The Dukagjini in Istria
The acquisition by Giovanni Duchayno (in Albanian, Gjon Dukagjini) of the title of castellan of San Servolo (Sorceb) in Istria was confirmed in 1480 by Giovanni Mocenigo, Doge of Venice. The document of acquisition was kept in the municipal archives of Capodistria (Koper) and was published in the 19th century by Pietro Candler. The Dukagjini became known in Istria as Docaini or Ducaini. This branch relocated to Venetian territory after the fall of Shkodra (1478-79). They descended from Andrea (Andreuolus) , brother of Pal Dukagjini, father of Lekë III Dukagjini, from whom the Dukaginzade descend. They bought the castle of San Servolo and the rights for the territory in nearby villages. The Ducaini were registered in the book of nobility of Istria as counts mero et mixto imperio (with absolute rights over their territory). The branch became extinct in 1606-1609.
The following text is a translation of the document of acquisition of San Servolo.
[From] Giovanni Mocenigo, by the grace of the Lord, Doge of Venice et al. To the Illustrious and Noble men, to the captain and mayor of Giustinopoli (Capodistria/Koper), during our mandate, Domenico Morosini, and to his faithful successors, [my] salutations and best regards. In addition to the decrees relating to the people from Scutari (Shkodra), the Great Council has decided to confer honours and lands to those people of Scutari who deserve it and who in the service of our domain showed themselves to be valiant, in the last siege in particular. Our noble and illustrious men with the aforementioned authority appoint to [the position of] castellano of S. Servolo, in our Valley, in Moccò, in the position of Filippo Minio, who refused it, Giovanni Duchayno, nobleman from Scutari, who is most faithful, most deserves it and who in the service of our domain and for the glory of God, did not fear for his life, proving to us his fidelity. We conclude that the nomination to the position was carried in a correct and proper manner, and in the correct form of our laws and with respect to our customs, therefore we confirm (praise) and support it. For these [reasons], I expicitly order you to welcome our faithful Giovanni as castellan of the stronghold of S. Servolo and to guarantee his payment, including three months to be paid in advance; I am certain that you will carry out my orders with accuracy. This degree should be archived and updated whenever necessary.
7 December, 1480
