be sent to the front of the Danube under the command of the Bey of Rumelia. When in early November 1443 the Hungarians, the Turks Victory against Skanderbeg found the golden opportunity to implement his plan. In the confusion of defeat defected along with 300 loyal riders including his brother Stanisi Kastriotis and his nephew Hamza Murto, and after a course of seven days they arrived outside the Krougia against which attacks. Overwhelms her, and releases it raises red flag of the Byzantine double-headed eagle with which was the coat of arms and Kastriotis, which was imposed in the early 20th century as the national symbol of Albania, the new state - a creation of the interests of Great Powers .
For 25 years Skanderbeg create a free zone in the Turkish-Balkan peninsula and scrap and would humiliate the forces of two Sultans of Murad II and Mehmed II the Conqueror consisting of hundred thousand troops.
"If Georgios Kastriotis Skanderbeg, was not born said Mehmet II, I would have connected the bay of the Adriatic to the Venetian Republic, I would have put the turban on the head of the Pope and the crescent on the dome of St. Peter."
The influence of Skanderbeg and the outbreaks of rebellion reached up Amvrakikos Gulf and the leading form united the various factions battle areas. The Skanderbeys took care to create homes outside Krougias rebellion and south, as in Pogoni, Fort Vellas and the stream. The torrent of that time and throughout the period of Ottoman rule until today is a stronghold of Hellenism. The Greek historians have not specifically address the short-lived independent state of Georgios Kastriotis. The size and significance of the rebellion testifies to the fact that Murad II led force was 200 000 men, enormous through the season, which certainly will not needs if were only occupied the fortress of Krougias.
The Cheimarriotes stood by the Kastriotis and, in defense of Krougias participated and clans of Androutsos of Tuba, etc., which after the collapse of the revolution and the death of Skanderbeg fell to the south and colonized the inaccessible mountains of Souli. According to General Dimitrios Notis Botsaris, leader of the indigenous Volunteer Corps in Epirus in 1912-13: "The deceased's Skanderbeg Botsaraioi battle with Turks and Turkish Albanians, fell to Dragana. When the principalities of the 17th century they established with other unconquered Greeks Soulliottes Confederacy. "The Cheimarriotes a century after the death of Skanderbeg call the Kastriotis the ruler. In their letter to Pope Gregory XIII dated July 12, 1577 Skanderbeg called the "King" them.
Similarly the people of Koritsa Korca, renowned for their bravery, fought hard in the side of Kastriotis.
The Hellenic Conscience of Kastriotis
The Greek Christian Kastriotis was conscious and was the holder of the Greek culture. The documents were prepared in the Chancellery was written in Greek. In 1461 his address to the Sultan Mehmed II wrote:
"George is renamed Skanderbeys, ruler of Epirus and the soldier of Jesus Christ The Cross the Cross Hail Iskander Epirus and Greece ...". Similarly addressed to King Alfonso himself "Prince of Epirus."
The revolt of Epirus to European leaders stunned. As said before, immediately after Krougia riots followed the other areas. For this purpose the meeting in March 1444 the lords of the region Old and New Epirus - characteristics Arianiti mention George, Theodore Thopia, Nicholas Dukakinnis, Paul Dukakinnis, Theodore krone Mouzaki Leka Leka Dousmani in George Balsa, Peter Spano, etc. Participated in the meeting and Stefan Tsernogievits, as representative of the people of Montenegro. There Skanderbeg proclaimed the General Chief and all vowed resistance against the Turkish oppressor.
The Hungarians also encouraged by promises of Pope and in consultation with Skanderbeg with Polakis and Romanian forces crossed the Danube and reached Varna, Bulgaria. Similarly Skanderbeg's forces led by George Arianiti entered into Macedonia where they gathered armies of volunteers to strengthen the forces of Hungarian king Vladislau. When the Hungarian king was mortally wounded by the forces of the Sultan who arrived in Varna with the help of Genovese ships, the alliance of Christian forces was wound up.
The Ianesku Ouniadis, leader of the battle of Varna, keep in touch with Skanderbeg, which infuriated the Sultan who brought the whole army of Asia and Europe and with his successor Mehmed II entered the area north of Epirus (North Albania), and through the river GENUSIUS arrived in Krougia, during the siege which first used battering rams.
But until you reach the army of the Sultan Krougia had suffered such damage from commando actions of the soldiers of Skanderbeg as a Turkish Bey Dursun chronicler writes: "Only the demons, like the inhabitants of those parts may, familiar with the mountains, They are accursed infidels, strike with poison arrows. "
The siege failed and left Murad II defeated ashamed to die shortly there after in Adrianople.
AFTER THE FALL
Meanwhile Skanderbeg signs alliance in March 1451 by King Alfonso of Naples, who dreamed up the Mediterranean Empire.
Murad's successor, young Sultan Mehmed II prepared other two campaigns against the Hellenic state of Kastrioti - Skanderbeg but they failed and were in the summer of 1452 and April 1453, ie the time when the brave garrison of Constantinople in Emperor Constantine XI Palaeologus gave everything for the race.
