NJË RISHIKIM MBI THEMELIMIN DHE VEPRIMTARINË E DIVIZIONIT SS “SKËNDERBEU” BRENDA BOTËKUPTIMIT TRANSNACIONAL TË NAZIZMIT (1942‐1944)
A REVIEW ON THE FOUNDING AND ACTIVITY OF THE SS DIVISION 'SKËNDERBEU' WITHIN THE TRANSNATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF NAZISM, 1942-1944

Summary/Abstract: In analyzing transnational aspects of the development of National Socialism in Albanian speaking territories, the paper puts forth in focus the establishment of the 21st Mountain Division SS Skanderbeg and the social and political circumstances which prompted the Nazi hierarchy to establish a foreign SS division in Albanian territories. The paper argues that the initial idea behind the establishment of the Albanian SS division was related to Nazi strategy in engaging the Muslim population in Europe to fight against communists and maintain German hegemony over the Balkans. However, further archival research proved that the Germans were unsure if incorporating religious insignia would be beneficial in recruiting Albanian soldiers. The documents highlight the German impression of Albanians, who perceived the latter as predominantly patriarchal with strong tribal connections. Through instrumentalizing long standing inter-ethnic animosities, and implementing a strategy that would use for its own benefit the tribal system of hierarchy among Albanians, Nazi officials supported the formation of local Albanian militias, among which was also the Albanian SS division. By providing the latter with ammunitions, they were tasked to fight the Chetniks and Partisans. The establishment of such alliances would make it easier for Germans to keep their focus on the Eastern Front. However, the decline and eventual defeat of Nazi Germany triggered the rather quick demise of the Albanian SS division, which was disbanded in October of 1944, only five months after its creation.

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