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This is an archontological list of Albanian monarchs, containing monarchs of the medieval principalities, to heads of state of modern Albania. Starting from the first established monarch Progon of Kruja from the Progoni family in 1190.

Princes of Arbanon (1190–1257)

Main articles: Progoni family and Principality of Arbanon

House of Progoni

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Lord of Krujë
Progoni		 1190–1198 Progon was the first known Albanian ruler of the first ever known Albanian State.
Lord of Krujë
Gjin Progoni		 1198–1208 Eldest son of Progoni.
Princeps Albaniae
Dhimitër Progoni		 1208–1216 Youngest son of Progoni. He secured further independence for Arbanon and extended the Principality to its maximum height.
Lord of Krujë
Grigor Kamona		 1216–12?? A Greek-Albanian Lord, he first married the daughter of Gjin Progoni, then married Komnena Nemanjić who was the Widow of Dhimitër Progoni allowing him to inherit the rule of the Principality Arbanon.
Lord of Krujë
Golem of Kruja		 12??–1257 The last ruler of the principality of Arbanon. He rose to power through his marriage to the daughter of Gregorios Kamonas. The ascension of Golem was regarded as a reversion to the native rule of Albania.

Princes of Gropa (1258–1395)

Main article: Gropa family

House of Gropa

Captainate of Durazzo (1261–1272)

Main article: Andrea Vrana

House of Vrana

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Captainate of Durazzo
Andrea Vrana		 1261–1272

A member of the prominent Vrana noble family in Albania, served as the captain of Durazzo under the appointment of Manfred of Sicily during the late 13th century. After Manfred's death, Vrana resisted yielding his territories to the Despotate of Epirus and Charles I of Anjou, highlighting the success of Manfred in forming alliances with influential local albanian leaders. The first recorded mention of Andrea Vrana dates back to 1261–1266 in an inscription at a church in Rubik, underscoring his historical significance in the region.

Kings of Albania (1272–1294)

Main articles: Capetian House of Anjou and Kingdom of Albania (medieval)

House of Anjou

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Regnum Albaniae
Charles I of Anjou		 1272–1285 Charles of Anjou established the Kingdom of Albania in 1271 through diplomatic efforts and alliances with local Albanian leaders. In February 1272, a delegation of Albanian nobles and citizens from Durrës reached Charles's court, where he signed a treaty declaring himself the King of Albania "by common consent of the bishops, counts, barons, soldiers, and citizens." The treaty solidified the union between the Kingdom of Albania and the Kingdom of Sicily under Charles of Anjou, who, with the title of "King of Albania," promised to protect the Albanians and honor their Byzantine privileges.
Regnum Albaniae
Charles II of Naples		 1285–1294 Charles II of Naples inherited the title "King of Albania" from his father, Charles I of Anjou after his death. Charles II assumed this claim as part of his broader inheritance, which included territories in Italy and France. In August 1294, Charles II then passed his rights on Albania to his son Philip I, Prince of Taranto.

Princes of Muzaka (1279–1450)

Main articles: Muzaka family and Principality of Muzaka

House of Muzaka

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Sebastokrator and Marshal of Albania
Andrea I Muzaka		 1279–1319 Received the title Sebastokrator by the Byzantine Emperor and his reign was de facto independent until 1319.
Protosebastus
Teodor I Muzaka		 1319–1331 Son of Andrea I Muzaka
Despot of Albania
Andrea II Muzaka		 1331–1372 Andrea II, much like his father, fulfilled the role of the Angevins' titular marshal in Albania. Apart from being acknowledged as despotus Regni Albaniae (the despot of the Kingdom of Albania) and Marshal of Albania by the Angevins, he also held several other titles, including sebastokrator.
Prince of Berat
Teodor II Muzaka		 1372–1389 Son of Andrea II.
Participated in the Battle of Kosovo.
Teodor II was in territorial dispute over Kostur with Prince Marko and because this dispute he was commemorated in Serbian epic poetry as Musa Kesedžija.
Lord of Berat
Andrea III Muzaka		 1389–1396
Lord of Berat
Teodor III Muzaka		 1396–1450 He was an Albanian nobleman who led the 1437–38 revolt against the Ottomans and was one of the founders of the League of Lezhë in 1444.

