Serbs in Albania: A Hidden Truth

The question of whether Serbs live in Albania is often a controversial topic, especially when encountering biased or ulterior information. The true number of Serbs in Albania is actually relatively small, but they face a complex and often oppressive environment.

Setting the Record Straight

There are indeed Serbs living in Albania, primarily in the north, particularly in the region close to Montenegro and the city of Shkod?r. However, these individuals are a minority within a country that has been historically suppressing the various ethnic groups living within its borders. This suppression extends to changing names, cultural practices, and even religious beliefs to align with the official narrative of Albania.

The Lesser-Known Ethnic Suppression in Albania

Albania is often perceived as a homogenous state, but this is far from the truth. The government has been accused of aggressively suppressing any non-Albanian ethnic groups, a practice that includes forcing individuals to change their names and surnames to Albanian versions. This suppression is not limited to Serbs but also extends to Macedonians, Montenegrins, and Greeks.

Population Figures and Official Claims

Official national statistics report that Albania is 91% Albanian, with no other ethnic group exceeding 1% of the population, with the exception of Greeks, at 0.5%. However, these figures are often contested. For example, it is estimated that there are about 300,000 Greeks in Albania, but the government approves only around 25,000 Greek citizens to return to the country. Further complicating the picture, it is believed that there are around 10% Greeks in the population, with other groups like Roma people representing about 5%, Macedonians around 5-10%, and Aromanians around 7%. The exact numbers for Serbs, Montenegrins, and Bosniaks are not well-documented, but it is suspected that their numbers are also in the hundreds.

The Renunciation of Identity

A significant part of the Serb population in Albania has faced forced renunciation of their cultural and religious identities. Many members of this community were forced to renounce their Orthodox religion, their language, and their traditional way of life, including changing their surnames. This historical treatment contrasts sharply with the Ottoman Empire’s more lenient stance towards these communities, which treated them far better than the newly formed state of Albania.

Governmental and Social Repercussions

Those who refused to assimilate were often met with severe consequences, including incarceration or even death. The case of a cousin of the author, who spent nearly 40 years in Enver Hoxa’s prisons and eventually died there, is a tragic example of the harsh treatment faced by those who maintained their cultural and religious practices.

Moreover, the suppression continues with a lack of official recognition of Serbs and other minority groups as national minorities in Albania. This suppression has led to the complete loss of cultural heritage and identity for many Serb families.

In conclusion, while the number of Serbs in Albania is relatively small, their presence is more significant than the official numbers suggest. The ongoing suppression of these communities highlights the need for greater awareness and advocacy for the rights of all ethnic groups within Albania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there Serbs in Albania? Yes, there are Serbs in Albania, but they are a minority group in a country that aggressively suppresses non-Albanian ethnic groups.

Q: What are the official statistics about the ethnic composition of Albania? The official statistics claim Albania to be 91% Albanian, with no other group exceeding 1%. However, unofficial estimates suggest higher percentages for some minority groups, such as the Greeks (around 10%) and Roma people (around 5%).

Q: How has the government of Albania treated Serbs and other minorities? The government of Albania has been accused of forced assimilation, name changes, and cultural suppression, leading to the loss of cultural identity for many Serb families.