| Kruja is a small town, and it is located in a mainland of Albania. It has been inhabited since the third century B.C. At the end of the twelfth century the city known for its trade and handicrafts, Kruja became the capital of the first Albanian principality of Arb�ria. The Albanian feudal lords of Topias family in the 14th century, ruled the city and created the capital of the principality of Topias. In Kruja is located the palace of Gjergj Kastriot Scanderbeg, who fought against the Ottomans� invasion. The fortress of uncrowned Albanian King, Gjergj Kastriot Scanderbeu, is a proud of all Albanians. The youngest of Gjon Kastrioti's four sons Gjergj, was sent with his three brothers as hostage to the Sultan at Istanbul in 1415. Gjergj with his sword skill became famous at the military school and he was given the Islamic name �Iskander- Turkish name for Alexander the great� (in Albanian - Skender ) and the title - beg - for values on the battle field. In 1443, his struggle for the mother country Albania made him leave together with 300 solders with Albanian origin, the Ottoman army fighting Hunyadi, the Hungarian hero, and returned to Albania, On November 28, 1443, with his army raised the Albanian flag in front of the people of Kruja, and Gjergj Kastriot Skenderbeu started the war for the Independence of Albania. The first country to gain independency during the ottoman empire, was the country of Gjergj Kastriot Skenderbeu, Albania. |
