Ottoman Wars: Skanderbeg and Albanian Rebellion DOCUMENTARY 

Thank you very much for being with us! 300k! It is such an unbelievable number, we are honestly lost for words. Just know that, we appreciate you and will work even harder to provide more and better content! Participate in the survey and let us know what you think goo.gl/AxhqhA On September 7, we will be conducting a quiz among our viewers. This event will test your historical knowledge and put you up against other like-minded enthusiasts. Check it out here: facebook.com/events/1660241587419320/ Regarding this video: Many events that happened during the rebellion of Skanderbeg were covered in our the past videos (bit.ly/2osUuZw), so we decided not to repeat them again. This series is really hard to make - a million little things should be accounted for.

As a Turk i would like to say that Skenderbeg is a very respected figure in Turkish history books, he covers more place than most of the Turkish rulers, it is written that upon learning about his passing 2. Mehmed said "europe lost its shield" to show his respect to him. He died undefeated even though he was facing the biggest force of that time. Rest in Peace Skenderbeg and greetings to all Albanians reading this.

This guy managed to survive an attack from Murad II, defeated or survived against more or less 10 Ottoman armies over the years that outnumbers him, and even hold back Mehmed II, the one that conquered Constantinople. He basically gave a lot of time to Europe to prepare against a very powerful empire. It's not an exaggeration that Mehmed II called him 'a shield of Europe'.

How many victories do you want? Skanderbeg: Yes

wtf? never heard of this guy in my history books back in school. Skanderbeg deserved a whole book, not just a chapter. yet not even his name was mentioned. stupid school

Fun fact : Arm wrestling in romanian means skandenberg :)) , Just that you can see how much respect we have for this man !!

How have I never heard of him before!?!? We praise "great" generals who always had numerical superiority and more advanced weapons but this man had neither AND STILL WON EVERY BATTLE!

Unë jam Arbëreshë. I am Arbëreshë. We are the Descents of Skanderbeg's Army living in Italy. Our major group of villages are in Calabria. My Town is Santa Sofia d'Epiro. 🇦🇱☦🇮🇹 We preserve a 600 year old Language, the customs, traditions, cuisine, clothing, and Above All, the Faith of Christ ☦ Mirumpfashim, Thanasi 🇦🇱☦🇮🇹

Without a doubt, Skanderbeg was a great warrior to not only Albanians, but to Europe itself. Even if his small Kingdom would fall, it sat together because of him. That is how powerful and great this man was to a degree.. Huge respect

When Skanderbeg died Mehmed the 2 said "Europe lost their shield".

He is almost a national hero in Hungary too, respect.

One of the greatest and most underrated European commanders in history. Respect Albania from Austria! 🇦🇱🇦🇹

Long live our brothers. Support and love from Hungary! 🇭🇺❤️🇦🇱

After death of Skanderbeg, Mehmed II said "Europe lost it’s sword and shield."

More than 21 000 comments about scanderbeg His life needs to be in Hollywood movie

in belgium in brussels more precisely schaerbeek, there is a statue of him in his honor mentioned his date of birth and his death, because this man was really a warrior and a strategist. respect to the strong and proud Albanian people

The Albanian prince that got kidnapped by the strongest empire of the time, became a hero to all western civilization, not only an Albanian hero!!! LAVDI MBRETIT!!! 🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱

Note to self: never give a guy the nickname "lord Alexander" and expect to beat him in battle.

In central London (Bayswater), Skanderbeg has a statue saying his full name and birth-death date along with this “invincible Albanian national hero, defender of western civilization.”

Besa is the Albanian Code of Honour. Janos Hunyadi was a man of Besa to Skanderbeg 🇦🇱❤🇭🇺

Gjergj Kastrioti (skenderbeu) was a great warrior and motivator for the Albanian people. And as an Albanian I thank you for your video about it. I hope some director like Oliver Stone or Ridley Scott can make a film about the history of Skënderbeu because it would be a great story to tell.

Scanderbeg needs a Hollywood movie.. He's the parallel of William Wallace "Braveheart". What George Kastrioti did, is LEGENDARY.

