Authored by Petrit Latifi

The 13 Birbilenjte (Nightingales) were a group of Albanian kaçaks from the 1850s-60s, when they were captured by the Turkish authorities there were 13 people, although when the group was active there were up to 50 people. The name remained in the popular memory from the names of the commanders, Bilbil Shako and Bilbil Resuli.

They were mainly young people from the villages of Nivicë, Rexhin, Gusmar, Progonat, Lekdush, Smokthina and other areas of Labëria. They attacked Turkish military caravans, but also the goods of wealthy beylers and agallars. Their presence caused the Turkish authorities to stay away from the Kurvelesh region for many years. They were captured for treason and executed by hanging in Ioannina.

Folklore songs

“Thirteen Nightingales For Nightingale and for Resula, Four pashas were killed, O you poor deserted scoundrels, February broke the tableware, Heavy snow fell… Thirteen Nightingales, I’m on the ropes myself. -Nightingale picked up the ropes and threw them, -Come out and roll a cigarette, Because I’m not a buttermilk-filled jar, But I’m Nightingale with a blanket… Wash yourself, Xhelal Voshtina Hang thirteen brave men… “

“Kurvelesh with stones Seven pashas were killed For Nightingale and for Resula Aslla… brave men of the forest”