Albanians

From experience, Albanians from Macedonia seem very rude and always instigate a fight. Meanwhile, Albanians in Albania are very pure people and I've never been insulted by them.

I'm not saying that any is better but I want your opinion to see what your experiences have been. This is not hate speech; simply gathering information about the view of the general population and their experiences with Albanians in our country and in Albania.

There is a huge Albanian community in Turkey. Do Albanians in Albania know that? Even most of Turkish-Albanians losing their language, culture etc. do you still see them close?

I have seen conflicting opinions from POC that have visited or is currently living in Albania. Many people say Albanians are quite unconcerned for anyone that isn't Albanian, whilst others claim they have been treated differently in the legal system and have been called the N word many times on the street.

A bit about myself, I am retired military (US) in my early 30s. I am planning on making Tirana my retirement home in the Balkans. I have been to Kosovo and North Macedonia on a few occasions and albeit in Pristina I would always get the curious eyes of strangers I never experienced a drive by slur.

I intend on learning Albanian (already started studying). Would you say a Black American man can integrate in society? Or will I experience insurmountable issues?

I am not saying it is something bad. Just asking.

Q

Non Albanians, what are the things you think Albanians should be proud of?

Hi All,

For quick context of who I am, I'm an 18 year old living in the United States. I was born to an Albanian mother and father in New York, whose families are from Ulqin & Tuz. I was raised speaking fluent Albanian, which I'm thankful for. I also grew up around some family who always struggled.

My gjyshi grew up in Tuz in the Yugoslav area. His family and Albanians in his town were heavily discriminated against by Serbs for simply being ethnic Albanian. Him, along with many other older family members were forced into service in the Yugoslav army in the 60s and 70s where they faced further discrimination.

Most of my family ended up emigrating to the United States, where they made honest work, yet struggled. During Kosovo's uprising and fight against the Serbs, all my family donated substantial amounts of money to the cause, and some even helped organize fighting units in Kosova. My dad's babi's side in Ulqin took in over 70 Albanian refugees during the war. I'm making my way to the point (sorry it is taking long)

I've visited my family in Tuz and Ulqin. They don't live well, and to say they're tight on money is a severe understatement. I've been to the North of Albania, in the Katuns where I've seen how our people live on a day to day basis. It breaks my heart to see our people struggle. All Albanians have ever known is struggling, which is beyond unfortunate.

I took the initiative when I was 16 years old to dive deep into our history. I've read countless books about Albanian history, and have written essays on it as well. I don't want to sound arrogant but I am well educated on our people and our history.

The bottom line is that I have a strong desire to help Albanians out. I'm a University student in New York currently studying Economics with a Minor in International Affairs. Seeing our people struggle the way we do, I have a desire to change that. A very strong one.

After University, once I've worked in the US for a bit and created a solid foundation for myself, I would love to have the opportunity to move to Albania and do my best to help Albanians. Even if I sacrifice my privileges of living in the US, I would do it in a heartbeat. I hope to one day use my education and resources and put it towards making our nation, along with Albanians everywhere prosper.

I hope more Albanians in the diaspora do the same. Please let me know your thoughts.

If I can achieve one thing in life, it's to help our people. Rrnoft Shqiperia!

Pascha is coming soon, what are some Albanian customs and traditions you partake in?

I am Albanian, but grew up Muslim & in America. So orthodoxy was never really at the forefront of my upbringing. I converted a little over a year ago & am trying to incorporate my heritage to our paschal celebration.

I recently found out about this after my Montenegrin gf mentioned it as being an insult from Serbs and I was quite confused. As an Albanian, I wouldn't take offence if anyone would walk in front of me and call me "Shqiptar" as thats what I am. Thoughts?

I wonder what Albanians usually invest their savings in?

1. Savings accounts have low interest rates.

2. Access to global financial markets, think ETFs and stocks, is limited and and fees high.

3. Real estate prices are up through the roof and appear unaffordable.

4. Few P2P platforms are available to Albanian investors.

5. Crypto isn't a mainstream option and the risk very high.