The outstanding unknown ‘Frashëri’, an encyclopedic work

Abstract

In this work, Thomas Frashëri brings us for the first-time facts that are not just family history. The result is genuine encyclopaedic because the author comes from the Annual School in France. For the performance of this study, he has added interdisciplinary methods to the historiographical analysis, thus showing the influence of the principles of the French historiographical school. This book presents the story of one of the most prominent families in Albanian history, also known through the Ottoman Empire. Frashëri is known as the common surname of the Frashëri brothers. Frashëri was one of the villages of south Albania Tosk. Its special status exempting it from two tax systems protected it from fiscal pressure for two centuries (1500-1700), thus defining its social physiognomy. The Frasheri brothers have a relatively early appearance in history. They have developed over the centuries, and their ramifications present very prominent features, starting from the structure of their organization, interreligious aspects, activities, etc. Frashëri brothers, Avdyli, Naimi, and Samiu, constitute the special trinomial of Albanian history, culture, and literature. With their work, they gave inspiration and strength to the National Renaissance movement at the end of the 19th century. The Albanian society deeply felt the decisive historical weight of this brotherhood for a long time. But the questions naturally arise: How did they get to be called a brotherhood? What is the historical context of the area they were born and raised? What are their early ramifications? In Albanian historiography, we have learned about many great Albanian families, such as Topia, the Toptani, and the Muzaka. Why should we learn particularly about the Frasheri beyond their ideopolitical-cultural activity?