The Order of Besa (Albanian: Urdhëri i Besës), also known as the Order of Fidelity, was established by Ahmet Zogu (later King Zog I) when he was President of Albania. Founded on 22 December 1926, it was initially awarded in four classes (1. Grand Cordon with star–Kordon i Madh me Yll, 2. Grand Officer–Oficer i Madh, 3. Commander–Komandar, and 4. Knight–Kalorës) and a medal. It was limited to six ordinary recipients of Albanian nationality, and was not awardable to foreigners.[1]

Order of Besa
Urdhëri i Besës
Awarded by Head of the House of Zogu
Type1926–1939 (State order)
1939–present (House order)
Established22 December 1926
Royal houseHouse of Zogu
Awarded forExtraordinary achievements in every field and especially for eminent services rendered to the State, the Sovereign and the Royal Family
SovereignCrown Prince Leka of Albania
GradesGrand Cross, Special Class
Grand Cross
Grand Officer
Commander
Officer
Knight/Dame
Precedence
Next (higher)Collar of honor of Albania
Next (lower)Order of Skanderbeg

Ribbon of the order

It was remodelled in 1932 and reduced to three classes:

  1. Grand Cordon with star–Kordon i Madh me Yll
  2. Commander–Komandar
  3. Knight–Kalorës.

It remained limited to only six ordinary recipients of Albanian nationality, and not awardable to foreigners.

The order was retained under the Kingdom of Albania of King Vittorio Emanuele III until 1943, and by the House of Zogu as a dynastic order.[2]

At its last remodelling, it had six classes:

  • Grand Cross, Special Class
  • Grand Cross
  • Grand Officer
  • Commander
  • Officer
  • Knight/Dame

Notable recipients

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Rrumbullaku, Filip (2010). Dekorimet nga Princ Vidi deri sot. Tiranë: Shtëpia Botuese "Onufri". p. 296. ISBN 978-99943-42-80-8.
  2. ^ Lame, Artan (2010). Medaljet Shqiptare, Vëllimi I. Tiranë: Shtëpia Botuese "Toena". p. 176. ISBN 978-99943-1-588-8.
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