From the time of the Roman Empire until the mid-20th century, Albania had been 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 Albania declared its independence on 28 November 1912 and then established its borders a year later. Yet, during World War II, Albania was occupied by both Italy and Germany and was then ruled by a communist leader, Enver Hoxha. Hoxha prevented foreigners from invading the country but at the same time allowed the Albanian inhabitants to be subjected to “purges, famines, repression of civil and political rights, total prohibition of religious observance and increased isolation” (“Albania: History” ). These communist practices lasted for over forty years and only ceased in 1991, following Hoxha's death. The defeat of communism and the emergence from total isolation allowed for more relaxed controls on emigration, and so international migration became a significant political, social and economic phenomenon (Carletto, Davis, Stampini, Zezza). About 25% of the Albanian population was leaving their homeland (Kosic, Triandafyllidou) and most settled in neighboring countries where opportunities were abundant. For example, large communities began to develop in southern Italy, namely Campomarino, Portocannone, Ururi and Chieuti (Perta). In the geographic context of southern Italy, Albanians were initially mistreated and stereotyped by Italians, which caused them to try to blend into Italian culture, allowing for better conditions but not total acceptance by native Italians. Political instability.... .. medium paper......90s. It is crucial to understand how Albanians have been treated and viewed by southern Italians in the past, how Albanians have tried to adapt to Italian society, and what conditions are like today. Albanians have found a difficult start in southern Italy, full of blame and discrimination, however some positive changes have occurred, mainly due to the fact that Albanians have given up their traditions to become more “Italian”. Hopefully, time will heal everything, stereotypes and negative attitudes will fade away, and Albanians will one day be fully 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 recently settled immigrant groups.