The treatment of the Tanzimat in Albanian historiography from the 20th to the 21st century

Abstract

The rule of the Ottoman Empire over Albanian territories, from the late fifteenth to the early twentieth century, represents a fundamental dimension of Albanian history. Within this broader context, the Tanzimat period (1839–1876) holds particular significance. Although Albanian historiography has addressed this period, studies on the Tanzimat reforms remain partial and often insufficient. This era was marked by a series of political, economic, and military reforms aimed at strengthening central Ottoman authority and reorganizing administrative relations. However, these reforms frequently restricted local autonomy and increased the fiscal burden on the Albanian population. In response, Albanians organized uprisings known as the “Tanzimat Revolts,” which reflected not only social and economic discontent but also a rising national consciousness and aspirations to defend local interests. From a historiographical perspective, an important dimension relates to the Bektashi Order, which became a center of cultural and spiritual resistance, contributing to social mobilization and the preservation of identity in the face of Ottoman centralization. This study examines the treatment of the Tanzimat in Albanian historiography, highlighting methodological approaches, interpretative frameworks, and the contributions of Albanian scholars in understanding the reforms’ impact on the population. It also analyzes the role of the Bektashi Order in shaping a unified cultural and spiritual resistance. Through this focus, the study explores how popular reactions and uprisings influenced the affirmation of national identity and the development of political and cultural processes during the nineteenth century.