In Lezha, the Assembly of Arbër, one of the nation’s most significant events after Albanian League of Lezha in 1444 called by George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, was commemorated. 

On the 322nd anniversary of the Assembly, a memorial event was held at the restored church in the village of Mërqi, attended by historians, local authorities, representatives of the Catholic clergy, and residents of the area. 

“After Lezha fell into Ottoman hands on September 5, 1478, the episcopal residence of Lezha remained near this church for most of the Ottoman occupation,” stated historian Paulin Zefi. 

“As a successor to the League Assembly after 300 years, it proves that in Lezha, Albania can prevail. I hope that in the future, why not, another assembly will be held,” added scholar Dom Nik Ukgjini. 

Local authorities highlighted the importance of the Assembly of Arbër, which made several key decisions for the Albanian people. 

“It was a time of great struggles, particularly regarding the unity of the Church, as the Ottoman Empire aimed to destroy the Catholic Church,” said Fatjon Zefi, Deputy Mayor of Lezhë. 

The Ecclesiastical Assembly of Arbër was a gathering of Albanian Catholic clergy held on January 14–15, 1703, in the Church of St. John the Baptist in the village of Mërqi, Lezha, supported by Pope Clement XI, Albani, who was of Albanian descent. 

Among its key decisions were the establishment of schools and publications in the Albanian language, which were implemented throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. 

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