From the time of the Roman Empire until the mid-20th century, Albania was a country dominated by foreign control and political unrest. From 1385 to 1912, excluding a thirty-five year period of revolt led by Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, the Ottomans had ruled Albania. However, progress was made during the 18th century when, on November 28, 1912, Albania declared its independence and established its borders a year later. Yet during World War II, Albania was occupied by both Italy and Germany, and eventually ruled by a communist leader, Enver Hoxha. Hoxha prevented foreigners from invading the country while allowing Albanian residents to suffer “purges, shortages, repression of civil and political rights, a complete ban on religious observance, and increased isolation” (“Albania: History "). These communist practices lasted for more than forty years and only stopped in 1991, after Hoxha's death. Defeating communism and emerging from total isolation made it possible to relax controls on emigration, and thus international migration became an important political, social and economic phenomenon (Carletto, Davis, Stampini, Zezza). Around 25% of the Albanian population left their country of origin (Kosic, Triandafyllidou) and most settled in neighboring countries where opportunities were numerous. For example, large communities began to develop in southern Italy, namely Campomarino, Portocannone, Ururi and Chieuti (Perta). In the geographical context of southern Italy, Albanians were initially mistreated and stereotyped by Italians, causing them to try to blend into Italian culture, allowing for better conditions but not acceptance total by the Italians of origin.Political instability...... middle of paper...... 1990s. It is fundamental to understand how the Albanians were treated and perceived by the southern Italians in the past, how Albanians tried to adapt to Italian society and what the current situation is. Albanians had a difficult start in southern Italy, full of blame and discrimination, but positive changes occurred, mainly due to Albanians abandoning their traditions to become more "Italian". It is hoped that time will heal everything, that stereotypes and negative attitudes will disappear and that one day Albanians will be completely integrated into southern Italian society. As a famous Albanian proverb says “Durimi është çelësi për parajsë”, which can be translated as “Patience is the key to paradise”. After all, Italian public opinion is much more favorable towards historically established minorities than towards newly settled immigrant groups..