As Italian of albanian origins I am content that You have dedicated an episode on hero of mine second nation.

"It wasn't me that brought you the liberty. The liberty, I found it here, among you" Scanderbeg's great speech to albanian warriors at Kruja Castle!

Respect for a great warrior. Greetings from Italy, albanian friends! 🇮🇹🇦🇱

*doesn't take Kruje* Murad II:"Guess i'll die"

Armwrestling in Hungary is called Skander. It showes how much he was respected.

Skanderbeg is on of the greatest warriors, a hero, love to our brothers 🇦🇱🇬🇷

Could you imagine what a man like Skanderbeg could have done with Venitian and Neapolitan support? Imagine if he had 50,000 troops and financial backing, he could have brought the Ottomans to their knees and halted their European expansion for half a century.

This is the ultimate example of quality over quantity

Skenderbeg needs a movie. Edit: How did I get this many likes?

For those who don't know, Vivaldi composed an opera named "Scanderbeg"

Skanderbeg is so underrated one of the most underrated general of all time he deserves a movie to be made for him. Even Mehmed the 2nd the ottoman sultan at the time when Skanderbeg died he said "Europe lost it's shield" and said that "i dont think another man like him will walk again on this earth"

What a hero! Greetings from bulgaria🇧🇬🇧🇬

What a badass! Brilliant commander. I visited Tirana and I love his statue in Skanderbeg Square--it's so cool. I really enjoyed Tirana and the Albanian people. They were very friendly and appreciative of visitors. I highly recommend a visit. I will be back one day! Beautiful women too ;)

Romania sends it's respects

Skanderbeg was a true hero. Brave, honest. He is also a hero for Hungary.

my father that is a history professor in lund university (Sweden)he liked this video, and said that he will use this video in school.

Had heard of Skanderberg before, but hadn't known about him in this much detail. Great general and great warrior, respect where it's due, greetings from Turkey.

The national hero of Albania Skanderbeg ......

George Kastriot was the horror of the Ottomans he defeated them in every battle, I am proud to be Albanian I am proud to have Kastriot blood ❤️🙏🏻💪🇦🇱✝️

Drink game: 1 shot for every time Skanderbeg destroys an ottoman army

“Keni harru kush jemi kon na ?! Jemi kon ata qe i kena shptu kta”

Thank you for this video. A great figure in Europes history but not very well known apart from Albanians and scholars. The fact that armwrestling in Hungary and Romania literally is his name shows a lot. When the Pope declared his crusade chose Scanderbeg as the Commander of the Holy Army of Christ, forged his helmet in Milan with the inscription INPERATORE, ultimate commander', and the initials refering to * IN * PE * RA * TO * RE * BT *: Jhezus Nazarenus * Principi Emathie * Regi Albaniae * Terrori Osmanorum * Regi Epirotarum * Benedictat Te ( Jezus of Nazareth blesses the Prince of Emathie, King of Albanians, Terror of the Ottomans, King of Epirus ). If he was from a larger country, his figure would be glorified so much more.

🇦🇱 The greatest warrior of Arbëria (Albania).

When skanderbeg visits your house... you're the guest

Mehmed the second himself said for scanderbeg “There won’t be another Lion like him in this earth”

Read Ismaël Kadaré's The Siege, it's fucking awesome. Skanderbeg never shows up in the book, but his shadow hovers all over it.

Gjergj Kastrioti may his glory always be remembered 😍🇦🇱📍

How is this dude not as famous as Vlad the Impaler or any other general who opposed the Ottomans? He achieved much more, with less resources, against greater odds at the height of Ottoman's strenght while they were being led by some of the greatest leaders that any Islamic nation has ever had. Dude should be canonized as a saint, "defender of christianity" or something.

Who ever made Gladiator should make Skenderbeg!!

When I first watched this video I didn't know who Skanderbeg was, now I never forgot it.

Why call this a rebellion?? They were protecting their land.

