İSTEM

Abstract

Taking
place in geographical area between East and the West where the greatest and the
most developed civilizations have been met, like; Roma, Byzantium and the
Ottoman Empire. Albania has been the key point in social, cultural, religious
and administrative issues interacting with the fore mentioned civilizations.
Besides, Albania has been one of the most influential places where East and
West Roman empires were struggling and measuring their forces in terms of
politics and economy.

During the period of the
Ottoman Empire, there was a sectarian controversy in Albania between Orthodox
and Catholic churches, therefore with the conquest of the Balkans, especially
Albania by Ottomans, the non-Muslim population (zimmi) was taken under the
supremacy (supervision) of the Sultan. Hereupon, it comes to an end the
long-lasting religious, social and economic conflict between the Orthodox and
Catholics. So, being under the command of one of the strongest empires of the
time, it facilitated the issue of interaction and communication both inside and
outside of Albania. Furthermore, the Ottoman presence in Albania for almost 500
years (1385-1912) was a great opportunity for its population to embrace the new
faith (Islam) and also lead the banner of control in Rumelia with regard to
social, cultural and other different aspects of life. In addition, we might
confirm that, in this topography, with respect to different factors of beliefs
and social interactions among periods of time since antiquity up until recent
years, this territory has been gathering myriad of socio-cultural values for
years. This has been a kind of impetus for the revival of new era of unity and
knowledge. It has given abundancy models in socio-cultural and historical and
theological experiences.