Princes of Mataranga (13th century–1367)

Main article: Mataranga family

House of Mataranga

The Mataranga family was a vassel of Charles I of Anjou before 1284. The family was first documented in 1297 by the Republic of Ragusa. The Family became a Vassal of the Byzantine Emperor as well between 1284 to 1288. But then accepted the Angevin overlordship again in 1304.

Picture TitleName Reign Notes

Paul Mataranga		 ????-1343 Paul Mataranga was first mentioned in the year 1319 when he and other Albanian lords were in a coalition with Philip I, Prince of Taranto against Stefan Milutin. However, their territories were eventually annexed into the Kingdom of Serbia by 1343.
Sebastokrator
Blasius Mataranga		 1355-1367 Blasius established himself as a semi-autonomous prince north of Vlorë. He was recognized as Sebastokrator by Simeon Uroš Palaiologos

Lords of the Kingdom of Albania (1294–1332)

Main articles: Capetian House of Anjou and Kingdom of Albania (medieval)

House of Anjou

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Lord of the Kingdom of Albania
Philip I, Prince of Taranto		 1294–1331 After gaining the rights of Albania from his father Charles II of Naples in 1294. Philip reigned as Lord of the Kingdom of Albania and solidifying his position as the ruler of the kingdom. In November 1294, Philip I strengthened ties with the Epirote Despot Nikephoros I by marrying his daughter, thereby renewing the longstanding alliance between the Kingdom of Albania and Epirus. Although his initial plans to recover Angevin's domains were delayed due to his imprisonment by Frederick III of Sicily in 1299, Philip I, upon his release in 1302, actively pursued reclaiming the Albanian kingdom. With the support of local Albanian Catholics and Pope Benedict XI, he successfully regained control of Durrës and granted privileges to the citizens and nobility. Despite facing challenges and territorial restrictions, Philip I played a crucial role in maintaining the Kingdom of Albania and defending it against external pressures.
Lord of the Kingdom of Albania
Robert, Prince of Taranto		 1331–1332

Robert of Taranto inherited the title Lord of the Kingdom of Albania after the death of his father, Philip I, in 1331. His uncle, John, Duke of Durazzo, who did not want to swear fealty to Robert for the Principality of Achaea, arranged to surrender Achaea to Robert in exchange for his rights to the diminished Kingdom of Albania and a loan of 5,000 ounces of gold raised upon Niccolo Acciaiuoli.

Princes of Jonima (1319-1430)

Main article: Jonima family

Princes of Thopia (1328–1415)

Main articles: Thopia family and Principality of Albania (medieval)

