Praktika të feudalizmitvenecian në zonën e Shkodrës (fundi i shek. XIV - fillim i shek. XV)
The feudalism practices in the Venetian area of Shkodra (end of XIV century - beginning of XV century)

Summary/Abstract: Ottoman occupation of Albanian lands favored intentions of Republic of San Marco to install their rule over some coastal towns with which it had long time relations and merchant links. In this regard, the Republic of Venetia captured town of Durres, progressing afterwards with other coastal towns as: Lezha (1393), Shkodra and Drisht (1396), then Ulqin and Tivar (1405). Venetian Signoria (Lordship) aspired expanding in all these towns with potentially large interests to raise profits and incomes not only through trade, but land ownership by employing new feudal practices as seen on Shkodra region. As inherited tradition of Byzantium law, land belonged to Sovereign, be it individual (emperor or king) or collective (in this case Venetian Republic). This is how duties were imposed on population by the central ruler in payments of agricultural products which represented a part of levy for the state. Other part of feudal duties belonged to specific individuals - representatives of top social class in local economic and political life. On these forms of duties has been raised and acted Byzantium feudal institution known as Pronia, which became modified because of Western feudalism practiced from Venetian in Shkodra region, sustaining significant changes making it an inherited and unconditioned property. In 15th century, Proniain area of Shkodra had no resemblance or association to Byzantium Pronia. Venetian authorities used services of local feudal classes administrating its properties represented by landlord, chief and commander. In discrepancy to Byzantium landlord, his position in Shkodra region during Venetian rule had become mostly inherited and unconditioned by military service. Agrarian affairs were highly developed in Shkodra region as the consequence of Western feudalism applied by Venetian.

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