Cham Albanians

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Tsamouria.Chameria

Albanian Cham dialect 19th century-early 20th century

Chams on Filiates 1915

Major General Theodoros Pangalos, 1920

HODŽA druhá míza

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Cham march

Cham Albanians are an ethnic Albanian group primarily associated with the region of Chameria, which is located in the western part of Greece and southern Albania. The Cham Albanians have a rich history and culture, which has been significantly influenced by both their Albanian heritage and their interactions with the Greek state and society.

History

The history of the Cham Albanians is marked by periods of conflict and cooperation with the Greek state. During the Ottoman Empire, the Cham Albanians enjoyed a degree of autonomy and were able to maintain their Albanian language and customs. However, the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Greek nationalism led to tensions between the Cham Albanians and the Greek state.

In the early 20th century, the Balkan Wars and the subsequent treaties led to significant changes in the borders of the region, with many Cham Albanians finding themselves outside the new borders of Albania. The interwar period saw further tensions, culminating in the expulsion of a significant number of Cham Albanians from Greece during and after World War II, an event often referred to as the Cham Albanian expulsion. This event has left a lasting impact on the Cham Albanian community and remains a contentious issue in Greek-Albanian relations.

Culture

The culture of the Cham Albanians is a blend of Albanian and Greek influences, reflecting their historical presence in both regions. They speak the Cham dialect of the Albanian language, which contains many loanwords from Greek due to their long coexistence with Greek-speaking populations. Traditional Cham Albanian music, dance, and clothing also reflect this cultural synthesis.

Religion

Religiously, the Cham Albanians are predominantly Muslim, with a minority adhering to Orthodox Christianity. The religious division has historical roots dating back to the Ottoman period when conversion to Islam offered certain social and economic advantages.

Current Situation

Today, the Cham Albanians are dispersed between Albania, where they form a recognized minority with cultural and linguistic rights, and Greece, where their status and rights are more contentious. The issue of the return of properties confiscated from Cham Albanians during their expulsion remains a significant point of dispute between Albania and Greece.

The Cham Albanian community in Albania actively seeks to preserve its cultural heritage and raise awareness of its historical grievances. In Greece, the presence and recognition of Cham Albanians are more complex, influenced by historical tensions and the broader context of Greek-Albanian relations.

See Also

• Albanians
• History of Albania
• History of Greece
• Balkan Wars
• Ottoman Empire