House of Thopia

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Count of Matia
Tanusio Thopia		 1328–1338 Tanusio was recognized as count of Matia.
Count of Matia
Andrea I Thopia		 1338–1343 Andrea inherited the county of Mat after Tanusios's death. Andrea had become the son-in-law of the Neapolitan King Robert of Anjou without his consent. It should end up costing him his head. Robert sent his biological daughter Hélène, Countess of Matia, whom he had promised to be a wife to a potentate in Morea, via Durres to Greece. In the Albanian port city she met Andrea Thopia, they fell in love and got married. The marriage resulted in two sons, George Thopia and Karl Thopia. However, King Robert did not accept the violation of his will to rule. He invited the couple to Naples on the pretext of wanting to reconcile with them and had them executed there.
Princeps Albanese
Karl Thopia		 1358–1388 In 1358, Karl rose against the rule of the Anjou and managed to drive them out of Durrës from Epirus and Albania. He ruled most of modern central Albania from 1358 to 1388 and claimed the title of Princeps Albaniae. Karl gained control of Durrës in 1368, which was where the Angevins held out due to their Kingdom becoming smaller in size. In 1374, Pope Gregory XI awarded him the title "Grande Conte d'Albania" (Great Count of Albania). Karl lost Durrës in 1376, conquered by Louis, Duke of Durazzo, but recovered it in 1383 when the last mercenaries of the Navarrese Company moved to Greece. Thopia ruled over the regions of Durrës, Kruja, Peqin, Elbasan, Mokra and Gora, that is, along both sides of the Via Egnatia as far east as Lake Ohrid.
Lord of Durazzo
Gjergj Thopia		 1388–1392 Son of Karl Thopia.
He succeeded his father after his death. In 1392 he was required to return Durazzo to the Republic of Venice. In 1392 and died later that year without issue.
Lady of Krujë
Helena Thopia		 1388–1392 Eldest daughter of Karl thopia. She was married to Marco Barbarigo. She inherited Krujë and the surrounding region after her father's death and ruled with her husband. In 1392 her brother Niketa attacked the city and forced them to find refuge with the Balsha Family.
Lord of Krujë
Niketa Thopia		 1392–1394 He ruled for 2 years until losing Krujë.
Lady of Krujë
Helena Thopia		 1394–1403 Married Konstantin Balsha in 1394 and regained Krujë. After her husband died in 1402 her brother Niketa recaptured the castle from her.
Lord of Krujë
Niketa Thopia		 1403–1415 In 1403, Niketa Thopia managed to capture the city of Krujë from his sister, Helena Thopia, thus uniting the principality previously held by another member of the Thopia family. Upon his death in 1415, the castle of Krujë fell into Ottoman hands.

Dukes of Durrës (1332–1368 and 1376)

Main articles: Capetian House of Anjou and Kingdom of Albania (medieval)

House of Anjou

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Duke of Durazzo
John, Duke of Durazzo		 1332–1336 After acquiring the Kingdom of Albania from his nephew Robert, Prince of Taranto in 1332, John of Gravina, also known as John of Anjou, assumed the title of Duke of Durazzo. While the available information doesn't offer detailed insights into his specific actions or policies in Albania, it's known that he never used a royal title "Regnum Albaniae" during his rule.
Duke of Durazzo
Charles, Duke of Durazzo		 1336–1348 Charles of Durazzo inherited the title of Duke of Durazzo and Count of Gravina from his father, John, after his death. His rule in Albania is not extensively documented. However, it's known that Charles was part of the faction that opposed Joan I of Naples and Louis of Taranto.
Duchess of Durazzo
Joanna, Duchess of Durazzo		 1348–1368 Joanna of Durazzo's rule as Duchess of Durazzo began in 1348 when she inherited the title from her father when she was only four years old. However, she initially remained in Naples rather than going to Durazzo when she became Duchess. It wasn't until her Marriage to Louis of Navarre that she began to get involved in the affairs in the Kingdom of Albania.
Duke of Durazzo
Louis, Duke of Durazzo		 1366–1368,1376 Louis of Évreux, also known as Louis of Navarre, became Duke of Durazzo in 1366 through his marriage to Joanna, Duchess of Durazzo. His reign in Albania was marked by efforts to recover the Kingdom of Albania, which included Durazzo. With the support of his brother Charles II of Navarre and the King of France, Louis aimed to reclaim Durazzo, after being taken by Karl Thopia in 1368. In 1372, he enlisted the assistance of the Navarrese Company of mercenaries, recruiting additional forces in 1375 directly from Navarre. Through strategic military planning and engineering, they successfully captured Durazzo in the summer of 1376. However, Louis died shortly after this achievement. Louis and Joanna had no children. Joanna never fully regained full control of Durazzo and in 1383 the City was back in the hands of Karl Thopia when the last mercenaries of the Navarrese Company moved to Greece. Louis left behind an illegitimate son, Carlos de Beaumont, who later played a role in the Navarrese Civil War.