You know you're a legend when not even 100,000 troops can defeat you when you have barely a quarter of that. Skanderbeg was a great man, one of the greatest resistance fighters in history. Every Christian and European should pay their respect to him.

Every time the Sultan's army outnumbered Skanderberg's army by 5 to 1, Skanderberg would leave half of his army back home to make things more fair!

Skanderbeg always signed himself in Latin: Dominus Albaniae ("Lord of Albania"), and claimed no other titles but that in surviving documents. You can find this sentence in almost every document for Scanderbag. What do serbs have to say about this

Sultan: "you rebelled against me and now I'll send you not 70 but 140.000 soldiers". Skanderbeg: " the fate of the war is determined by the skill of commander and not by the number of soldiers".

As a Turkish citizen and a history lover, I can say that Skanderbeg or İskender Bey(The lord Alexander) is one of the very few non-Turkic figures that our high school history books mention with respect. As far as I remember from those books, he was taken as a devshirme and trained hard that he quickly ranked up and became high rank commander. Later he decides to turn against Ottomans and he was never defeated. He was really good at commanding his local armies against outnumbered Ottoman forces. As he knew the tactics of Ottoman army, he sometimes openly fought and sometimes he was using guerrilla tactics by retreating to hills surrounded with the forests. He used all the advantage of the area. Even Mehmet II said the old wolf was unbeatable that they were going to wait for him to die and then take the lands under their control again. After he died, rumour has it that Mehmed II said "Europe lots their shield". I hope anytime soon I can visit Kruja. PS: I want to clarify sth since I've seen a lot of awkward nationalist comments. Guys, Ottoman history is Albanian history since Albanians are known to be the real Ottomans. Don't get it wrong but it is similar with Bosnians in the Balkans. They were both the majority in the army as infantry units, Janissaries, and military administrators as Pashas. Later, local notables at the end of the 18th century were again mostly Albanians and Bosnians in the Balkans. Commander of Castle of Vidin, Pazvantoğlu Osman Pasha for example was arguably Albanian origin. He was frequently taking arms against the central state in order to strengthen his position in the region. He was giving aid to local gangs to plunder region from Moldavia and Wallachia to Belgrad. State was unable to end his actions since they had no power at all. He involved on the side of rebellious Janissaries during the conflict between Serbian notables and Belgrade janissaries. Later with the help of other local notables including Ali Pasha of Ioannina, Alemdar Mustafa Pasha state formed an army of 100k and sieged Vidin in 1798. There is an epic written on it as Pazvand managed to defend for 3 month with 15k. Later siege was lifted as Napoleon conquered Egypt and Pazvand was given Vizeer title before army went there. As you can see state was even unable to defeat a local notable and protect its citizens. Later, Pazvandoglu Osman Pasha continued what he was doing. Pazvantoglu acted as an autonomous political actor between 1792 and 1804, not only in the course of the Ottoman regional politics but also in the course of the international politics. It was recorded that France and Russia, who had certain ambitions of Ottoman territories, in some point, directly made a contact with Pazvantoglu via sending an envoy discussing his activities in the region This is why for those who don't know Sultan gave permission to the elites of Serbia and the region to take arms against the rebellious Janissaries and gangs. Later, armamant in the region was going to pave the way for independence movement. Yet, we need to remember that Miloš Obrenović who later managed to get an autonomy was actually loyal to the Sultan(it was political indeed but you can see the Sultan Mahmud IIs medallion on his chest if you search his photo on google. I need to inform you that not eveybody was given it. It was very special symbol.). He fought against Black Yorgi when he first revolted against the Sultan. Thus, history is neither Black nor White. Let's get back to my point, Albanians were definetely the most influential group together with Bosnians. The "barbarian steppe people" has nothing to do with Ottomans starting from 15th century. While many Turkic tribes including my ancestors were still living nomadic life and shepherding in central Anatolia, others were living in borderlands, mainly Akıncı units made of Tatars and other Turkic groups raiding non-conquered lands. State was trying to sedentarize nomadic people. Everybody should understand that Ottomans were an empire and it's army and administration was made of non-Turks (beginning from Mehmet ll) in order to strengthen the power and the legitimacy of Ottoman family. That's is why DON'T write silly nationalist comments under this mention! Religious hate in 21st century is just so stupid. You better question your existence in this world and think what you can contribute to the humanity instead of being obsessed with the past. Cheers!

