Siege of Shkodra

This is a first English translation of a classic work of Albanian history. It offers unique original source material on Siege of Shkodra. It also offers fascinating insight into Albanian/Ottoman/Venetian history. In 1474 and 1478, the Ottomans under Mehmed the Conqueror waged vicious campaigns against the Venetian-occupied city-fortress of Shkodra in northwestern Albania, besieging the city and its inhabitants. Although the campaigns were unsuccessful, the sieges were devastating and lengthy and Venice eventually surrendered Shkodra to the Ottoman sultan. Marin Barleti's seminal work recounts the dramatic history of the Turkish campaign against Shkodra and its environs. Barleti, a Catholic priest, witnessed and fought in the sieges and addressed his eye-witness account to the Venetian Senate, which was providing refuge for the besieged after the surrender. This book is the first English translation of one of the most important works in Albanian historical literature, bringing The Siege of Shkodra to a new audience. The Albanian contribution to slowing the Ottoman forces, intent on conquering all of Europe, has oft been overlooked. Marin Barleti provides a thrilling first-hand account of heroism in the face of conquest and of men fighting for their families, homes and faith against Ottoman forces intent on domination.