The Historical Context of Kosovo's Independence and Its Inseparable Link to Albania

Kosovo, Dardania, has been an integral part of the Albanian nation for thousands of years. From the time of the Illyrians, it has been an important region for the Albanian people. During the Ottoman Empire, Kosovo was home to four Albanian vilayets, including Kosovo Vilayet, Shkodra Vilayet, Manastiri Vilayet, and Janina Vilayet. The 1913 London Accord transferred Kosovo to Serbia and Chameria to Greece. For more than 80 years, the Albanian population in Kosovo was oppressed and denied basic rights, unlike the other republics of Yugoslavia.

The Struggle for Rights and Independence

In 1981, students from the University of Prishtina protested for their rights, demanding recognition of Kosovo as a republic similar to other Yugoslav republics. The Serbian regime responded with brutal force, resulting in deaths and imprisonments. The Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) emerged in 1998, fighting against Serbian forces who committed atrocities against the Albanian population, such as the murder of women and children and the burning of cities and villages.

The NATO Intervention and Kosovo's Independence

Following NATO's intervention in 1999, Serbian forces withdrew from Kosovo, bringing an end to the conflict. Kosovo is now an independent country, free from Serbian rule. This vindicates the long-standing desire of the Albanian people for self-determination. The struggle for freedom from oppression is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Albanian nation, dating back to the first day of their existence.

Historical Debates and Misconceptions

Some argue that Kosovo did not become part of Albania. However, the historical records clearly indicate that Kosovo has always been part of Albania. The region has been an integral part of the Albanian nation since time immemorial. The term 'Kosovo' comes from the Greek word meaning 'blackbird,' and the Serbs adopted this name when they entered the Balkans.

The region was home to an Albanian population with Greek priests in the Byzantine era, and Albanian churches, which were later rebuilt by Serb Tsars. This region was also home to the Dardanian, Illyrian, and Dacian populations, with a rich pagan culture and language that predates any Slavic influence. Networks of proto-Albanian communities have existed in Kosovo for at least 6,000 years, long before the emergence of Serbia as a distinct political entity. The historical and cultural ties between Albania and Kosovo are inarguably strong and unbreakable.

Conclusion

Albanians have fought for their freedom and independence from the earliest days of their history. The struggles of the past are now reflected in the contemporary reality of Kosovo's independence. It is a symbol of the resilience and determination of the Albanian people. Let us remember the dedication of Ded Gjon Luli, the Albanian guerrilla commander who fought against the Ottomans, and wrote the famous letter to the Vali of Shkodra, expressing the desire for a free and independent Albania.

May God bless the Albanian people, past and present, and guide them in their ongoing journey towards a brighter future.