The Islamization of Albania under the Turks

Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University, 1941Albania is unique in its character as a Moslem state in Europe. Through several years on that field as a missionary, the writer has sought out the various factors in Albanian history, religion and character which would explain the Islamization of that people to such a much greater extent than any of the other Balkan peoples subjugated to Turkey. The religious problem is central now to Albania in her aspirations for national unity. Unfortunately, very meager investigation of this problem has been conducted hitherto. Especially is this true in the works in the Albanian language. During the Turkish occupation the reason was obvious. Since the achievement of independence in 1913, the interests of national unity have discouraged the publication of historical inquiries into such a delicate subject. Investigation has accordingly be rendered difficult. A large number of variegated works on Albania have been consulted, and the usually isolated facts have been organized into a systematic whole