Introduction

The question of how Adolf Hitler perceived the people of Albanian and Kosovo during his reign has been a subject of intense academic and historical debate. Various historical sources attempt to provide insight into this topic, but direct evidence, such as quotes or writings from Hitler himself, is scarce. This article explores the rationale behind this lack of direct evidence and delves into the available indirect evidence, particularly from Hitler's racial ideology and the influence of his racial scientist, Hans F. K. Günther.

Hitler's Ignorance of Albania and Kosovo

Historical records suggest that Hitler and his colleagues did not focus much on Albania and Kosovo. This seems to be due to their geographical and strategic remoteness from Germany, as well as the fact that these regions were under Italian influence post-World War II. The Italian Fascist regime legitimized its claim to Albania through studies that proclaimed the racial affinity of Albanians and Italians, distinguishing them from the Slavic Yugoslavs. This distinction strategically placed Albania and Kosovo outside of direct German interests.

German Racial Rhetoric and Albanians

During the Nazi era, German racial scientists classified different ethnic groups based on various criteria. Albanians and Kosovans were categorized under the Dinaric race, which was considered a mixture of Mediterranean and Nordic elements. According to the influential German racial scientist Hans F. K. Günther, this race was characterized by light skin, dark hair, a wide range of eye colors, and a slender body type.

Evidence from Günther's Work

Günther's 1922 book Rassenkunde des deutschen Volkes outlined five European races: Nordic, Mediterranean, Alpine, Dinaric, and East Baltic. He emphasized the racial affinity of the Dinaric race, which encompassed Albania and Kosovo. Given Günther's admiration for the Dinaric race and his influence on National Socialist racial thought, it is reasonable to assume that Hitler shared similar views on the Albanians and Kosovans.

Hitler's Collection and Influence of Günther's Works

Apart from being a noted racial scientist, Hans F. K. Günther's works significantly influenced Hitler's racial thinking. The Führer was known to own several of Günther's books, including multiple editions of Rassenkunde des deutschen Volkes. Furthermore, Hitler included these books in a list of recommended readings for National Socialists. His personal connection to Günther and the attendance of prominent Nazi figures at his inaugural lecture at the University of Jena in 1930 further emphasize the strong influence of Günther on Hitler's racial ideology.

Indirect Evidence: Racial Division and Division of Occupation

During World War II, the occupied territories in the Balkans revealed varying levels of discrimination and treatment. While the Nazi regime exploited Croatian Slavs as 'inferior' to fight other Slavs, the division of Albanian soldiers under the Nazis was named 'Skanderbeg.' This name honors an Albanian national hero, signifying an act of forgiveness. This distinction demonstrates the perceived racial and cultural divide within the region, where Albanians were treated differently from other Slavic peoples.

'Ar Jan': A Symbol of Respect

It's worth noting that in the Albanian language, the phrase "Ar jan" translates to 'they are golden,' indicating a high level of respect for those whom the Nazis deemed of the highest quality. This detail provides a unique insight into the racial and cultural perceptions of the time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while direct evidence of Hitler's thoughts on Albanians and Kosovans is limited, the available indirect evidence, particularly from racial studies and the influence of Nazi racial scientists, suggests a positive view of these groups. Hans F. K. Günther's racial anthropology played a significant role in shaping Hitler's racial policies and views, reinforcing the notion that Hitler likely held a favorable and positive racial perception of Albanians and Kosovans.