On June 10, 1878, the Assembly of Prizren was held. It declared the formation of the League of Prizren.

The Albanian League of Prizren was the most significant event of the 19th century for Albanians. It marked the beginning of the journey toward national identity and statehood. The League laid the foundations for national awareness and territorial unity.

Iljaz Pasha Dibra led the assembly. Prominent national ideologues such as Sami Frashëri, Pashko Vasa, Abdyl Frashëri, Jani Vreto, and Zija Prishtina drafted its political program. The League of Prizren became the first political and military organization representing all Albanians.

The League had three main goals. First, it aimed to stop the division of Albanian lands, as proposed in the Treaty of San Stefano and the Congress of Berlin in 1878. Second, it sought to unite all Albanian territories into a single vilayet within the Ottoman Empire. Third, it wanted to show Europe that Albanians were a distinct nation in the Balkans, despite religious differences.

The League formed a National Committee, which acted as a temporary government. This committee had three branches. Abdyl Frashëri handled foreign affairs. Shaban Prizreni took charge of internal affairs. Sulejman Vokshi managed financial matters.

The National Committee created local subcommittees in the three main Albanian vilayets under threat of partition. The subcommittee in the Vilayet of Janina, led by Ottoman official Abedin Pasha Dino, used diplomacy to prevent Greece from annexing the Çamëria region. In Shkodra, the subcommittee organized volunteer forces under Ali Pasha Gucia and Hodo Bey Sokoli. These troops dealt heavy losses to Montenegrin forces led by Mark Milani. Albanians defended Plava, Gucia, Hoti, and Gruda with determination.

This event had a strong international impact. It drew the attention of the Great Powers and highlighted the Albanians’ commitment to their political and patriotic goals.

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