Renaissance in Albania

During a similar time to the European Renaissance, a large cultural awakening occurred in Albania. This period, referred to as the "Albanian Renaissance" or the "Arbëresh Renaissance", stemmed from Italy, adopting many humanistic ideas. Literature, art, architecture, education and science experienced a significant growth despite the slower evolution of the Renaissance in Albania. The awakening in Albanian lands was slowed by multiple factors, which included the large exodus of Albanians to Italy and the political situation of the region caused by Ottoman occupation.

Most acclaimed Albanian humanist scholars lived outside the country, such as Luca Matranga, Marin Barleti, Dhimitër Frëngu, Marin Beçikemi, Andrea Alessi, Gjon Gazulli, Marco Basaiti, Nikollë Leonik Tomeu and many others. While sparse, the scholars that remained in Albania played a crucial role in Albanian culture. This includes Gjon Buzuku, who in 1555 wrote the earliest recorded Albanian book, Meshari, Onufri, who revolutionized Albanian art, Pjetër Bogdani, Pjetër Budi and many more.

Cities such as Scutari, Durrës, Ulcinj, Kotor, Tivar, Vlora and Saranda would become Adriatic trading hubs, where works of the Renaissance would be traded between Albania and the rest of Europe. Inland cities also experienced large urbanization and economical prosperity. Many schools and universities would also be opened across Albania.

Due to the Albanian–Ottoman Wars (1432–1479), the figure of Skanderbeg became a major vocal point among Albanian scholars. The need to form a "National identity" also led to the need for the preservation of the Albanian language, especially during the 16th–17th centuries.