Rulers of Vlorë (1345–1417)

Main article: Principality of Valona

House of Sratsimir and House of Balsha

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Despot of Valona
John Komnenos Asen		 1345–1363 John Komnenos Asen, ruling the Principality of Valona from around 1345 to 1363. John assumed power in Valona in late 1345, following the Serbian conquest of south Albania from the Byzantine Empire, concluded by August 1345. This transition marked a significant shift in regional governance, as the local Albanian rulers, who were in power before the Serbian conquest, lost their influence. John was Born into Bulgarian nobility, John's descent from the Asen dynasty and marriage to Anna Palaiologina strengthened his position. He preserved Valona's independence during the Serbian Civil War after Stephen Dušan died in 1355. His reign, marked by economic prosperity and strategic alliances, ended with his death during the 1363 plague, leaving a legacy continued by his son Alexander Komnenos Asen.
Sebastos of Valona
Alexander Komnenos Asen		 1363–1372 Alexander Komnenos Asen, son of Despot John Komnenos Asen and nephew of Emperor Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria, inherited the titles of Sebastos of Valona. His rule was characterized by extensive trade with Venice and Ragusa. The circumstances of his death are speculated to be at the Battle of Maritsa on 26 September 1371, as his lands were later controlled by his father-in-law Balša II by 1372.
Despot of Valona
Balsha II		 1372–1385 In 1372, Balsha II wed Komnina, the daughter of Alexander Komnenos Asen. As part of the marriage arrangement, Balsha received the city of Valona situated in Asen's province, as a dowry.
Lady of Valona
Komnena		 1385–1396 After the death of Balsha II, his widow Komnina, along with their daughter, assumed control of Balsha's territory in southern Albania to safeguard it from Ottoman threats. Komnina played a significant role as the main ruler of the Duchy of Valona until her demise in 1396. During this period, the Muzaka family took control of Berat. In 1391, Rugjina married Mrkša Žarković, who succeeded as the lord of Valona.
Lord of Valona
Mrkša Žarković		 1396–1414 Mrkša Žarković, ruled over Valona from 1396 to 1414. After marrying Rugjina Balsha in 1391 and receiving Valona as part of the dowry, he maintained control until his death. Following Mrkša's demise in October 1414, his wife Rugjina Balshatook control of Valona.
Lady of Valona
Rugjina Balsha		 1414–1417 After taking control of Valona. Rugjina sought to transfer her husbands old possessions to the Republic of Venice in 1415 and 1416, but no agreement was reached. The Ottoman Empire eventually conquered Valona and the surrounding region in 1417.

Despots of Angelokastron and Lepanto (1358–1374)

Main articles: Spata family and Despotate of Arta

Shpata dynasty

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Despot
Gjin Bua Shpata		 1358–1374

Gjin Bua Shpata played a significant role in the governance of the territories in Epirus and Aetolia. After the initial Albanian incursion into the region in 1358, Simeon Uroš, recognized Gjin Bua Shpata as a ruler in Epirus and Aetolia around 1358. He shared power with his brother Skurra Bua Shpata. Following the death of Pjetër Losha in 1374, Gjin Bua Shpata took control of Pjeter holdings and united it into the Despotate of Arta

Despots of Arta (1360–1416)

Main articles: Spata family and Despotate of Arta

Losha Dynasty

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Despot
Pjetër Losha		 1360–1374 The first ever ruler of the Despotate of Arta. Pjetër reigned during the Losha Dynasty.

Shpata dynasty

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Despot
Gjin Bua Shpata		 1374–1399 Gjin started the Shpata Dynasty of the Despotate. He united the Albanian Despotates of Arta and Angelocastron after the death of Pjetër Losha.
Lord of Arta
Skurra Bua Shpata		 1399–1403 Brother of Gjin Bua Shpata.
Lord of Arta
Muriq Shpata		 1403–1415 Grandson of Gjin Bua Shpata and had one brother Jakob Bua Shpata.
Lord of Arta
Jakob Bua Shpata		 1415–1416 The last ruler of the Despotate of Arta.

