The Rise of Albanian Nationalism and the Educational Controversy over Albanian-Language Instruction in the Late Ottoman Empire
The Rise of Albanian Nationalism and the Educational Controversy over Albanian-Language Instruction in the Late Ottoman Empire

Summary/Abstract: Until the mid-19th century, Albanians were among the groups with whom the Ottoman Empire experienced the least conflict. However, nationalism— intensified by the French Revolution—began to influence non-Muslim communities in the Empire from the early 19th century onwards. As the Empire faced growing economic, military, and administrative challenges, alongside increasing demands for autonomy and independence across the Balkans, the idea of nationalism also began to take root among Albanians, particularly through the Albanian elites. In this atmosphere of rising nationalism, the demand for education in the Albanian language evolved into a major point of contention between the Ottoman administration and Albanian nationalists. While the Ottoman authorities opposed Albanian-language education on the grounds that it would undermine the ideal of "Ottoman unity," Albanian nationalists—believing the Empire’s days in the Balkans were numbered—saw it as an essential step toward establishing "national unity." This article explores the emergence of Albanian nationalism in the late 19th century as both a reaction to other Balkan nationalisms and a challenge to Ottoman central authority, with a particular focus on the struggle over Albanian-language education.

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