Serbia and Romania: Colonization Efforts Beyond 1878
Introduction
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed several European nations establishing or extending their colonial empires around the globe. However, Serbia and Romania were not content with international recognition of their colonial efforts; they also made significant territorial claims within the Balkans. This article delves into the colonial aspirations and actions of these two Balkan nations, particularly focusing on the Romanian colony of Saranda and Serbia's methodical ethnic cleansing of Albanian territories.
Romania and the Saranda Concession
While traditional colonial powers like the British, French, and Portuguese boasted vast overseas territories, Romania had a unique colonial venture of its own. The Romanian Concession of Saranda, situated in the Albanian city of Saranda, briefly granted Romania a coastline on the Adriatic Sea.
The Background: On August 13, 1934, King Zog I of Albania awarded this territory to Romanian historian and politician Nicolae Iorga. This was in recognition of Iorga's extensive contributions to Albanian history. Nicolae Iorga then donated half of this concession to the Romanian state, officially making Romania the steward of this land.
Administration and Legacy: The territory included the establishment of a Romanian institute in 1937, designed by the renowned Romanian architect Petre Antonescu. The institute operated from 1937 to 1940 and then again from 1942 to 1944, serving as a symbol of Romania's colonial ambitions and administrative presence in the region.
Current Status: Despite the brief nature of the concession, Romania has not relinquished its claim to the Saranda territory. The Romanian authorities continue to emphasize the importance of recovering this land, which remains under Albanian control, spanning approximately 29 square kilometers.
Nationalization and Reclamation: With the onset of communism in Albania after World War II, the Iorga House in Saranda was nationalized and later sold to a private individual upon the fall of the totalitarian regime in 1991. The Romanian government has been working towards reclaiming this property, and hopes remain that Romania will eventually regain its former colony.
Serbia's Colonial Approach: Ethnic Cleansing in Albanian Territories
Unlike Romania, Serbia's colonial efforts were not confined to the establishment of a physical colony but were manifest through ethnic cleansing and territorial control within the Balkans. These actions took place long before the traditional colonial era, starting as early as 1844 and continuing until 1912.
Albanian Population Expulsion: The majority of southern Serbia was predominantly Albanian in the 19th century. However, by forceful measures, these Albanian populations were expelled, and their lands were integrated into Serbian territories. This process of ethnic cleansing was systematic and continued into the early 20th century.
1878-1912 Period: The post-Crimean War era (1878) saw Serbia's expansion into Albanian territories. By 1912, when Serbia invaded Kosovo, it was in violation of international law. This marked the first large-scale ethnic cleansing in modern Europe, as evidenced by the systematic expulsion of Albanians from their homeland.
Modern Context: The actions of Serbia during this period laid the groundwork for a series of conflicts and political tensions in the Balkans, affecting the region's stability and development.
Conclusion
While the traditional colonial powers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries established widespread overseas colonies, it is clear that Serbia, and to a lesser extent Romania, pursued a form of colonialism within their own geographical boundaries. The Romanian colony of Saranda and Serbia's ethnic cleansing of Albanian territories demonstrate that colonial ambitions were not limited to overseas expansion but also included the control and subjugation of ethnic populations within the Balkans.
As the region continues to grapple with its colonial legacy, understanding and acknowledging past actions is crucial for healing and moving forward towards reconciliation and stability. The international community must support efforts to address these historical injustices and promote peace and coexistence among the affected communities.