Principality of Dukagjini

The Principality of Dukagjini (Albanian: Principata e Dukagjinit) refers to the domains (zotërimet) of the Albanian Dukagjini family in northern Albania and western part of the modern-day territory of Kosovo in the 14th century and 15th century. At their maximum extent, the domains of the Dukagjini extended from Upper Zadrima in the northwest to the Plain of Dukagjini in western Kosovo. The political center of the Dukagjini family was Lezhë until 1393 when it was surrendered to Venice in order to not fall under the Ottomans. The Ottoman sanjak of Dukagjin was named after the rule of the family in the areas that formed it.

Principality of Dukagjini Principata e Dukagjinit (Albanian)
1387–1444
Flag Coat of Arms
Lands of the Dukagjini between 1387-1393
Status	Principality
Capital	Lezhë Ulpiana
Common languages	Albanian
Religion	Catholicism
Prince
• 1387–1393, 1387–?	Pal I Dukagjini, Lek I Dukagjini
• 1393–1413	Little Tanush
• 1413–1446	Pal II Dukagjini
• 1444-1478	Lekë III Dukagjini
Historical era	Medieval
• Established	1387
• Disestablished	1444
Preceded by Succeeded by Zeta under the Balšići League of Lezhë Sanjak of Scutari Sanjak of İpek

The Dukagjini family appears for the first time in historical record in 1281, when their progenitor Gjin Tanushi took the title of dux. They may have been descendants of the earlier Progoni family which roughly claimed the same territory as they. The Dukagjini formed their independent domains when they rebelled against the Balšić noble family. This event must have happened by 1387, because that year the brothers Pal and Lekë Dukagjini signed a trade agreement with the Republic of Ragusa and allowed free passage to the republic's merchants through their territories. It was later ruled by Pal's descendants, Tanush Dukagjini, and Pal Dukagjini II. In June 1393, the two Dukagjini brothers ceded it to Venice, which it kept until 1478 - despite later attempts by the family to retake the city. The difficult to access mountainous hinterland in the east remained under the control of the Dukagjini. In 1398, Little Tanush (son of Pal I), surrendered to the Ottomans, but in 1402, after their defeat at Ankara and the capture of Sultan Bayezid I, he freed himself from them.

The main representatives of the Dukagjini in the 15th century were Pal II with his sons Lekë III. and Nikollë II. Dukagjini († 1454). Pal Dukagjini and his son Nikollë participated in Skanderbeg's assembly of Lezha on March 2, 1444, as vassals of Lekë Zaharia, the lord of Sati and Danja. Lekë III. apologized for not being able to attend the meeting. After the death of Pal II (1446) Lekë took over the Dukagjini and Nikollë took part in the Albanian-Venetian War (1447–1448).

Monarchs

Picture	TitleName	Reign	Notes
	Prince of Dukagjini Pal I Dukagjini,	1387–1393	Pal I Dukagjini's rule in 1387 marked a significant period in the formation of the Principality of Dukagjini. As one of the main branches of the Dukagjini family, Pal I and his brother Lekë were described as owners of Lezhë in a Ragusan document from that year. Their role in securing a free pass to Ragusan merchants in their dominion hinted at their emerging influence.
	Prince of Dukagjini Lek I Dukagjini	1387–????	Lekë I Dukagjini, the brother of Pal I Dukagjini, played a crucial role in the 14th-century Principality of Dukagjini. As part of the Dukagjini family, Lekë and his brother were prominent figures in the late 13th century, with Lekë being mentioned in historical records in 1281. The Dukagjini family evolved from an extended clan to a feudal family, and Lekë's contributions included being an owner of Lezhë.
	Prince of Dukagjini Little Tanush	1393–1413	He was the son of Pal Dukagjini, a prominent figure in the family. Tanush, along with his brothers, played a role in the complex political landscape of the time.
	Prince of Dukagjini Pal II Dukagjini	1413–1446	Pal II Dukagjini , a prominent member of the Dukagjini family, was an Albanian nobleman who, along with his kinsman Nicholas Dukagjini, initially served under Venetian vassal Lekë Zaharia. Actively involved in the League of Lezhë, a 1444 alliance against Ottoman rule, Pal later accepted vassalage under Alfonso V of Aragon in 1454. However, he eventually abandoned Skanderbeg's forces and joined the Ottomans. Pal left a lasting impact with four notable sons, including Nicholas and Lekë, who continued to shape the political landscape of the region.
	Prince of Dukagjini Lekë Dukagjini	1446–1479	Known for the Kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit, a legal code observed in northern Albanian tribes, Lekë succeeded his father Pal II Dukagjini in 1446. His principality, stretching from Northern Albania into modern Kosovo, was a key player in the region. Lekë participated in Skanderbeg's military efforts against the Ottoman Empire, but internal conflicts among Albanian nobles were not uncommon during this tumultuous period. Lekë Dukagjini's involvement in hostilities, including the death of Lekë Zaharia, highlighted the complex dynamics. His principality faced challenges, and after Skanderbeg's death, Lekë continued resistance against the Ottomans until 1479, occasionally collaborating with the Venetians.

Bibliography

• Imber, Colin (2019). The Ottoman Empire, 1300-1650: The Structure of Power. Macmillan International Higher Education. ISBN 978-1352004144.
• Malaj, Edmond (2016). "The Noble Dukagjinis during the Middle Ages. Their Territories and some Characteristics". Studime Historike. 1–2: 10.
• Fine, John Van Antwerp (1994), The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest, University of Michigan Press, ISBN 978-0-472-08260-5
• Trnavci, Gene (2010). Mortimer Sellers (ed.). The interaction of customary law with the modern rule of law in Albania and Kosova. Springer. p. 205. ISBN 978-9048137497.
• Zamputi, Injac (1984). "Rindërtimi i mbishkrimit të Arbërit dhe mundësitë e reja për leximin e tij / La reconstruction de l'inscription de l'Arbër et les nouvelles possibilités qui s'offrent pour sa lecture". Ilira. 14 (2).