This article discusses the history of banditism and banditry in Montenegro covered in European newspapers during the 1800s. According to Izmet Oztuz, Montenegrin bandits ruled the kingdom for almost 100 years, and some Turkish mercenaries who fled Anatolia traveled to Montenegro to pursuit banditry. Montenegrin banditism has its origin in the 16th century when they would plunder merchants on the Habsburg-Hungarian border, according to the book “Europe and the Islamic World: A History”.

Izmet Oztuz writes:

“During the Ottoman Empire’s period of stagnation, both due to a lack of political authority and the takeover of the empire’s administrative divisions by devshirme forces, officials abused their authority and oppressed the people of Anatolia, further exacerbating the already impoverished with unfair taxes.

During this period, Anatolian youth, particularly those rebelling against the prevailing situation, took to the mountains, grouped together, and formed bandit gangs. While their initial rebellion was against the established order, these bandit gangs gradually became more and more corrupt, joining their ranks with murderers and subversives. Even state officials sought their assistance and grew stronger.”

D. Ali Gülcan writes:

“Karadag became the first refuge of mountain bandits during the Ottoman era. After the destruction of the Byzantine Empire, the Karadag region remained desolate and empty for a time, turning entirely into an oak forest”.

In Albanian folklore Montenegrin bandits were often called “cuba” which also meant hired thugs used by the Prince of Montenegro to expand on Albanian territories.

Historical and documented accounts:

The death of Avdi Hisa (Avdi Hysa) the Albanian shepherd of Vranina, killed by Montenegrin bandit Vulo Radoviq and 12 other bandits in 1862.

The Hungarian newspaper “Vasárnapi újság” dated January 12, 1862 mentions Montenegrin bandits attacking the region of Shestan and Muriqi and burning Albanian villages.

Albanians of Spic (Spizzanotten) and Zubc defended themselves against Montenegrin bandits between the 1830s up to the 1860s.

According to an article in the “Troppauer Zeitung” from 1864, we can read that a band of robbers, under Petrovic, led by Luka Vukalovic (born 1823 in Trebinje, Herzegovina, died 6 July 1873), attacked the Arnauts (Albanians) in modern day Rosko (Rosko Polje) in Hercegovina. We can also read of an Albanian, hard to reach, that is located in Bijela Gora near the mountain of Orjen, who had returned from fighting the Turks.

Montenegrin bandits are mentioned in Montenegrin folklore such as the “The Mountain Wreath”:

“[…] and Vukë Miqunović answers him manfully and proudly, where the aim of the war, which the Montenegrins have started, is clearly visible:

if you had not come to lead us,
you would have known very well how to answer:
but no matter what, if someone says:
But you say that we are not Cuba”
He is a Cuba of the slaves to bind,
he is better, because he kidnaps more,
I am a Cuba who followed the Cuba,
my Cuba s louder.
“I do not boil countries and peoples,
but most of the cruel, heartless,
before me they have no nose and no mouth”.

In 1880, 2,200 Mirditë Albaninas, led by Captain Preng Bib Doda, traveled to Tuzi to protect northern Albanian territories from Montenegrin invasion forces.

This information is gathered the archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, dated May 10, 1880, titled “Actenstücke aus den Correspondenzen des Kais. und Kön. gemeinsame Ministerium des Äussern über orientalische Angelegenheiten”, the edition of 1880.

It is thought that the Mirditas wrote about the protection of Tuz, Plavë, Guci, Hoti and Gruda in 2-3 groups (to join in Tuz). According to Father Gjergj Fishta in “Lahuta e Malësia”, on the Montenegrin front in 1880, there were 3000 Mirditas:

“…the bajrakët, who has Mirdita,
I’ll make a run for it in ambush
They took their place, a brave man:
In Shqypni these people for religion:
Let the dagger be fast in the hand,
They say, that Time has never been evil to you.
In that log Zanash they led,
A man from Gjo’Markajsh, a boy of the lord,
Passed through his father’s coat,
As a light in that Shqypni:
Touch the Bible, Doda, your name is…”

Many Mirditas gave their lives in defense of Albanian lands. Their contribution was decisive in this important event of the time. Father Gjergj Fishta in “Lahuta e Malësia” would write:

