Introduction / History

For nearly five centuries the territory we now know as Albania was part of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. In 1912 Albania became an independent country.

The forty years following WWII were particularly difficult for Albania as it was under the control of the communist dictator Enver Hoxha. He proclaimed Albania as the world's first atheistic state and severely persecuted both Muslims and Christians.

Finally, in 1992, the communist party was defeated in the elections, and democratic forces took over the government. In the past 30 years, the Albanian economy has steadily grown and Albania is no longer the poorest nation in Europe.

About half of the world's Albanians live in Albania. Others live in Kosovo, Greece, Germany, the USA, Turkey and the UK. Others live in Australia. The first Albanian came to Australia in 1885. A small number of single males began arriving in 1924 when the U.S. closed the door to workers from southern Europe. They usually had a rural background and worked on Australian farms. They were beginning to make friends with other ethnic groups. In the 1930s, agricultural jobs dried up and Albanians moved to Western Australia to mine for gold. By the end of the 1930s Albanians were forming communities, usually in rural areas.

WWII was a hard time for Albanians in Australia. Their country was conquered by Italy, and Albanians were considered part of the Axis nations. Suspected of being fascists, some were interned.

When WWII ended, some Albanians returned to Albania. Others called their fianc s to come to the new land and settle. That was the time when the largest number of Albanians came to Australia. Ninety percent of Albanians in Australia were male, but it began to change as Albanian women arrived.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, Albanians in Australia have their own community organizations. These help them maintain their language and culture. They have celebrations and festivals where they can indulge in Albanian dishes and be with others who speak their heart language. They also have soccer clubs that offer a chance to blend with other ethnic groups.

Weddings are big and elaborate. Marriage means a change in status for both the bride and the groom. It is a chance to celebrate with music, dancing and ethnic cuisine.

Albanians are no longer farm workers. There have been numerous professional athletes. Some contribute to Australia s art scene through theater and music. A number of them have been elected public officials.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Much like in Albania, Albanians in Australia are roughly half Muslim and half Orthodox Christian. Some have become Evangelicals, but the harvest is incomplete.

Albanians are unusual in that they are roughly half Muslim and half Christian. The gospel has made more inroads into their hearts since the fall of communism in Albania in the early 1990s.

What Are Their Needs?

A newly translated Albanian New Testament became available in 1990. Someone with the right language skills can teach them from the Bible and disciple them.

Prayer Points

Pray for Australian Christians to reach out to Albanians with the gospel.
Pray there will soon come a day when Albanian Christians will disciple others.
Pray for Albanian Muslims to have dreams of the risen Christ that will open their hearts to his resurrection power.

Scripture Prayers for the Albanian, general in Australia.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albanian_Australians