Petrit Latifi
In 1914, the “Tiroler Stimmer” published an article describing how the Albanian tribes mobilized forces, comparing it to the Old Scottish clans. The “Mbret” (king) would issue a mobilization order, which would need to be agreed upon with the Albanian Council of Ministers, where each tribe would be given a hearing. The council would then issue the order to the tribal leaders who would assemble the military forces.
Cited:
“Small feature article. (How Albania mobilizes.)
The special characteristics of the Albanian tribal organization necessitate a very unique mobilization system. Now that the country’s government has found its pinnacle in Prince William, a mobilization order can naturally only originate from him alone. The central power of the country is now concentrated in the “Mbret” (the King). Nevertheless, the Prince cannot refrain from taking the centuries-old tribal organization into account.
He therefore issues the mobilization order in agreement with the Albanian Council of Ministers, to which representatives of all major estates are given a hearing. As is well known, the large tribe of the Mirdites is represented in the Prince’s cabinet by its chieftain, Brenk Bib Doda.
The situation is similar with the other major tribes. The order to summon the armed forces to the colors is then passed from the Council of Ministers to the tribal chiefs, in whose hands the further development of the mobilization now rests.
In this respect, the Albanian mobilization resembles the system of the old Scottish clans. The chiefs of the individual tribes then call up the tribesmen for battle, calling them to a designated assembly point. Here, every Albanian capable of bearing arms must report equipped at the specified time.
From these points, the troops move in small groups to a central assembly point, where they are welded together into a unified body. This conscription system, based on centuries-old tradition, is nevertheless not as cumbersome as it might seem at first glance. The precise knowledge of the country, the old predilection for stamps and war that slumbers in every Albanian, makes it possible, in an astonishingly short time given the lack of railways, to gather the strongest troops under the flag.”
Reference
Balkan Academia 