“…Is Prince Nikola the King,
Who gathered his troops in Cetinje
And marched all the way to Albania,
And took Vranina;
And took Zeta and Podgorica;
And broke our father in Kernica,
And, oh, Mirdita,
And stopped me there:
As if the guns he had,
And he had to go to Shkoder,
And he became a king over Albania…”

Montenegrin bandits were used during the Serbian uprisings of 1804 and 1813, according to Tanıl Bora:

“… encouraged by the successful uprisings of bandits , the Serbian peasant uprisings of 1804 and 1813. In 1804, the Montenegrin band-leaders launched the Bosnian-Herzegovinian uprising, which in their country provoked a Slavic “national awakening” against the Ottomans.”

Hercegovina and southern Serbia was a banditry nest and the island of Grmožur in Lake Shkodër was infested with Montenegrin bandits. Davut Erkan writes:

“[…] This was not accepted by the Ottoman Empire, and the Serbian principality was informed of the situation, ensuring that the island was cleared of bandits. Furthermore, this situation ensured a clear definition of the border with the Serbian principality.

Herzegovina, which has an important position due to its proximity to Montenegro, has always been a place of bandit activity. However, banditry in and around Niš. It is seen that their activities are more intense in the region than in other regions.”

Montenegrin bandits mentioned in Austro-Hungarian and German articles from the 19th century

“Miscellaneous. On the run. Our picture immerses us in the peculiar conditions of the Balkan Peninsula. They are Montenegrin bandits, proper bandits, whom we see here in their particular kind of struggle for survival.

They were probably betrayed during a planned robbery and fell victim to superior forces, and the police are after them. For it is quite a considerable number of wild fellows who are not easily put to flight, and this does not happen so easily with these agitated bandits. The pursuers also find us right in the middle of the chase, for the fleeing men are still quickly slicing across the hills behind them in order to get one or the other of the pursuers out of the way and to secure the escape that the wild, rugged Montenegrin mountains only too readily favor”.¹

Montenegrin bandit leader Peko Pavlović mentioned in 1885

“As reported in the same correspondence from Niš, sixty Montenegrin bandits, mostly emissaries of the notorious Peko Pavlović, crossed the Serbian border on the night of the 10th to the 11th, robbing the local judge of Ivanje. The bandits claimed to be Bulgarian partisans. Following vigorous pursuit, they headed for Bulgaria.”²

Montenegrin bandits plunder the coast of Dalmatia and Castelnouvo in 1897 reported by Austro-Hungarian military command

“The unit was prepared for Dalmatia and marched to Venice in divisions on August 22nd, 28th, and September 3rd, where it embarked. One company went to Ragusa, the rest to Cattaro. The 1st Battalion, which participated in the large autumn exercises held around Verona at the beginning of October, served as a staff unit at headquarters.

After the exercises concluded on October 12th, it arrived in Treviso with four companies, along with the regimental staff. One company went to Bassano, and another to Belluno, where it was garrisoned. These regimental elements joined the brigade of Major General Bocallari and the division of Lieutenant Field Marshal Count Ludolf on November 1st.

Parts of the battalion stationed in Dalmatia repeatedly had the opportunity to take up arms to protect the property of the rural population threatened by Montenegrin raids.

On the night of October 17th, Corporal Giuseppe Aglio of the 12th Company, which was with a detachment in Mulla, undertook with his men and the assigned Rondaar, he conducted a patrol to prevent a planned cattle robbery, a purpose fully achieved. After an exchange of sharp shots, Private Antonio Piantavigna, who shot his attacker in this engagement, was slightly wounded by a pistol shot.

The prudent and decisive conduct of Corporal Aglio and Privates Piantavigna Sartori and Viola earned the commendation of the Dalmatian General Command.

In a battle against a Montenegrin band of robbers, fought by men of the 8th Company on the night of November 9th near Castelnuovo, Private Giovanni Visentini was wounded. Meanwhile, Corporal Pietro Finatti of the 11th Company, detached to Perzago, was publicly commended in another instance by the Dalmatian General Command in the daily orders for the calm and prudence he demonstrated in capturing and delivering a murderer.

