Dukagjini family

Dukagjini family

Coat of Arms of Lekë Dukagjini
Ethnicity	Albanian
Current region	Albania
Earlier spellings	Ducagini
Members	Pal Dukagjini, Nicholas Dukagjini, Nicholas Pal Dukagjini and Lekë Dukagjini

The Dukagjini family (Latin: Ducagini or Ducaginus, Turkish: Dukakinzâde or Dukagin Oğulları) was one of the most important feudal families in medieval Albania.

The name "Ducagini" is derived from the Latin dux and the common Albanian name "Gjin". In 1281, it is mentioned for the first time, with the mention of Gin Tanusio (ducem Qinium Tanuschum) or dux Ginius Tanuschus. He is mentioned as an enemy of Angevin rule in Albania who was later captured and imprisoned for his actions.

A person with the Dukagjini name was mentioned in a 1377 document in Dubrovnik, as Nicolaus Tuderovich Duchaghi. It is not possible to connect this person as being a relative of any other member of the Dukagjini family. According to Gjon Muzaka, the coat of arms of Dukagjini family was a white eagle.

The origins of the family's branches are not clear. According to Gibb, family history dates back to the Crusades: the Dukagjini name came from Duka-Gjini, Duke Gjini (Jean), and Dukagjini tribe's name comes from its founder, a Norman noble left behind during the Crusades who settled with his people in Dukagjini geographical space, mingling with Albanians.
In the 15th century, sources appear for two separate branches of the Dukagjin family. The representative of one branch, Gjergj Dukagjini, appears as an owner of some villages near Lezhë and a commander of a force of 40 cavalry and 100 infantry. Although the Venetian Senate accepted his services, believing in his loyalty, he supported Zetan lord Balša III and fought against Venice when Balša III captured Venetian possessions near Scutari. Gjergj Dukagjini died before 1409. In 1409, the Venetian Senate pardoned his son Nikola (Nikollë) for the activities of his father, based on the request of Dimitrije Jonima.