The ottoman invasion and the venetian policy in Albania (1392-1396)

Abstract

Follo\ving the victory in Kosova. Ottomans intensified their raids into Arbëria. including the harbor to\vn of Durres. Venetian Republic. fearing that the city could fall in Ottoman hands increased its presences and activities to get hold of the harbor. To achieve this goal. Venetians established contacts \vith Gjergj Topia and local nobility of the to\vn. Although. the to\vn castle \vas taken \vith no any agreement. Durres itself came under Venetian rule by accordance \vith a preliminary agreement implemented after the death of Gjergj Topia (1392). The sister of the late master, Helena, retreated to Krujë and her husband Mark Barbadiku ruled as a Venetian vassal and later as Ottoman vassal. 0\ er time. the to\vn fell under the rule of the Ottoman vassal Konstantin Balsha and after it passed into Ottoman hands. Not far a\vay in the north. Gjergj Balsha II fell under Ottoman rule and he gave the Ottomans the region of Shkodra in the beginning of 1393, against his release. Albanian ruler. as a vassal of the Ottomans. retreated in Ulqin. His position deteriorated further \vhen Lezha. \vith the consent of Dukagjini’s. passed under Venetian rule. Despite this unenviable position. Gjergj II \vith his o\vn forces managed to liberate the region of Shkodra from Ottomans (1395). Fearing that the province could fall again under the Ottoman rule, he surrendered it to the Republic of Venice, in exchange of 1 000 dukats per year (1396).
By the end of the 14th century. the patroness of Vlora experienced difficult times in its efforts for e.xistence. Increasingly facing the ottoman threat. she offered her possessions to the Venetian Republic in exchange for a certain annual pro\ ision. The Republic rejected her offer and the same position held later to\vard the ne\v lord of Vlora, Mrksha Zharkovic. On the contrary. Gjirokastra and Arta nobles \vith joined forces inflicted heavy defeat to the Ottomans. thus maintaining the independence of their possessions.