Lezha today marked the 323rd anniversary of the Assembly of Arbër. It is one of the most important events in Albania’s national history.

The Municipality of Lezha organized a ceremony at the medieval Church of St. John the Baptist in Mërqi. The assembly took place at this very site. Organizers described the event as a moment of reflection and tribute to national history, identity, and heritage.

The 1703 assembly marked a turning point in preserving Albanian identity, language, and cultural heritage. It also reaffirmed Lezha as a symbol of resistance, unity, and shared values.

Pope Clement XI Albani, a pope of Albanian origin, convened the Assembly of Arbër 323 years ago. Among its key decisions were the opening of schools and the organization of publications in the Albanian language. Authorities implemented these measures throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Church of St. John the Baptist in Mërqi later fell into disrepair. After the return of democracy, priests also worked to restore the site. Restoration took place in 1996 under the supervision of the parish priest at the time, Dom Dodë Gjergji.

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