Gjakmarrja – Blood Vengeance in Albania, Its Echo Still Heard Today
What was blood vengeance?
Although blood vengeance – known as Gjakmarrja – is no longer practiced in modern Albania and is legally forbidden, this dramatic custom from medieval times still fascinates and terrifies. It’s a part of cultural history that shows how strongly Albanians were connected to honor, family, and justice based on customary law.
What was the Kanun and who created it?
The foundation for Gjakmarrja was the Kanun – a collection of customary law whose principles were passed down orally through generations. Although its roots go back even 2000 years, it was first written down in the 15th century by Leka Dukagjini, an Albanian leader and warrior who fought alongside the legendary Skanderbeg against the Ottoman Empire.
The Kanun of Leka Dukagjini regulated almost all aspects of life:
- property rights,
- marriage and family life,
- religion and hospitality,
- and also justice, including punishment of criminals.
One of the most well-known and drastic regulations was precisely the blood vengeance – Gjakmarrja.
How did Gjakmarrja work?
In case of murder, the Kanun allowed the victim’s family to take revenge – not only on the killer himself but also, if he wasn’t available, on another male member of his family. The circle of victims could include the killer’s father, brother, or cousin.
However, the Kanun established strict rules regarding revenge:
- Women and children could not be killed.
- Blood never gets old – revenge could be taken even after many years, which led to multi-generational cycles of violence.
- A bloodied shirt was often left in front of the victim’s family house – it was a symbol of the necessity for revenge.
Besa – time of immunity
The Kanun also included the concept of “besa”, a period of suspended revenge. It lasted from 24 hours to up to 30 days. During this time, the killer could participate in events like the victim’s funeral without fear for his life. After besa ended, he had to flee or go into hiding.
Mediation – a way to avoid death
In some cases, to avoid further bloodshed, mediators were allowed – neutral outsiders who tried to negotiate financial compensation or other forms of settlement between feuding families.
Does Gjakmarrja exist today?
Modern Albania prohibits blood vengeance, and those who commit such acts face at least 40 years in prison. Although cases of Gjakmarrja still occurred in some mountain regions in the 20th and 21st centuries, they currently pose no threat – neither to residents nor especially to tourists visiting Albania.
Summary: A Dark Tradition That Is Now Just History
Gjakmarrja is a fascinating, though terrifying element of old Albanian culture. It shows how strong the principles of honor and family loyalty were in a clan-based society. Today it is an important part of Albanian historical identity, but no longer functions as a social practice.
