 |
The BBC, through a biographical film, proves that the Albanian language was spoken in Greece in 1811. The BBC Television has produced a film drama about the life of the great English writer Lord Byron. But what catches our eye the most is that the film starts with an Albanian song and Byron's followers are heard speaking Albanian. Therefore, the BBC, through this biographical film, extinguishes many doubts and rumors that the Albanians are descendants of these lands, but that they are autochthonous since ancient times.
In the letter that Lord Byron sends to his mother on November 12, 1809, from Preveza, he describes his journey from Janina to Tepelene to meet "Pasha of Janina," Ali Pasha of Tepelene.
Byron is a British television film based on the adult life of English poet Lord Byron. Written by Nick Dear and directed by Julian Farino, it features Jonny Lee Miller in the title role alongside Vanessa Redgrave who portrays Lady Melbourne. It was first aired by the BBC in two, 75 minute parts in September 2003.
Part 1: The Summer of a Dormouse
Part 2: The Eloquence of Action"
The route during that period passed through Janina to Zica, Delvinaq, Peshkëpi, Nepravishtë, Libohovë, continued through the Bridge of the Lady, and further to Qestorat, Erind, Dhoksat, Labovë and Zhapa, Hormovë, Lekël, the Beçishti Bridge, and arrived in Tepelene. The journey took nine days by horse.
It is said that he stayed one night in the palaces of Shanisha in Libohovë, Ali Pasha's sister, and he wrote about it, saying, "In Libohovë, I have eaten the most delicious dishes compared to the taverns in Spain and Portugal, and I have seen the most beautiful women."
Among other things, Byron writes in his letter: "The Vizier received me standing up, which is a great courtesy from a Muslim, and he seated me on his right side. I had brought a terjuman for special occasions, but this time, a doctor of Ali called Femlario, who understood Latin, fulfilled its function.
The Pasha's first request was why I, being so young, had left my country. He then added that the English minister, Captain Leake, had told him that I came from a noble family, and he asked me to convey his greetings to my mother, and I am presenting them on behalf of Ali Pasha.
He told me that he was convinced that I was of noble lineage because I had small ears, curly hair, and fair and delicate hands; he did not hide that he liked my behavior and attire. He asked me to consider him as a father for as long as I would be in Albania, assuring me that he saw me as his son. In fact, he treated me like a child, sending me twenty times a day with almonds, sherbet, fruits, and sweets."
We passed by two cities, Argjirokastra and Libohova, which, from what it seemed, were not much smaller than Janina and lacked a brush or pencil capable of doing justice to the picturesque scenery near Zica and Delvinaq.
On October 17, we set off for Libohova and then reached Qestorat and Erind. From Erind, we departed on October 19 at 3:30 in the afternoon. After three days as guests of Ali Pasha, we returned on the same road.
The Albanians caught my attention strongly due to their resemblance to the highlanders of Scotland, in their attire, facial features, and way of life. Even their mountains reminded me of Caledonia, albeit with a milder climate.
Their white fustanella, their slim and tall physique, their dialect, Celtic in its intonation, and their strict customs all reminded me of Morven.
The Albanians, with their beautiful headdresses, wearing long white fustanellas, intricately embroidered vests and red velvet jackets embroidered with gold thread, adorned with silver daggers and pistols, with long feasts.
Albanians, in general, have striking features. The most beautiful women I have ever laid my eyes upon, in their body and in their face, I saw them drying the road filled with streams between Delvinaq and Libohova.
The way Albanians walk is truly theatrical, but their proud gait perhaps comes from the pouch or gun they carry on one side. Their long hair reminded me of Spartans, and their courage in swift and unexpected warfare cannot be doubted."