Skanderbeg the protector of Europe the King of Kings respect to Albanians from the Netherlands

As a Turk myself 🇹🇷 i do respect what he achieved not all Turks wants to admit it i know that amk so i’ll just say it for them. Skanderbeg Gjergj Kastrioti was a great warrior 👍🏻

Great video as always! It's amazing the massive quantity of soldiers and armies that the Ottomans used in continuity during centuries.

a statue of scanderbeg exists in switzerland in geneva and one in england. The Helmet and sword are in Austria.

Albanian warrior!! My father who is a proffessor in history really liked this presentation! Good job keep it coming.

The story of the Albanian People is the story from which all humanity can learn from. It is the story of how total resistance can be maintained if spiritually you believe in FREEDOM and you never surrender her. Skanderbeg was the son of Albania, because he embodied the spirit of the nation, when EVERYONE said it was impossible to beat the Ottomans, he taught the Albanians to believe in themselves and to trust in their spirit of resistance, which is as ancient as the land itself. By psychologically believing in themselves they were able to achieve stunning victories, unmatched in history. And even after the death of Skanderbeg, the Albanians never gave up. Even after the fall of Kruja in 1478 and later of Shkoder, under extreme losses by the Ottoman side, both the North and south of Albania continued to resist for 400 years, untill final independence. How is this possible? Because of Skanderbeg. He had taught us that you should NEVER give up your freedom. You should NEVER compromise your spirit. As long as you FIGHT for your ideals and you believe in yourself TOTALY, you will never be defeated, no matter how INCREDIBLE your enemy is. The myth of Skanderbeg will never die because he is the myth of the spirit of freedom in all humans. It does not matter where you are from. Today both Albanians and Turks are both friends with each other, and no one respects Skanderbeg more then the Turks themselves. Because Skanderbeg is the spirit of freedom in all humans.

skanderbeg is the greatest strategist in human history 🐐🇦🇱

During the dark sieges of Kruje, when morale was at its lowest, it was Skanderbeg’s speeches that empowered the soldiers and uplifted their spirits. He became a grand symbol of Albanian national unity, freedom, faith, solidarity and identity.

He will always be a hero for our country 🇦🇱👑

I was so happy when a video about Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu was recommended to my feed! Thanks for this as an albanian😍

I’ve heard that Joe Dioguardi might do a movie about Skanderbeg with Russell Crowe but I’m not too sure tho.

Imagine how beautiful a new 2020 SKANDERBEG Movie would be.

I'm an Italo-Albanian,better known as Arbëreshe people,and I can confirm that Skanderbeg is like a God to us.Greetings to the people of Albania and Kosova 🇦🇱🇽🇰🇮🇹

Today is birthday of Gjergj Kastrioti an albanian hero 🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅... For that albanians fight everyone in sport, because in our blod we have his genes..... 💪❤️❤️❤️

We have a old community of albanian in sicily probably descendants of the soldiers who fight with skanderbeg.....bravi picciotti 😎

Half Turk here, Skanderbeg was a fantastic general. I hadn't heard of him, but now I'll never forget him. Be proud Albanians, this guy is legendary.

