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Kanun

The Kanun is a set of laws used mostly in northern Albania and Kosovo from the 15th century until the 20th century and revived recently after the fall of communism in the early 90's. This set of laws was a customary one, passed down through the generations, and not codified and written down until the 19th century. The rules evolved over time as a way to bring laws and rule to these lands. The code was divided into several sections: Church, Family, Marriage, House, Livestock and Property, Work, Transfer of Property, Spoken Word, Honor, Damages, Law Regarding Crimes, Judicial Law, and Exemptions and Exceptions. Some of the most infamous rules specified how murder was supposed to be handled, and it often led to blood feuds that lasted until all the men of the two involved families were killed. In some parts of the country, the Kanun resembles the Italian vendetta. These rules have recently resurfaced in northern Albania. There are organizations that try to mediate between feuding families and try to get them to "pardon the blood", but often the only resort is for men of age to stay in their homes, which are considered a safe refuge by the Kanuni, or flee the country. © ENRI CANAJ

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