Princes of Zenebishi (1304–1473)

Main article: Zenebishi family

House of Zenebishi

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Sevastokrator
Gjon Zenebishi		 1382–1418 The Zenebishi family is first mentioned in 1304. It was one of the families given privileges by Philip I, Prince of Taranto. Gjon Zenebishi, an Albanian magnate, held estates in Epirus, particularly Gjirokastër and Vagenetia. In the late 14th century, he initially submitted to the Ottomans after their victory against Balsha II but later revolted and seized the fortress of Gjirokastër. He adopted the Byzantine title of sevastokrator and formed alliances with influential figures, including the Despot of Arta, Gjin Bua Shpata.In 1399, he defeated Esau Buondelmonti, the Despot of Epirus, expanding his influence. However, in 1418, Zenebishi was defeated by the Ottomans and fled to the Venetian island of Corfu, where he died. The Ottomans subsequently took control of Gjirokastër. Zenebishi's descendants continued to play roles in regional politics, aligning with various powers such as Naples and Venice.
Lord of Gjirokastër
Depë Zenebishi		 1418–1434 He was the rightful lord of Gjirokastër from 1418 to 1434 till he was deposed by the Ottomans. He then was shortly captured and executed in 1436.
Lord of the Strovilo
Simon Zenebishi		 1443–1461 He was the grandson of Gjon Zenebishi and Son of Depë Zenebishi. In 1443 Simon built Strovili fortress with Venetian approval and support. In 1454 he was recognized by Alfonso V of Aragon as a vassal of the Kingdom of Naples.
Lord of Strovilo
Alessandro Zenebishi		 1461–1473 He was the son of Simon Zenebishi. He continued to rule Strovilo until he died in 1473 when he sold the castle to Venice.

Princes of Zaharia (1386–1444)

Main article: Zaharia family

House of Zaharia

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Governor of Budva
Nicholas Zaharia 		1386–1389 The Zaharia family is first mentioned in the 14th cnetury by a certain Nicholas Zaharia. He was first mentioned in 1385 as a commander for the Balsha family and governor of Budva in 1363. After his twenty years of loyalty, he revolted in 1386 and became the ruler of Budva. But by 1389 Đurađ II Balšić recaptured the city ending his rule.
Lord of Sati and Dagnum
Koja Zaharia		 1396–1430 Koja Zaharia himself is mentioned from 1396 when he captured the castle of Dagnum and declared himself a vassal of the Ottomans. In 1412, Koja's daughter married Balša III, and Koja was appointed as castellan of Budva. After the death of Balša III, Koja's daughter Boglia together with her two daughters returned to her family in Dagnum. After the capture of Dagnum by Ishak Bey in 1430, Koja was either imprisoned or expelled. His son, Lekë Zaharia, later assumed the position of Dagnum's governor after the Albanian Revolt of 1432–1436.
Lord of Sati and Dagnum
Lekë Zaharia		 1430–1444 Lekë Zaharia's rule was marked by his involvement in the League of Lezhë, a significant alliance formed in 1444 by various Albanian nobles. Lekë Zaharia played a key role in the league's establishment. However, his rule was cut short by his untimely death in 1444 during a dispute with Lekë Dukagjini over a woman named Irene Dushmani. This dispute led to Lekë Zaharia's murder, with accusations initially placed on Lekë Dukagjini, though some sources, like Venetian chronicler Stefano Magno, attributed the act to Nicholas Dukagjin, Zaharia's vassal. Before his death, Lekë Zaharia expressed a desire to hand over his properties to the Venetian Republic. The aftermath of his demise saw the fortress of Dagnum, claimed by Skanderbeg in the name of the League of Lezhë, being surrendered to the Venetian Republic by Lekë Zaharia's mother. This event triggered the Albanian–Venetian War, concluding with the castle remaining in Venetian hands, paying an annual tribute to Skanderbeg.

Princes of Dukagjini (1387–1479)

