Hamza Kastrioti

Hamza Kastrioti (lat. Ameses Castriota) was born in Kruje, Albania and was the nephew of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. He led troops in support of the Ottomans against Skanderbeg in 1457.

He was taken at young age by the Ottomans to be trained as a Janissary soldier, and eventually became an elite Janissary commander in the Ottoman army. Kastrioti was chosen by Sultan Mehmed II to lead the Ottoman troops into Constantinople and later in combat against Skanderbeg. After the defeat of the Ottomans at the Battle of Ujebardha alongside Isak Bey Evrenoz. Hamza Kastrioti fought during the Albanian–Venetian War (1447–1448) and his force were captured and blinded alive by the Venetians and placed in detention in Naples on charges of treason. He was later freed and went with his wife and children to Tirana, but remained loyal to the Ottomans.