History

The Order was founded by Ahmed Ben Zogu during his tenure as President of Albania.

The Order was primarily conferred in recognition of outstanding service rendered to the Royal Family, Sovereign, and to the State of Albania. It was also awarded in recognition of extraordinary achievements within a broad spectrum of fields.

This Order was originally awarded in four grades, but in 1932 it was restructured and reduced to three grades, Grand Cross with Grand Cross Breast Star, Commander, and Knight.

It was amended again in 1940 during the Italian Occupation (1939-1943), and then discontinued in 1945.

The Order is also known as the Order of the Besa.

The Type I grades do not feature fasces on each side of the central shield.