Arbëreshë people

Arbëreshë people are an ethnic group native to the Balkans, specifically Albania and Greece, who migrated to Italy during the late Middle Ages. They are the descendants of the Albanian refugees who fled from Albania between the 14th and 18th centuries as a result of the Ottoman invasion of the Balkans. Today, the Arbëreshë people are scattered across various regions of southern Italy and Sicily, where they have maintained their unique culture, language, and traditions.

History

The history of the Arbëreshë people is closely tied to the Ottoman Empire's expansion into the Balkans. The first wave of migration occurred in the 15th century, following the death of the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. The Arbëreshë people established their own villages in southern Italy, where they were granted privileges and rights by the local rulers.

Language

The Arbëreshë people speak Arbëreshë, a variant of the Albanian language. Despite centuries of living in Italy, they have managed to preserve their language, which is considered an important part of their cultural identity. The Arbëreshë language is recognized as a minority language in Italy.

Culture

The Arbëreshë people have a rich cultural heritage that includes unique traditions, music, dances, and cuisine. Their culture is a blend of Albanian, Greek, and Italian influences. The Arbëreshë are known for their traditional songs called polyphonic songs, which are a part of the UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Religion

The majority of the Arbëreshë people are Eastern Orthodox Christians, although there are also communities that follow Roman Catholicism. They have their own Byzantine Rite churches, where services are conducted in a mix of Arbëreshë and Greek.

Notable Arbëreshë

Several notable individuals of Arbëreshë descent have made significant contributions to various fields. These include Antonio Gramsci, a philosopher and politician, and Giorgio Basta, a general in the Habsburg service.

See also

• Albanians
• Albanian diaspora
• Minority languages of Italy