Life Under the Shadow of the Kanun: The Devastating Impact of Albanian Kanun Law

 

The Albanian Kanun Law, also known as the Kanun of Leke Dukagjini, is a set of ancient codes of conduct that still regulate the lives of a large portion of the population in northern and central Albania. Comprised of 12 books and 1,262 articles, the Kanun was passed down orally for centuries and only put into print in the early 20th century. Despite attempts by the Ottoman Empire and Albania's communist dictator Enver Hoxha to outlaw it, the Kanun continued to run parallel to state rule and governs everything from the economic organization of households to notions of honor.

However, the most notorious aspect of the Kanun is its authorization of retaliation killings, particularly since enjoying a revival in the years following the fall of communism. The code was once designed to regulate blood feuds, imposing limitations on who could be killed, but these aspects have gradually been eroded, with the notion of vengeance overriding all others. This has led to a cycle of violence that spans generations and forces entire families into confinement.

The Gjeloshaj family is just one example of the devastating impact of blood feuds. Basmir lost his father and two uncles to a feud in which two members of an opposing family were also killed. He has been confined to his home since he was six years old and was only able to study until the fifth grade. His younger sister, Drenica, was able to attend school, but she too retreated inside after a car offered her money to get in, fearing it was part of an attempt to kill her. The family sought refuge in Sweden but were eventually expelled and now live in Albania once again, confined to their homes.

Fifty-year-old Mhili Zefi also lives in isolation in his decaying home in the Shkoder suburbs, facing two blood feuds. Despite the close resolution of one feud, thanks to rulings imposed by a council of elders and the intervention of a peacemaker, Nik Zefi, Mhili's life remains in limbo. Nik's own experience with a blood feud has inspired him to help others in a similar situation.

The Albanian Kanun Law is a complex and controversial issue that continues to impact the lives of many in northern and central Albania. It is a reminder of the devastating effects that ancient codes of conduct can have on a society and the importance of breaking the cycle of violence.