The Congress of Manastir, the Rightful Pride of our Folk

The Congress of Manastir is an important link in the chain of century-long efforts that the Albanian people made ‘with rifle and with pen’ for the defense of our national existence and for securing the country’s freedom and independence. Its roots lie in the centuries-old struggle of the Albanian people against foreign invaders who trampled Albanian land, against the Ottoman feudal reaction and the clerical one, against the neighboring chauvinistic circles and the great powers that supported them.The path of the letters was long and difficult, full of sacrifices and unstoppable. Although thorny, those who loved the light walked courageously, despising the centuries-old darkness. This titanic effort, as long and arduous as it was, has its roots deep in history. As a representative of the Union, Gjergj Fishta was elected Chairman of the Alphabet Commission.

In his sensational lecture "On the Latin Alphabet", as an orator he excelled above all Albanian orators, where he spoke for more than an hour and a half amidst the amazement and admiration of those present. The Union alphabet designed by Fishta summarized the most positive features of the existing alphabets and the Congress accepted it as the only Albanian alphabet. Time has shown the justice of this decision: it became the only national alphabet. The Renaissance dream was realized: one alphabet, one language, one nation.

Keywords: alphabet, congress, Monastery, independence, language, Ottoman, nation, history

Background

The Congress of Manastir (1908) was a pivotal moment in Albanian history, unifying the Albanian alphabet and fostering national identity. For centuries, Albanians struggled against foreign domination, Ottoman feudalism, clerical influence, and neighboring chauvinistic pressures, which hindered the development of language, culture, and education. Albanian writing existed long before its formal standardization, with early texts by Buzuku, Bogdani, and others, but political, religious, and social obstacles delayed the establishment of a unified alphabet. The congress symbolized a culmination of the Albanian Renaissance, emphasizing the crucial role of language in national unity.

Methods

The article is a historical review that examines primary and secondary sources, including archival documents, earlier publications, and scholarly works. The authors analyze historical testimonies (e.g., Marin Barleti, Brocardus) and review the evolution of Albanian writing, from early religious texts to the alphabets proposed by the Istanbul, Agimi, and Bashkimi societies. The paper contextualizes the Congress of Manastir within broader sociopolitical, cultural, and educational movements, tracing the role of key figures like Gjergj Fishta, Ndre Mjeda, and the Qiriazi family.

Results

The Congress of Manastir successfully unified the Albanian alphabet into a Latin-based system of 36 letters, replacing other competing alphabets. It galvanized Albanian national consciousness, promoted literacy, and supported the spread of Albanian schools. Participants from diverse regions and religious communities affirmed the cultural and linguistic unity of the nation. The congress also led to the establishment of a printing press in Manastir and set the stage for continued orthographic standardization, bridging Gheg and Tosk dialects. Historical evidence highlights Albania’s long-standing literary tradition and the sacrifices of patriots who defended education and language under oppressive regimes.

Conclusions

The Congress of Manastir was a transformative event that went beyond alphabet unification, serving as a cornerstone of national identity, cultural cohesion, and political unity. By codifying a single alphabet, it reinforced the link between language and nationhood. The congress inspired continued efforts to promote Albanian literacy and education, exemplified by the founding of the Elbasan Pedagogical School. Its legacy remains one of the most significant milestones in Albania’s historical, linguistic, literary, and educational development.