Main articles: Dukagjini family and Principality of Dukagjini

House of Dukagjini

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Prince of Dukagjini
Pal I Dukagjini,		 1387–1393 Pal I Dukagjini's rule in 1387 marked a significant period in the formation of the Principality of Dukagjini. As one of the main branches of the Dukagjini family, Pal I and his brother Lekë were described as owners of Lezhë in a Ragusan document from that year. Their role in securing a free pass to Ragusan merchants in their dominion hinted at their emerging influence.
Prince of Dukagjini
Lek I Dukagjini		 1387–???? Lekë I Dukagjini, the brother of Pal I Dukagjini, played a crucial role in the 14th-century Principality of Dukagjini. As part of the Dukagjini family, Lekë and his brother were prominent figures in the late 13th century, with Lekë being mentioned in historical records in 1281. The Dukagjini family evolved from an extended clan to a feudal family, and Lekë's contributions included being an owner of Lezhë.
Prince of Dukagjini
Little Tanush		 1393–1413 He was the son of Pal Dukagjini, a prominent figure in the family. Tanush, along with his brothers, played a role in the complex political landscape of the time.
Prince of Dukagjini
Pal II Dukagjini		 1413–1446 Pal II Dukagjini , a prominent member of the Dukagjini family, was an Albanian nobleman who, along with his kinsman Nicholas Dukagjini, initially served under Venetian vassal Lekë Zaharia. Actively involved in the League of Lezhë, a 1444 alliance against Ottoman rule, Pal later accepted vassalage under Alfonso V of Aragon in 1454. However, he eventually abandoned Skanderbeg's forces and joined the Ottomans. Pal left a lasting impact with four notable sons, including Nicholas and Lekë, who continued to shape the political landscape of the region.
Prince of Dukagjini
Lekë Dukagjini		 1446–1479 Known for the Kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit, a legal code observed in northern Albanian tribes, Lekë succeeded his father Pal II Dukagjini in 1446. His principality, stretching from Northern Albania into modern Kosovo, was a key player in the region. Lekë participated in Skanderbeg's military efforts against the Ottoman Empire, but internal conflicts among Albanian nobles were not uncommon during this tumultuous period. Lekë Dukagjini's involvement in hostilities, including the death of Lekë Zaharia, highlighted the complex dynamics. His principality faced challenges, and after Skanderbeg's death, Lekë continued resistance against the Ottomans until 1479, occasionally collaborating with the Venetians.

Princes of Spani (1400-1442)

Main article: Spani family

Princes of Arianiti (11th century–1462)

Main article: Arianiti family

House of Arianiti

Picture TitleName Reign Notes

Komnen Arianiti		 1392–1407

Komnen is the first known monarch of the Arianiti family, but the family has been recorded since the 11th century. He first appears in Venetian archives that he held land by central Albania.

Prince of Arianiti
Gjergj Arianiti		 1432-1462 Son of Komnen Arianiti and was a commander during the Albanian-Ottoman wars. He was a very influential figure at the time as he was apart of the League of Lezhë.
Lord of Dibra
Moisi Golemi		 14??–1464

He was the only son of Muzakë Arianiti. He married Zanfina Muzaka and had two sons and four daughters. He was an important figure who was involved in the Albanian Ottoman wars and was distinguished in the Battle of Torvioll. His domains Extended from Mokër and Çermenikë. And many other areas he inherited from his father. He was acknowledged as Lord of Dibra by Skanderbeg as well.

Princes of Kastrioti (1389–1444)

Main articles: House of Kastrioti and Principality of Kastrioti

House of Kastrioti

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Ruler of Mat and Dibër
Pal Kastrioti		 1389–1407 First ruler of the Principality of Kastrioti.
Lord of Mat
Gjon Kastrioti		 1407–1437 Strategically navigated the political landscape by forming alliances with major powers such as Venice and the Ottoman Empire. His diplomacy and military leadership were instrumental in expanding and consolidating the territorial influence of the Kastrioti family. He was able to maintain stability in the principality.
Dominus Albaniae
Gjergj Kastrioti		 1443–1444 Renowned for his military leadership, he successfully resisted Ottoman expansion into Albania for over two decades, earning widespread recognition as a national hero. Skanderbeg played a central role in the formation of the League of Lezhë, rallying Albanian nobility in a military and diplomatic alliance against the Ottoman Empire. On 2 March 1444, at the assembly of Lezhë, Skanderbeg was proclaimed "Chief of the League of the Albanian People," uniting regional chieftains and nobles to resist Ottoman expansion under his leadership.


