Abstract

The centuries-long Ottoman domination of Albania left indelible marks. Most Albanians converted to the Islamic religion and adopted many customs of Near Eastern civilizations, while their language was invaded by a host of Turkish expressions. What resulted is a frame of mind which, in many respects, is at odds with Western culture. This helps explain why Albania was the last Balkan country to shake off the Stalinist yoke. The grotesque performances of Albanian Stalinism in its attempts to implement an ideology alien to Albanian history and traditions has been described elsewhere. In no other East European country could political power have rested with one person for over forty years.