Alban Kraja: Western documents show that the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 was led by Skanderbeg’s great-grandfather

Alban Kraja has made a strong historical claim, stating that documents drawn from Western archives, especially those of the Vatican, show that the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 has not been accurately reflected in Serbian historiography.

In a public speech, he said that recently reviewed documents indicate that on June 15, 1389, in the Battle of the Kosovo Field, the leader was Kostandin Kastrioti Mazreku, together with his son, Pal.

According to Kraja, Kostandin Kastrioti Mazreku and his son Pal are directly connected to the family line of the Albanian National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti-Skanderbeg, identifying them respectively as his great-grandfather and grandfather.

He stressed that this interpretation clashes with the version that, according to him, has long been imposed by Serbian historiography, and described it as a truth kept hidden about the role of the Arbërore in one of the most important medieval clashes in the region.

Kraja also claimed that among those who fell in that battle were Prince Kostandin Kastrioti Mazreku himself, as well as another well-known Arbërore figure, Mhill Kopili.

Addressing this issue, he said that documents from Western archives deserve greater attention from researchers, historians, and the Albanian public, because, according to him, they could shed a different light on the role of the Arbërore in the Battle of Kosovo.

Kraja also thanked the mayor and the leadership of the Municipality of Kastriot/Obiliq for organizing the commemorative event, which he described as an important commitment to Albanian historical memory.

His statement is expected to spark public debate and scholarly interest because of the sensitivity that the Battle of Kosovo continues to carry in the historical and political interpretations of the peoples of the region.

Alban Kraja’s full speech can be heard in the public video attached to his post.