Abstract (eng)
This thesis deals with the current formation of the Albanian National Identity in Kosovo and examines precisely the meanings and functions, that are attached to five selected symbolic figures within the Albanian "master narrative". Situated between Anthropology and Historical Sciences, the analysis is initially based on the historical contextualization of nation building processes in Southeastern Europe. Furthermore, literature on Nationalism and Anthropological Theories on Symbols as well as on Gender Theory served to embed the topic theoretically.
On basis of Exploratory Experts' Interviews, the review of a Kosovar school-textbook and the research in Internet forums, five female figures that play a crucial role in the identity building of the Kosovo-Albanians were selected. As a next step, seven Narrative- Biographical Interviews were conducted in order to find out, if the Catholic nun Mother Teresa, the popular freedom fighter Shote Galica, an ancient figurine labeled “Hyjnesha në fron” and two contemporary singers, Adelina Ismajli and Leonora Jakupi, are seen as National Symbols among Kosovo-Albanians living in Vienna. The interviews focussed on the one hand on the symbolic reproduction of traditional elements of the Albanian National Identity. On the other hand, the role of gender specific interpretations within the national “master narrative” were examined.
The analysis of the data on basis of Grounded Theory methodology and Qualitative Content Analysis illustrates the complexity of the selected symbolic figures as multilayered carriers of meaning. The interpretations by the symbol performers permit conclusions on the Kosovo-Albanian identity building processes and the current formation of the Albanian National Identity in the Kosovo-Albanian Diaspora in Vienna.