Princes of Albania (1444–1479)

Main articles: House of Kastrioti, Dukagjini family, and League of Lezhë

House of Kastrioti

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Dominus Albaniae
Gjergj Kastrioti		 1444–1468 Skanderbeg initiated the League of Lezhë in 1444 by bringing together prominent Albanian noble families in the city of Lezhë. Proclaiming himself "Chief of the League of the Albanian People," Skanderbeg secured the support of the Albanian nobles forming a unified front against the Ottoman Empire.

House of Dukagjini

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Prince of Dukagjini
Lekë Dukagjini		 1468–1479 As the last ruler of the League of Lezhë, Lekë played a pivotal role in sustaining Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire after Skanderbeg's death in 1468. Despite facing internal challenges and the ultimate capture of Shkodër by the Ottomans in 1479, Dukagjini's leadership contributed significantly to the league's efforts to maintain independence and resist Ottoman conquest.

Pashalik of Shkodra (1757–1831)

Main articles: Bushati family and Pashalik of Scutari

House of Bushati

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Pasha of Shkodra
Mehmed Bushati		 1757–1774 Mehmed Pasha Bushati held sway over the Pashalik of Scutari during the late 1700s amid the Ottoman Empire's decline. Leading from 1757 to 1831, he navigated the complexities of the time, seeking aid from the Habsburgs against the Ottomans and negotiating with the Sultan for pardon. His rule witnessed military campaigns, including clashes with Ahmet Kurt Pasha over territories like Durres.
Pasha of Shkodra
Kara Mahmud Pasha		 1775–1796 Kara Mahmud Pasha's rule was characterized by dynamic military campaigns, strategic alliances, and political maneuvering in the late 18th century Ottoman Empire. As the hereditary governor of the Pashalik of Scutari, he engaged in conflicts against Greek rebels, Montenegro, and Venetians. His rivalry with Ahmet Kurt Pasha of Berat led to sieges, civil wars, and regional power shifts. Mahmud expanded his influence over Southern Albania and Kosovo, entertaining aspirations of an independent state. Despite facing opposition from the Ottoman Empire, he adeptly navigated diplomatic challenges, even considering alliances with Austria-Hungary and Russia. Known for his audacious leadership, Mahmud's legacy endured through folkloric songs, with his death in 1796 halting ambitious plans for a Western Balkan conquest.
Pasha of Shkodra
Ibrahim Pasha of Scutari		 1796–1810 Serving as the brother of Kara Mahmud Bushati, the Ottoman-appointed governor of Shkodër, Ibrahim held the position of Beylebey of Rumelia in 1805. During his rule, he actively participated in the suppression of the First Serbian Uprising led by Karađorđe Petrović after the Battle of Ivankovac. Ibrahim Bushati's leadership extended beyond Shkodra, as he collaborated with Ali Pasha and even commanded Ali Pasha's sons Muktar Pasha and Veil Pasha in 1806. Facing the challenges of a turbulent period, especially in the aftermath of the First Serbian Uprising, Ibrahim maintained close ties with the Ottoman Empire until he died in 1810.
Pasha of Shkodra
Mustafa Pasha Bushatli		 1810–1831 Mustafa Pasha Bushatli, the last pasha of the Pashalik of Scutari, assumed leadership in 1810, succeeding his uncle Ibrahim Pasha. His rule saw military engagements, including involvement in the Greek War of Independence in 1823. Mustafa resisted Ottoman reforms, leading to a rebellion in 1831, resulting in his surrender and subsequent service as a governor in different Ottoman territories until he died in 1860.

