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A Migration Rooted in Resistance
As the Ottoman Empire extended its control over Albanian lands, many Catholic Albanians fled northward during the 17th and 18th centuries. While Orthodox Albanians primarily emigrated to southern Italy, the Catholic Arbëreshë found a new home in what is now Croatia. The first wave of migration occurred in 1655, settling in areas like Pula and the Istrian peninsula.
A second and more structured wave followed in the early 18th century (1726–27 and 1733), supported by Archbishop Vicko Zmajević of Zadar and the Republic of Venice. This effort aimed to repopulate the hinterlands of Zadar, which had been suffering from depopulation.
The Birth of Arbanasi: A Community Preserving Identity
These Albanian settlers were given land in a marshy area just outside Zadar, owned by Venetian nobleman Erizzo. The neighborhood became known as Borgo Erizzo, or Varoš Eričina, but most notably as Arbanasi—a term still used today.
Unlike other coastal cities where immigrants were quickly assimilated, the Arbëreshë in Zadar were able to preserve their language, customs, and traditions. Their settlement remained somewhat separate from the city center, allowing for cultural preservation. Over time, the Arbanasi became key players in Zadar’s economy, particularly in food production and supply, a role they maintained for over 250 years.
Identity and Politics Under Habsburg Rule
By the late 19th century, the “national question” became a pressing issue in Dalmatia under Habsburg rule. In 1896, an Italian-language primary school was opened in Arbanasi, followed by a Croatian and Albanian school in 1901. These developments reflected the growing ethnic and linguistic consciousness within the community.
Political movements also found fertile ground in Arbanasi. In 1873, the Croatian Party of Rights held its first public activity in the neighborhood, with Ante Starčević—widely seen as the father of Croatian nationalism—chosen as leader. However, the community was not monolithic in its political leanings. There was also a strong pro-Italian sentiment, exemplified by Giacomo Vuxani, a prominent Italo-Arbëresh figure who founded the Italo-Albanian Association in Zadar in 1910.
Cultural Ties with the Albanian Renaissance
Zadar's Arbëreshë maintained strong ties with the broader Albanian national awakening. Following Albania's declaration of independence in 1912, influential figures such as Faik Konica, Shtjefën Gjeçovi, and Fan Noli visited the Arbanasi community, forging connections that bridged the Adriatic.
In a powerful gesture of solidarity, the Arbëreshë of Zadar issued a declaration supporting Albanian independence. The document was written in Arbëresh, Italian, and Croatian—reflecting the community's unique blend of cultural identities and affirming their commitment to Albania's national cause.
Conclusion
The story of the Arbëreshë of Zadar is one of resilience, cultural preservation, and complex identity. Situated at the crossroads of Balkan, Venetian, and Habsburg influences, this community has managed to maintain a distinct Albanian heritage while contributing to the social and economic life of Croatia. Their history is not just a local tale but a crucial part of the wider narrative of the Albanian diaspora in Europe.