How did Albania's territory change over time?

Albania was originally divided among several small states before being conquered by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Skanderbeg, an Albanian who had served as an Ottoman general, led a revolt and united many of the Albanian states, resisting the Ottomans for decades. After his death, the Ottomans completed the conquest of Albania. During Ottoman rule, many Albanians converted to Islam.

Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. The Great Powers recognized the new state and established its borders. During World War I, Albania was occupied by several countries and lost effective control of much of its territory, but was restored after the war.

In 1939, Italy invaded Albania and established a puppet government. During World War II, Albania was expanded to include Kosovo and parts of Montenegro and Macedonia, creating Greater Albania. Following the defeat of the Axis powers, these territories were removed and Albania returned to its previous borders.

Kosovo later became independent from Serbia, but remained separate from Albania.

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