3 facts
Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, initially trained by the Ottomans, later abandoned them to lead a rebellion against their rule for over two decades, becoming a symbol of Albanian resistance and independence.
The Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands 65 meters tall, adorned with intricate brickwork and Kufic calligraphy. Built in the 12th century, it is a magnificent example of Ghaznavid and Ghurid architecture, isolated in a remote valley.
The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to thrive for centuries after the Western Empire collapsed in 476 AD. Its capital, Constantinople, remained a powerful cultural and political center until 1453.