The capture of Constantinople made sense and spread panic throughout Europe. The Skanderbeg from now on would not only face the Turks and Islamized Albanians campaigners against him, but the former feudal faithful.
Even the nephew Hamza after the birth of the son of Skanderbeg, John, after losing hope of succession, conquered the enemy and led his forces against his country, providing valuable information to the Turks for both the region and strategies for tactics uncle.
Died in 1464 Pope Pius II, who tried unsuccessfully to join the European powers divided and organized crusade against the Sultan. That same year the Sultan sent army against Skanderbeg to the devastation of the country and the sources of supply of. Once again, the Skanderbeg in August 1464 has split the Turkish forces.
The other four 1465 campaigns led Albanians Feudal fail.
In 1466 he led Mohammed 150 000 to 200 000 soldiers, janissaries, Ottomans and the East the feudal clan of Krougia displayed in front. The chronicler says Kritovoulos Epirus.
When militants from the forces of the Turks prefer to come down from the rocks and killed but delivered supplicants. And this campaign has failed after repeated commando operations in the camp of the Sultan which led even the death of a military leader, feudal Balaban Pasha.
DEATH IN 1468
In 1466 the brave leader George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, wearing the fur of the war presented in person to Pope Paul II and the Cardinals in order to help organize the campaign against the European rulers of Muhammad.
His presence provoked the curiosity of the world who gathered to the famous hero. According to the Skanderbeg Varletio finished his speech to the Pope as follows: "After the destruction of Asia and Greece, after the slaughter of the princes of Constantinople, in Trebizond, Serbia, Bosnia, Moldovlachia after the Enslavemt Looting of Peloponnese and the major part of Macedonia and Epirus, I stayed by myself in the impossible and my small country, with my soldiers worn out by so many wars, many battles that Epirus is no longer in the bowels of part of healthy life to handle new wounds and did not stay longer in this life-blood pouring favor to the Christian people. Macedonia the witness, all the more abundant at the soldiers, to prince and is left to other warlords, or only ours prowess and soul . Come to our help while it is yet time, as probably do not want no more athletes of Christ from the other part of the Adriatic Sea. "
In April 1467, the Skanderbeg returned to his homeland. The assistance received from the Pope was only in money and such was just 3000 amount to five shillings, to be classified as a dishonor of the Christian forces. The Kastriotis remained loyal to the Vatican and agreed between Paleologus union of churches, and this is one of the reasons ignored by the official Orthodox Greek state.
The country was in a difficult situation and in January 1468, Kastriotis convened a second conference in order to cope with Alesio and new campaign of Muhammad. The Skanderbeg did not take part in the battle because he was weak from a wound he had on his shoulder. Once again, however, the soldiers without their leader won a new victory.
The state of health deteriorated and he died January 17, 1468 at Alesio where it was buried in the cathedral of St. Nicholas.
The Legendary EVERY FORM OF THE CENTURIES
George Kastrioti was a great political and military figure of his time. In an era of ferment and upheaval rose to the occasion and the giant form, literally and figuratively, was the rock resistance in Asian storm. Said that was initiated and the ideas of George Plython filled, the state whose request was to separate the warriors from farmers. The Kastriotis sent to Balaban Pasha hoe, plow and scythe inviting him to return to the art of his ancestors.
With the death of Skanderbeg increased the wave of immigration from Epirus in southern Italy and Sicily. The Turks conquered the country and Mehmed II in 1474 arrived in Alesio which ordered the exhumation of the dead of Skanderbeg to admire all the frame and then attach the hegemonic values.
The form of Skanderbeg became a legend who kept tight until the Revolution.
The defence of Missolonghi him as their own so that in one of the canuns (emplacements) had given the name of Skanderbeg, third largest after those of Dracula and Kanaris.
But the vivid recollection of Skanderbeg Guard and the State remained the area of Himara which continued uprisings against the Turks led by George Stresio in Pelion Kasnetsi, etc., culminating in the provision of special privileges that lasted until early 20th century and made the area somewhat autonomous and independent.
From the Ottomans Albanians driven by foreign powers (Austria-Hungary, and especially Italy), was born the new state imposed its nationals a special, rather than Epirote or conscience but Arvanite Albanian and anti-Greek, making their national hero George Kastrioti and the national symbol two-headed eagle. In 1960 the main square of Tirana, where it was at the statue of Stalin that had been transferred elsewhere in the city, erected a statue of Skanderbeg on horseback. Oh! what irony! Descendants of Albanians those who betrayed their leader, then appropriated as a "national hero" and to place the statue of the great warlord from Epirus near the mosque that dominates the square.
Once, Prince of Taranto John Anthony had described its soldiers as Kastriotis sheep. Life can take Skanderbeg's response: "The fathers were Epirotes Prayer, of which he was raised Pyrrhus, whose only attack the Romans been unable to refute, that he who through the weapons Captures the other country and Taranto, Italy. You have strong man to resist them in their possessions except in Epirus
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