Letter from the Himariotes to the Duke of Sessa in Spain (1576)

This letter is significant as it sheds light on the resistance of the Himariotes Albanian against the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century. The Duke of Sessa, to whom the letter was addressed, was a prominent figure in Spain, and the appeal underscores the interconnectedness of European powers in their struggle against the Ottoman expansion.

"Most Illustrious Lord, we, the servants of your lordship, small and great Himariotes Albanians, as we are found, greet and bow deeply before your most illustrious lordship. We are found day and night fighting against the infidels without any help from the Christians, and we have nowhere to seek assistance, except from the King of Spain, who holds the pillar of Christianity, and from your most illustrious lordship, who is the nephew of the most illustrious great captain."

Archivio de los duques de Alba, c. 91-2 [Extract from: Archivo de los duques de Alba. Biblioteca Histórica de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid.]