In 1443, during a campaign against the Hungarians, Skanderbeg saw his opportunity to return to his homeland and faith. He abandoned the Ottoman army.

He forged a document giving him control of the fortress of Krujë, the ancestral seat of the Kastrioti family, and raised the Albanian flag.

This act marked the beginning of his famous 25-year war of resistance against the Ottomans.

His defiance immediately galvanized the Albanian people and served as a powerful symbol of resistance in Southeastern Europe.