Besa (Albanian culture)

Besa (Albanian indefinite form: besë) is an Albanian cultural precept, usually translated as "pledge of honor", "solemn faith" or "solemn oath", that means "to keep the promise" and "word of honor", regarded as something sacred and inviolable.^[1]^[2]^[3] Besa is of prime importance as a cornerstone of personal and social conduct in the Albanian traditional customary law (Kanun), which has directed all the aspects of Albanian tribal society.

The Albanian adjective besnik, derived from besa, means "faithful", "trustworthy", i.e. one who keeps his word. Besnik for men and Besa for women continue to be popular names among Albanians.

^ Cite error: The named reference Gawrych19 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ Elsie, Robert (2001). A Dictionary of Albanian Religion, Mythology and Folk Culture. London: Hurst & Company. p. 35. ISBN 1-85065-570-7.
^ Kushova, Alma (July 21, 2004). "Besa". Open Democracy. Retrieved 2009-11-08.

[Gawrych19-1] Cite error: The named reference Gawrych19 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[2] Elsie, Robert (2001). A Dictionary of Albanian Religion, Mythology and Folk Culture. London: Hurst & Company. p. 35. ISBN 1-85065-570-7.

[wordorigin-3] Kushova, Alma (July 21, 2004). "Besa". Open Democracy. Retrieved 2009-11-08.

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