Gjinia Aleksi Lleshi (c. 1427-1478) was an medieval Albanian noblewoman and military commander known for her role in the League of Lezhë[1] against the Ottoman Empire[2], etc. According to historical accounts and Albanian folklore, Gjinia Aleksi Lleshi born to medieval Albanian lord and commander, Gjergj Aleksi Lleshi[3], and Mara II Balsha (Balšić), daughter of medieval Albanian lord, commander and reformer of the Balsha (Bašić) Principality[4], Gjergj Strez Balsha (Balšić)[5]. Gjinia was captured by the Ottomans around 1442, converted to Islam, remained Muslim thoughout her lifetime and refused getting married. She served for the Ottoman Empires authority, which led to her earning the nickname "Ajna of Constantinople" after her servance for the Ottomans in the Siege of Constantinople (1453). Around the late 1450s, Gjinia defected to the League of Lezhë. She played a crucial role in Albanian resistance, employing her knowledge of ambush tatics against the Ottomans and bravery as a female warrior in battle. She was peak in revolts and raids from her strength too. Receiving several execution warning ordered by Sultan Mehmed II, Gjinia Aleksi Lleshi continued to fight for Albanian Freedom untill her death during the Fourth Siege of Krujë (1478)[6]. She was assasinated by multiple Ottoman troops in heroic defence for her homeland.
- ^ "League of Lezhë", Wikipedia, 2024-06-23, retrieved 2024-07-10
- ^ "Ottoman Empire". Ottoman Empire.
- ^ "Gjergj Lleshi". Gjergj Lleshi.
- ^ "Balšić noble family". Balšić noble family.
- ^ "George Strez Balšić". George Strez Balšić.
- ^ "Beleg van Krujë (1466)", Wikipedia (in Dutch), 2023-06-01, retrieved 2024-07-12