Arbëria

Arbëria is a term with historical and cultural significance, primarily referring to the lands inhabited by Albanians and the Albanian language. The term itself is derived from "Arbër," which is an older form of the Albanian name "Shqiptar." Historically, Arbëria encompassed a broad geographical area in the western Balkans, including parts of modern-day Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and even bordering regions of Greece and Serbia.

The concept of Arbëria is deeply intertwined with the formation of Albanian identity and the historical periods of Albanian principalities and states. During the Middle Ages, various Albanian principalities emerged, such as the Principality of Arbanon, which existed in the 12th century and is considered by some to be the first Albanian state. The term continued to be used to describe the regions where Albanians constituted a significant demographic presence, even under foreign rule.

In contemporary usage, Arbëria can sometimes refer more specifically to the historical heartland of Albanian settlement, or more broadly to the interconnected cultural and linguistic space shared by Albanians across different nations. It represents a sense of shared heritage and collective identity that transcends modern political borders. The term is often invoked in discussions of Albanian history, culture, and national consciousness, reflecting a continuous thread of presence and identity in the Balkan region.