Pashalak of Berat (1774–1809)

Main article: Pashalik of Berat

House of Berat

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Pasha of Berat
Ahmet Kurt Pasha		 1774–1787 Ahmet Kurt Pasha was instrumental in the creation of the Pashalik of Berat in 1774, located in central Albania. He gained favor with the Sublime Porte by plotting against Mehmed Pasha Bushati. As a reward, he received territories in central Albania. Ahmet Kurt Pasha expanded his pashalik until he died in 1787, encompassing much of central Albania. He was the grandfather of Ali Pasha and the father of Ali's mother, Hanka. Ahmet Kurt Pasha's legacy laid the foundation for the subsequent rule and expansion of the Pashalik of Berat. The Pashalik operated with a remarkable degree of autonomy. The region's economic activities and governance reflected a self-sufficient and autonomous character during this period.
Pasha of Berat
Ibrahim Pasha of Berat		 1787–1809

Ibrahim Pasha of Berat succeeded Ahmet Kurt Pasha and faced rivalry with Ali Pasha of Ioannina over the Pashalik. The conflict led to armed confrontations and, in 1808, Ali Pasha's victory, resulting in the incorporation of Berat's territory into the Pashalik of Janina. Despite the political changes, local autonomy persisted. The local economy, centered around activities like maize cultivation, reflected a degree of self-governance amid the shifting political landscape.

Pashalik of Ioannina (1788–1822)

Main articles: Ali Pasha of Ioannina and Pashalik of Yanina

House of Meçohysaj

Picture TitleName Reign Notes
Pasha of Yanina
Ali Pasha of Ioannina		 1788–1822 Ali Pasha, an Ottoman Albanian ruler, began his rise to power in the late 18th century. He initially gained control of Delvina in 1785, becoming the ruler of the Sanjak of Delvina. Over the years, he expanded his influence by annexing regions like Konitsa, Libohovë, Përmet, and Tepelenë. In 1787 or 1788, he seized Ioannina and declared himself the ruler of the sanjak, establishing the Pashalik of Yanina. The Pashalik of Yanina became a semi-independent entity within the Ottoman Empire, with a high degree of autonomy.

Prince of Albania (1914-1925)

Main articles: Wied-Neuwied and Principality of Albania

House of Wied

# Name Portrait Birth and death Reign started Reign ended Marriages Succession right
1 William
26 March 1876
Neuwied (German Empire)
–
18 April 1945
Predeal (Romania)
(aged 69) 		7 March 1914 3 September 1914
(de facto)
31 January 1925
(de jure[1]) 		Princess Sophie
30 November 1906
[2 children]

Heads of House of Wied (1914–1973, not ruling)

# Name Portrait Birth and death Reign started Reign ended Marriages Succession right
1 William
26 March 1876
Neuwied (German Empire)
–
18 April 1945
Predeal (Romania)
(aged 69) 		3 September 1914 18 April 1945 Princess Sophie
30 November 1906
[2 children]
2 Carol Victor 19 May 1913
Potsdam (Kingdom of Prussia)
–
8 December 1973
Munich (West Germany)
(aged 60) 		18 April 1945 8 December 1973 Princess Eileen
8 September 1966
[childless] 		Son of
William

King of the Albania (1928–1939)

Main articles: House of Zogu and Albanian Kingdom (1928–1939)

House of Zogu

# Name Portrait Birth and death Reign started Reign ended Marriages Succession right
1 Zog I
8 October 1895
Burgajet Castle (Ottoman Empire)
–
9 April 1961
Suresnes (France)
(aged 65) 		1 September 1928 7 April 1939 Queen Geraldine
April 1938
[1 child]

House of Zogu (1939–1945)

# Name Portrait Birth and death Reign started Reign ended Marriages Succession right
1 Zog I
8 October 1895
Burgajet Castle (Ottoman Empire)
–
9 April 1961
Suresnes (France)
(aged 65) 		7 April 1939
(as king in exile) 		9 April 1961
(in exile) 		Queen Geraldine
April 1938
[1 child]

Italian Occupation (1939–1943)

Main articles: House of Savoy and Italian protectorate of Albania (1939–1943)

House of Savoy

# Name Portrait Birth and death Reign started Reign ended Marriages Succession right
1 Victor Emmanuel III
11 November 1869
Naples (Kingdom of Italy)
–
28 December 1947
Alexandria (Egypt)
(aged 78) 		16 April 1939 8 September 1943 Queen Elena
24 October 1896
[5 children] 		renounced the throne

See also

Bibliography

References

  1. ^ Creation of Albanian Republic

External links

Years in Albania (1910–present)
Authority control databases: National
Categories