Lushnje

Quick Facts: Who was Lushnje?

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Lushnje

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A city and municipality in west-central Albania with a rich history.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Lushnjë (Albanian pronunciation: [ˈluʃɲə]; locally Lushnje [ˈluʃɲe]; Albanian definite form: Lushnja) is a city and municipality in west-central Albania. The municipality's population is 63,135 as of the 2023 census, in a total area of 372.9 km2 (144.0 sq mi). The first mention of Lushnjë comes from the 1431-1432 defter (cadastral survey) of the Sanjak of Albania. There, in the list of settlements of the Muzakiye nahiye the modern-day city is recorded as Luşnye. Lushnjë was a provisional capital of Albania when the Congress of Lushnjë met there from 21 to 31 January in 1920.

Career & Major Achievements

Chieftains of Albania assembled in the town and declared Tirana first a provisional and then the definitive capital of Albania. 3 km away from Lushnjë is the Savra field. This field is on the Lushnjë-Fier road. Here the first battle between the Principality of Zeta and the Principality of Albania, backed by the Ottoman Empire occurred in 1385 (the Battle of Savra). In this battle Balsha II, the Lord of Lower Zeta from 1378 to 1385, was killed.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Along with Fier, Lushnjë was the main district of the concentration camps during the Communist Regime; the camps included the villages of Savër, Gradishtë, Bedat, Gjazë, Rrapëz, and Plug. Lushnjë is located in the middle plains and flatland in a hot Mediterranean summer type of climate. This land is used for growing crops and raising animals. It is 30 km to Divjakë-Karavasta National Park with wetland and beaches and a lagoon. There is a reservoir in a village in Kashar, Lushnjë with many farmlands around it and a connecting canal known as Perrio.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1378: 1378 Milestone — In this battle Balsha II, the Lord of Lower Zeta from 1378 to 1385, was killed.
2. 1385: 1385 Milestone — Here the first battle between the Principality of Zeta and the Principality of Albania, backed by the Ottoman Empire occurred in 1385 (the Battle of Savra).
3. 1431: 1431 Milestone — The first mention of Lushnjë comes from the 1431-1432 defter (cadastral survey) of the Sanjak of Albania.
4. 1920: 1920 Milestone — Lushnjë was a provisional capital of Albania when the Congress of Lushnjë met there from 21 to 31 January in 1920.
5. 2023: 2023 Milestone — The municipality's population is 63,135 as of the 2023 census, in a total area of 372.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Lushnje

True or False: “The Battle of Savra, which occurred near Lushnjë, was fought between the Principality of Zeta and the Ottoman Empire.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The battle in 1385 was between the Principality of Zeta and the Principality of Albania, which was backed by the Ottoman Empire.

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