Table of Contents
What is the BESA Code?
The remarkable assistance afforded the Jews was grounded in Besa, a code of honor, which still today serves as the highest ethical code in the country. Besa literally means “to keep a promise”.
What does it mean to break Besa?
Cultural concept and institution An Albanian who says besa once cannot in any way break [his] promise and cannot be unfaithful [to it]. — Mehmed Ferid Pasha, Ottoman-Albanian grand vizier, (1903) Besa is a word in the Albanian language meaning pledge of honor.
Where is Albania located?
Europe
Albania/Continent
Albania, country in southern Europe, located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula on the Strait of Otranto, the southern entrance to the Adriatic Sea. The capital city is Tirana (Tiranë).
What does Besa stand for?
Besa is a word in the Albanian language meaning “pledge of honour”. The concept is based upon faithfulness toward one’s word in the form of loyalty or as an allegiance guarantee.
What was the role of the Besa in Albanian society?
During the Ottoman period, the besa would be cited in government reports regarding Albanian unrest, especially in relation to the tribes. The besa formed a central place within Albanian society in relation to generating military and political power. Besas held Albanians together, united them and would wane when the will to enforce them dissipated.
What does Besnik mean in Albanian?
The Albanian adjective besnik, derived from besa, means “faithful”, “trustworthy”, i.e. one who keeps his word. Besnik for men and Besa for women continue to be very popular names among Albanians . An Albanian who says besa once cannot in any way break [his] promise and cannot be unfaithful [to it].
What is the cultural concept of the Besa?
Cultural concept and institution. Besa is a word in the Albanian language meaning “pledge of honour. The besa was an important institution within the tribal society of the Albanian Malisors (highlanders). Albanian tribes swore oaths to jointly fight against the government and in this aspect the besa served to uphold tribal autonomy.