PËRPJEKJET E ZOTËRVE TË ARBËRISË VERIORE PËR TË FUQIZUAR ZOTËRIMET E TYRE (1402-1407)
THE EFFORTS OF LORDS OF NORTH ARBERIA TO EMPOWER THEIR DOMINIONS (1402-1407)

Summary/Abstract: After the Ottomans’ defeat by the Mongols in Angora (1402), the Ottoman Empire immersed in civil wars for the throne. This situation enabled Arberian lords to work for the strengthening of their dominions. Hereby, Gjergj II asked the Republic of Venice for permission to pass through their lands in the province of Shkodra and to reinstate the dominions of his ancestors, which, at that time, were held by the Dukagjini nobles, Dhimitër Jonima and Kojë Zaharia. However, it responded by putting the latter two under its rule. The new prince Balsha III faced similar negative circumstances when Gjergj Dukagjini and some other noble Arberians came under the rule of the Republic. Despite this, Balsha III forced Kotor to pay an annual tribute. The lord of Kruja and part of Middle Arberia, Niketë Topia, in the steps taken to strengthen his dominion, managed to establish trade relations with Ragusa and was ready to help it militarily when it was at war with Bosnia. Nevertheless, on the commenced road to strengthening, he encountered opposition from the Republic of Venice. In the north, Balsha III managed to liberate the Province of Shkodra (1405), but could not keep it for a longer time. The Republic returned it under its rule while taking all cities from Balsha III. The latter, endangered by Sandal Hranić as well, agreed to pay an annual tribute to the Ottomans and continued the war against the Venetians with their help. The latter considered reaching an agreement with Suleiman (1407), nevertheless, the conflict with Balsha III remained open.

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