Robber bands, some larger, some smaller, were repeatedly attacked. The smaller former were under the command of Captain Stamatovich and First Lieutenant von Eichenkron, while the latter were sent under non-commissioned officers, with the Montenegrin robbers always fleeing.”³

Montenegrin bandits rob an Austro-Hungarian train in 1896

“Also, the delicate commode and the dressing table with its marble top and tall mirrored upper section. Besides numerous animal figures in relief, a small menagerie, the walls were adorned with portraits of all European princes and princesses taken from illustrated magazines in a colorful jumble. Here one saw the execution of Ravachol and the illustration of an incident on the Franco-German border, Napoleon at Jena, and the plundering of a train by Montenegrin bandits.”⁴

Montenegrin bandit attacks on Bosnian villages of Karjenicz in Trebinje in 1886

“Robberies in Bosnia. News arrives from Bosnia of a recent attempted postal robbery and assassination carried out by Montenegrin robbers. In the vicinity of the village of Karjenicz, Trebiny district, two Montenegrin robbers ambushed the postal train, which was accompanied by a three-man military picket.

They shot one soldier and wounded another. This soldier and the third managed to drive the robbers away and save the postal train. The plan for the robbery had been publicly discussed beforehand in Montenegro, and an emigrant from Herzegovina named Lukas Szierics, who has been living in Montenegro since 1881 and is well-acquainted with the border region of Herzegovina, was hired to carry it out.

The Bosnian government has placed a bounty of 1000 ducats on Szierics’ head. Near the village of Glina on the Klasevo Brezovolpolyeer road, the road foreman was Gasparovics was shot in an ambush by two unknown individuals and seriously wounded in the head and chest. It is suspected that the assassins were workers whose wages Gasparovics had withheld due to incomplete work.”⁵

Montenegrin bandits attack Austro-Hungarian patrol in Hercegovina in 1884

“Montenegrin robbers: Last Thursday in Herzegovina, an Austrian patrol was ambushed by a band of robbers from Montenegro, resulting in the death of the patrol’s lieutenant and the wounding of two soldiers.”⁶

Montenegrn bandit leader Milutin Ilic killed by Austro-Hungarian troops in 1887

“Montenegrin Robbers in Herzegovina. On the 16th of this month, a gang of 15 robbers, led by Milutin Ilic, was seen on Herzegovinian soil near the Montenegrin border in the Bilek district. They were attacked and dispersed that same evening near the Montenegrin border by patrols of the Gendarmerie and a special forces unit.

Two people were killed, including the leader’s brother. The special forces unit and the Gendarmes had no chance of apprehending the robbers. The special forces unit, supported by the local population, continued the pursuit and on the 17th of this month at 5 pm, Milutin Ilic, the leader of the gang, was shot dead by a patrol.”⁷

Prince Nikola Petrocis secretary arrives in Cattaro and is “associated with known “agitators” (bandits), according to an Austro-Hungarian report from 1869

“On November 17th, Prince Nikica’s secretary arrived in Cattaro and conspicuously associated with known agitators, indeed, in a sense, with insurgents off active duty. His behavior, and the fact that he ostentatiously claimed a small box declared to contain books and accompanied by a letter of safe conduct from the Russian consul in Ragusa, which the Imperial and Royal Post Office had flagged as suspicious to the district chief, prompted the political authorities to conduct a house search of the secretary’s residence.

The princely chargé d’affaires solemnly protested against such an incursion but allowed what he could not prevent on foreign soil. Later, he made the mocking and probably inconvenient remark to his master that the gentlemen needed not exert themselves any particular effort, as the documents of any importance to the members of the commission were already safely in Cetinje.”⁸

Montenegro allows insurgents to cross the border with weapons

“Considering that Montenegro is notoriously allowed insurgents to cross the border with weapons in hand and not only granted the most well-known insurgent leaders lodging in Montenegro, but even honored them according to local customs. Montenegrin senators approached the insurgents of Maine and Braic with formal manifestos, urging them, in the name of the Prince, to continue their resistance against Austria and the Austrian forces.

