"Albanians 1830-1908", a Book with an Easy Style and Language, Understandable for Everyone

Abstract

The history of Albanians dates back thousands of years, passing through different historical periods. Nevertheless, the period of the "Albanian National Awakening," also known as the "National Renaissance," occupies a special place in general historical studies. In his book "Albanians 1830-1908," the third revised edition, published in 2022, the author Ethem Çeku deeply analyzes and explains the complex relationships of the Albanians with the Ottoman Empire. With a scientific argumentation and academic interpretation, researcher Çeku presents the historical truth, which neighboring peoples often politicize. He thoroughly analyses Albanian-Ottoman relations through research work and new arrangements, relying on rich sources and literature. Prof. Çeku presents this book to the readers in an accessible style and understandable language, demonstrating profound knowledge of history, religion, culture, diplomacy, and nationalism. The book "Albanians 1830-1908" is 798 pages, divided into nine chapters, providing the reader with a comprehensive overview of Albanian history during these years. The author focuses on the analysis of the awakening of nationalism among the Albanians in the first chapter of the book: Albanians Facing the Tanzimat Reforms in the 1860s-1870s. Because the Albanians were the last liberated from the Ottoman Empire, regional historiographies often argued that the Albanian national awakening occurred later than in other Balkan nations. However, when viewed from a broader historical perspective, it is evident that the development of Albanian national consciousness emerged simultaneously with that of other peoples, although the path the Albanians took with their nationalist ideas was different.