Fun fact. In Romania we call arm wrestling "skanderbeg" thx to this dude. Edit: What the fuck guys chill out down there in the replys

I need to re-post this from time to time, lest some may forget: We Albanians laugh at the comments below. Greeks and Serbs both claiming Gjergj Kastrioti and contradicting their own propaganda. The entire world recognizes Skanderbeg as the Albanian Lion and the Athlete of Christendom. The League of Lezhe was the military alliance of the most powerful Albanian noble families of the Arianiti, Dukajini, Muzaka, Zahria, Thopia, Zenevesi, Dushmani and Spani. These Albanian patriots were joined by the lone Serb nobleman Stefan Crnojevic. The king of Serbia (Durad Brankovic) allied himself with the Turks and against the Albanian Skanderbeg and the Hungarian John Hunyadi. If he had not betrayed his Balkan Christian neighbors, the history of the Balkans would be much different. Serbs make a big deal about their huge loss by King Lazur in 1389, but Albanians and Hungarians remember 1448, when they would have defeated the Ottomans and sent them back to Asia if it hadn't been for the Serbian betrayal of the Christian forces. Serbs have Durad Brankovic the traitor and the Greeks have.......well they were basically quiet and non existent at this point and were rendered to watching from the sidelines. Long live Albania and his Albanian warriors!! Rroft Shiperia gjithmone!

Now this is an Albanian legend respect Albania

Iam Greek i know we dont have too good relationship but Skanderberg was Great Leader Respect

That 5/5/5 general is op asf ( eu4 players will get it )

His title "Skanderbeg" which means Lord Alexander was given to him not due to his posessions, but because the Ottomans compared Gjergj Kastrioti to the military genius of Alexander the Great, which is why later on during his resistance Skanderbeg with a letter sent to the prince of Taranto wrote that his people marched as far as india and are the descendants of Pyrrhus

Thanks for this video💗 and that's why i'm very proud to be albanian💗🇦🇱 Greetings from Italy 🇮🇹

Skanderbeg did so much for Europe Something that Europe failed to do for Skanderbeg and Albanians.

in Albanian passport is Scanderbeg and everytime when i show passport to in Hungarian border they always welcome me and have big respect , respect to Hungarian brothers 🇦🇱🇭🇺

Proud, proud and so proud🇦🇱👐👐👐👐👐👐 we are grandchildrens of Skanderbeg🦅🦅👐👐👐🇦🇱

Great video as always, this is the third skanderbeg video ive watched from any youtube channel and is the only one which explains how he beat the turks

Hollywood should make a movie about Skanderbeg

Respect to Skanderbeg. He was amazing general and soldier.

absolutely amazing!!! we need a movie here!!

I've been following your channel for more than a year now. I loved the Mongol and the Ottoman series. As an avid viewer, I would like to request a dedicated video about Vlad the Impaler and his connection to Sultan Mehmet. Love from India 🇮🇳❤️

The endless resources of a great empire , Ottomand could muster an army again and again and again.I really appreciate the vid on Skanderberg - Georg Kastrioti , a brilliant tactician and diplomat.Keep up the good work !

After death of Skanderbeg Mehmed II said "Europe lost their shield"🤫

If he was a serb why would brankovich block his route to the king Hungary?? You ppl are buggin

25 years undefeated with 10,000 men army against a 10 times larger army of Ottoman is just mind blowing and the fact that he was not conquering but he was defending his land makes his story different and makes him the greatest general that ever lived

Thank you! My family is Albanian. I never knew the details of his victories.

Just imagine if Skanderbeg and Hunyadi would have begin that crusade. This would have changed the whole history of europe

Skanderbeg: “And we do a little trolling...”

Long life Skanderbeg - as long as there are Albanians, he is immortal

İskender beğ (skanderbeg) is also teached here in Turkish schools and we respect that general a lot. What a badass

The Albanian-Venetian War of 1447-48 was waged between Venetian and Ottoman forces against the Albanians under George Kastrioti Skanderbeg. The Venetian Republic a sent a local force to relieve the the Dukagjini fortress of Dagnum which they claimed was their property, and urged the Ottoman Empire to send an expeditionary force into Albania. They also sent resources like food to the Ottomans... At that time the Ottomans were already besieging the fortress of Svetigrad, stretching Skanderbeg's efforts thin. However, the League of Lezhë defeated both the Venetian forces and the Ottoman expedition. The League won over the Venetian forces on 23 July 1448 at the gates of Scutari, and over the Ottomans three weeks later, on 14 August 1448, at the Battle of Oronichea.

Scanderbeg Hero from Albanian