Letters were sent to the insurgent leader Nico Zec. Montenegrin troop leaders, dressed in the inconspicuous garb of Montenegrin peasants, brought food to the market in Cattaro every Saturday and Wednesday, but in fact, instead of being insurgent leaders, they were inquiring about the arrival of troop reinforcements for the upcoming expeditions, etc.

Finally, it was demonstrably true that Montenegrins fought in the ranks of the insurgents in various skirmishes, and especially in the last skirmish on November 18th near Kosmac, and that in the bays there was a great deal of gold circulates which, although notoriously originating from Montenegro and done on behalf of others, there can hardly be any doubt that Montenegro’s neighborly attitude leaves much, much indeed everything, to be desired.”⁹

Montenegrin robbers near Bucevo Brdo in 1887

“Report of Montenegrin robbers: The Bosnian Post reports that on the 3rd, a patrol of the patrol corps near Bucevo Brdo, not far from the Montenegrin border, encountered an armed band of robbers consisting of seven members. A firefight immediately broke out, and the robbers retreated across the Montenegrin border, leaving one dead. No one from the patrol was transferred. A rifle, handgun, and revolver were found on the fallen robber.”¹⁰

Robberism was part of the Montenegrin populations customs in 1889

“Robberism in Montenegro is part of the population’s customs; the country is too poor to feed the warlike Yunaks, Serbian heroes, and their pay is too low. A Captain Sotnik receives twenty rubles in pay. The power of habit is too great to resist. Consequently, our dear neighbors try to meet their needs in Herzegovina, in the Sandjak, and in Albania”.¹¹

A German paper from 1858 criticizes French newspapers “The Tuileries” och “Le Moniteur” for supporting Montenegro. The newspaper also criticizes the Vladika of Montenegro for having sent Montenegrin bandits to Hercegovina to cause uprisings and commit atrocities.

“In Austria, the Principate, or the grand pronouncements of the Tuileries, are finding less and less favor. The Frankfurt Journal writes from Vienna: The urgent need for major political questions, for a hobbyhorse upon which one can conveniently pursue diplomatic pursuits, seems to have taken on a permanent character in Paris.

After the union dreams were dismissed as unusable by the French newspaper, the Montenegrin question was suddenly elevated to a European issue of the first rank, and an article in the newspaper announced to the world in an emphatic tone that the Great Powers cannot tolerate Montenegro being attacked by Turkey and any attempt being made to change the status quo in the Black Mountains.

Were the matter not printed in the Parisian newspaper, the Moniteur, on the 11th, one could rightly consider this view journalistic nonsense. Everyone knows that the Vladika of Montenegro, the Suzeran of the Sultan, has for some time sent agents to Herzegovina to sow discontent there over the transgressions of the Turkish governor to fuel the idea that interventions were made in the Grahowo area and that Montenegrin bandit hordes invaded there, stole cattle, ransacked houses, and, as was their custom, beheaded their opponents.

It is further known that the Sultan only stationed a moderately sized troop corps there to maintain peace, to protect the rights of the Christians from the encroachments of the Turkish Pasha, and to drive the Montenegrin banditry back across the borders of Montenegro. The Turks did no more than this, and it is untrue to claim that the Turks advanced across the Montenegrin borders, provided that the opinion is not as widespread in Paris as in Cettinje that the Turkish border region of Grahowo constitutes part of Montenegro itself.

Where is it said here that the Porte intervened in Montenegrin territory? And who has any right to decide whether the chieftain in Cettinje, who was under the authority of the The Sultan has been wronged, whether by the Emperor of the French or the Sultan.

It is truly a corrupt game to play with fundamental principles of international law when one knows no measure, twisting and turning them to suit one’s own advantage and that of one’s friends at will. Austria, in this respect, stands on the same legal ground as it did when it sent Prince Leiningen to Constantinople to defend the true rights of Montenegro. At that time, they were truly in danger from the advancing army of Omer Pasha, but today it is necessary to stand up to the Sultan against the meddling of his petty vassal and to curb the arrogance of the slanderer.”¹²

Montenegrin-Hercegovinian bandit Stojan Kovačević mentioned in 1898 in Austro-Hungarian paper

“Continuation: Political machinations and subversions found a more willing audience among the more lively and poorer Herzegovinians than in neighboring Bosnia. In the course of the year In 1880 and the first half of 1881, outward calm prevailed, but the religious influences within the country seem to have proceeded undisturbed in secret, for as early as the beginning of the summer of 1881, a more active and numerous presence of robber bands became noticeable.

