The convention of Dukagjini of 1602
Author | Luan Tetaj |
Position | Institute of History 'Ali Hadri', Kosovo |
Pages | 217-223 |
Vol. 3 No. 3
November 2017
ISSN 2410-3918
Acces online at www.iipccl.org
217
Academic Journal of Business, Administration, Law and Social Sciences
IIPCCL Publishing, Graz-Austria
The convention of Dukagjini of 1602
PhD (C.) Luan Tetaj
Institute of History "Ali Hadri" – Kosovo
Abstract
In November 1601, in Dukagjin village, the Assembly of Dukagjin was gathered until 15-th
of February. 2656 delegates, secular and religious, from 14 Albanian regions (Highland of
Shkodra, Zadrima, Dukagjini, Kosova, Lezha, Kurbini, Mat, Dibra, Petrela, Durres, Elbasan,
Shpat and Myzeqe) took part. The assembly was run by Nikolle Bardhi, Gjin Gjergji and Nikolle
Mekjashi. It was decided to start fi ghting for liberation from O oman invaders. Decisions
taken by Assembly were signed by 56 leaders, 4 delegates for each region. Main objective of
this manuscript is the historical analysis of Dukagjini Convention of 1602.
Keywords: Assembly, Dukagjin, O oman Empire, Venice, Nikollë Mekajshi, Nikollë Bardhi, Tomë
Plezha, Pal Dukagjini.
Introduction
Throughout the ages, the borders of Dukagjini have shi ed, which in many ways
was related to the economic and social development of the area. On the other hand,
one must also take into account that these borders transformations resulted from
the threat emanating from the neighboring enmities and the wars that occurred in
this area. As such, the borders of the region of Dukagjini are understood as products
of these historical processes which the area was subjected to throughout various
historical periods.
The region of Dukagjini is known with three distinct names “Lekët”, “Lekni”, and
“Dukagjin”, whereby the la er represents the name that is o en used to depict this
region (Zojzi, 1962, 31). In a report authored by Pjetër Bogdani in the 17th century, it says
that the area of Dukagjin incorporated within its territory the villages: Arst, Karma,
Mashna, Komani, Kryeziu, Kçira, Iballa, etc. (Gjeta, 2008, 59). The area of Dukagjin, or
Lekni, also included the regions: Luma, Has, Mërturi i Gurit (Stone Mertur), Mirdita,
Thaçi and Berisha (Cordignano, 1934, 41). The tribes of Dukagjini were established in
the geographical area of Bjeshkët e Nemuna (Accursed Mountains) spanning all the
way to the shores of Fan (Gjeta, 2008, 59). It is likely that the name Dukagjin stems
from the medieval Duke, Gjin Tanushi, who in chronicles dating from 1281 is listed
as “Ducam Ginivm Tanischum” (Zojzi, 1962, 31), whose reign was not limited to the
region of Dukagjini, but it also extended to the villages Fandi and Flati.
The region of Dukagjin extended from the shores of Adriatic nearby Lesh, spanning
on both sides of Drin in the direction of Gjakova and Prizren. The region of Dukagjin
was divided for the fi rst time during the O oman invasion, when the Sancak of
Dukagjin was formed. During medieval times, important trade routes passed from
the shores of Adriatic through Dukagjin into Kosova. The route from Shkodra to
Prizren was used by Ragusan and Venetian caravans.
It is known that the region of Dukagjin was subjected to numerous hardships and wars
throughout the previous centuries, whereby the inhabitants of Dukagjin perpetually
a empted to maintain and preserve their identity, culture, language, traditions
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