Albania

TRANSCRIPTION

Albania / Copyright 1894, by the Singer Manufacturing Co.

Albania forms the south-western portion of the remaining immediate possessions of European Turkey, and extends along the western shore of the Balkan peninsula, from the river Bojana to the Gulf of Arta. To the north, it is bounded, since 1878-’80, by the newly-won Montenegrin territory, including Dulcigno, and by Bosnia; on the south it is separated, since 1881, from Greece by the river Arta. The eastern boundary is vaguely defined by a mountain range, which to the north attains a maximum altitude of 7990 feet. Westward of this range lie parallel chains, inclosing on the one side long elevated valleys and sinking on the other in terraces, down to level strips along the coast, which mostly consist of unhealthy swamps and lagoons. A fine climate, the heat of which is tempered by high mountains and the proximity of the sea, and a favorable soil, would seem to invite the inhabitants to agriculture; but for the most part in vain. The inhabitants form a peculiar people, called by the Turks Arnants and by themselves Skipetars. At one time they were all Christians; but after the death of their chief, the hero Scanderbeg in 1467 and their subjugation by the Turks, a large part became Mohammedans, who distinguished themselves by cruelty and treachery towards the tribes that remained true to their old faith. They are mostly divided tribally into Gheghs, Tosks, Ljaps, etc. Our picture gives an excellent idea of the costumes worn by the men and women of Albania, as it is made from a photograph taken from life.