Around this time, a bandit leader named Stojan Kovačević, who had been frequently mentioned under Turkish rule and had returned to his homeland near Gacko after the occupation, resumed his old robbery business and quickly gained a following.

When the military law was proclaimed towards the end of 1881, opposition to it was strongest in Herzegovina. Agitation was then used to provoke serious resistance among the masses by spreading the most exaggerated rumors about the severity of this law and the resulting shift in religious interests.”¹³

Montenegrin bandits customs of 1868

“[…] Much like Montenegrin bandits, they would occasionally descend into the lowlands, drive off the cattle, burn down the homes, slaughter the men, and rape the women.”¹⁴

Montenegrin bandit Misirlic reported in 1885

“[Montenegrin robbers.] As the Bosnian Post reports, they attempted to break into Montenegro on the night of the 14th to the 15th.

On the 15th of this month, a band of four robbers, led by the notorious robber Misirlic, attempted to break into occupied territory from Montenegro near Bilek; however, they immediately encountered a military patrol near Brijevor, and a fight ensued in which the robber Ibro Bilalovic was shot dead and Desa Glavovic was apparently wounded, whereupon the robbers fled and disappeared into the darkness.

The fact that the first robbers who attempted to break across the border this season were quickly sent home with bloody wounds, thanks to the vigilance of the Corbon troops, is to be considered extremely favorable and should have a sobering effect on any other highwaymen lurking on the border”.¹⁵

Montenegrin bandits Iovan Ilić and Lazar Spason Cuca reported as killed and Bošo Glogovac captured in 1888

“The Robberies in Herzegovina: During Lester’s time, numerous reports about robber bands appearing in Herzegovina were published, in which one was already inclined to see insurrectionary harbingers. Based on reliable information obtained, we are able to communicate the true facts.

On May 15th, approximately twelve robbers crossed the border of Montenegro and entered the Bilet district with the apparent intention of robbing a farm located near the border. Nose’s carefully guarding eye was aware of this. The intention was communicated and preparations were made for a proper reception of the uninvited guests.

The very next day, towards evening, the ruffians were greeted by the Gendarmerie patrol of the Divin post and the patrol corps near Davidović. During this greeting, the robbers Iovan Ilić, a refugee from the Bilek district, and the Montenegrin Lazar Spason Cuca were killed, while the others scattered.

A vigorous pursuit ensued the following day, May 17th, in the afternoon. The leader of the gang, Milutin Ilić, a brother of the man killed the day before, was spotted and shot while fleeing. In the course of the continued pursuit, the Gendarmerie patrol of the Plana post managed to capture the robber Bošo Glogovac and hand him over to the court, while the rest of the gang reached the Montenegrin border.

One of them, according to clear signs, was wounded, thus bringing the whole adventure to an end. It was also noted with satisfaction that the robbers were no longer targeting the inhabitants as they had in the past. will not only find future solutions but also, in the correct understanding of their own interests, willingly and successfully assist the authorities in their pursuit.”¹⁶

Montenegrin bandits threaten the public safety of Dalmatia according to Austro-Hungarian governmental protocol in the 1850s

“The Minister of War declared without delay his intention to submit well-considered proposals on this subject to His Majesty.

III. Public safety and order in Dalmatia, particularly in the southern parts of the country, appears, according to all reports received from there, to be highly endangered. Dalmatian and Montenegrin robbers are generally spreading sharassment. Murder, robbery, and burglary are commonplace”.¹⁷

Montenegrin irregular troops or bandits, among them Blagoje Ikanovics, decorated with Medal of Honor, killed during a bandit raid in Sophia some time in the 1877-1878, published in 1886.

