100th Anniversary of the Order of Skanderbeg, The Revival of a Distinctive Symbol of European Albania

The 100th anniversary of the Order of Skanderbeg was commemorated during a solemn evening at the Palace of Congresses. The event was dedicated to national values and the individuals who contribute to the advancement of modern and future European Albania.
In attendance were President of the Republic Bajram Begaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama, and distinguished figures from various fields.
The evening began with a screening of the documentary The Order of Skanderbeg in Its Centennial: The Revival of a Distinctive Symbol of European Albania, followed by a presentation and placement of Albanian orders from a century ago and the present onstage. The Necklace of Honor of Albania from 1925 led the procession.
Next, 22 individuals were decorated with Albania’s three highest state orders: the Supreme Order of the Eagle, the Order of Skanderbeg, and the Order of the Academic Oak.
During his address, Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized that Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg has served as a moral, historical, and identity-based pillar of Albanian statehood for centuries. Established in 1925 as the first ceremonial act of the newly formed republic, the Order of Skanderbeg was described as a “granite block” in the foundation of the modern Albanian state. It symbolizes merit and honor for those who serve the nation.
The prime minister also reflected on the difficult history of the order, which survived monarchy, dictatorship, and transition while losing its meaning and civic nature for a long period. In this context, Rama stressed the importance of the comprehensive reform undertaken to restore the system of orders and medals to European standards and reestablish merit as a fundamental value.
He emphasized the role of the Chancellery of Orders and Medals in reestablishing the system of state honors based on tradition, historical memory, and recognition of civic contributions.
As a gesture of gratitude, the first two 100th anniversary Order of Skanderbeg medals were presented to the families of Artan Lame and Filip Rrumbullaku, who are remembered as dedicated servants of reform and the consolidation of the culture of state honors.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister emphasized that this celebration marks a return not only to the roots of a state-forming act, but also to a symbolic institution of Albania’s European identity.