The Ottomans, beginning in the late fourteenth century, had started to expand their empire from Anatolia to the Balkans (Rumelia), and by the beginning of the fifteenth century ruled most of the Balkan Peninsula.

Ottoman supremacy in the west Balkan region had begun in 1385 with the Battle of Savra.

On the conquered part of Albania, which territory stretches between Mat River on the north and Çameria to the south, the Ottoman Empire has established the Sanjak of Albania and in 1419, Gjirokastër becomes the county town of the Sanjak of Albania.