The Albanian Renaissance (Rilindja) was a cultural and national movement in the 19th century aimed at promoting Albanian identity and independence. It emerged as a response to foreign domination and sought to revive the Albanian language, literature, and traditions. Key figures included Naum Veqilharxhi, who advocated for the use of the Albanian language in education, and Gjerasim Qiriazi, who contributed to the development of Albanian literature. This movement laid the groundwork for the eventual declaration of Albanian independence in 1912. The efforts of the Renaissance thinkers and writers helped foster a sense of national unity among Albanians, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and self-determination.