“Sophia. (Montenegrin robbers.) The scene of the recent robberies has been the postal route between Blewna, Tirnowo, Ruse, and Sophia. In the village of Kraptscha-Deressi, located between Lovcha and Sevlievo, the gang repeatedly robbed no fewer than 24 Turks, 4 Bulgarians, and one German traveling with two women.

In recent days, the same fate befell a Turkish resident of Lovcha named Hadji Hasis Meh med. On July 4th, the gang advanced as far as the vicinity of the village of Golemis Izvor, whose inhabitants, upon hearing of the approaching robbers, armed themselves, confronted them, and, after a seven-hour battle, routed them.

In this engagement, three Montenegrins were killed and one was wounded and captured among the Montenegrins killed was the former officer Blagoje Ikanovics, decorated with the Montenegrin Medal for Bravery. The captured Montenegrin testified that he and his countrymen intended to return to their homeland and were seeking the means to do so. Of the inhabitants of the village of Golemi-Izvor, only one, Abranaffov, fell in this battle.”¹⁸

The Pall Mall Gazette, July 22, 1886 writes:

“A band of Montenegrin freebooters, said to be returning from service in the East, have been intercepted near Tirnovo. Several robberies were reported along the post road.”

Neue Freie Presse (Vienna), writes on August 1886:

“Die sogenannten montenegrinischen Räuber, ehemalige Freiwillige, die sich in Bulgarien herumtreiben…”

“The so-called Montenegrin robbers, former volunteers who roamed around Bulgaria…”

La Correspondance d’Orient, 1885–1887, writes of “irréguliers monténégrins” who plundered along the Danube and tried to return home via Serbia.”

Montenegrin bandit Bozo Glogovacs testimony during an interrogation in 1888

“According to the statement of the captured robber Bozo Glogovac, who made a full confession, the gang consisted of twelve members: two refugees from Krivoscie, five Bosnian refugees, and five Montenegrins. Among the latter were three Montenegrin soldiers. The bodies of the three fallen robbers were buried in the robbers’ cemetery in Bilek.

The members of this gang who escaped to Montenegro were reportedly arrested there; whether this is true will be revealed later. In any case, the pitiful end of this undertaking, and especially the resolute stance taken by the population against the robbers, should discourage any further Montenegrin highwaymen from paying a visit to Herzegovina.”¹⁹

Montenegrin bandits invade the region of Kolashin, kill the guards of the block houses (kullas) and steal 2,000 sheep in 1877

“The operations against Montenegro, as it now turns out, were simultaneously directed from three sides and are being successfully continued from Constantinople. While Suleiman Basha is striving in the north to force the Duga Défiléen and liberate Niksich, Ali Saib, who is already on Montenegrin soil, is advancing from the south towards Nilovgrad, and Mehemed Ali Pasha, the divisional commander of Novi Bazar in Bosnia, is invading the interior of the principality from the east.

Meanwhile, Montenegrin bands have invaded Bosnian territory via Kolasin. As Pol Corr triumphantly announces from Ostrog, not only are the garrisons of the Kulas blockhouses killed, but also many Turks there. Over 2,000 sheep, horses, and oxen have been stolen.”²⁰

Montenegrin bandit Luka Vukalovic rumoured to be mudering and burning in 1859

“The Russian and French newspapers speak extensively of the events unfolding in the Slavic provinces of Turkey. Sinister rumors are circulating about the events in Herzegovina, where the Montenegrin bandit Luka Vukalovich and his hordes have begun murdering and burning.

A mood prone to unrest is also said to prevail in Rumelia, and the Porte is taking comprehensive measures to be able to cope with any such movement. If it is true that an English fleet of impressive strength is already in the Mediterranean, it will likely be able to prevent a French landing on the coast of neutral Turkey. Without external support, the independence aspirations of the Bosniaks and Bulgarians under their protector, Danilo of Montenegro, seem dangerous to us.”²¹

Criticique against the Vladika of Montenegro and the bandit atrocities against Muslims (Albanians and Bosniaks) in 1858 reported in the “Bayerisches Volksblatt”

“The existence of a quasi-state like Montenegro is a curious oddity in the European state system in general, but appears as a troubling anomaly when one considers, for several years, particularly since Vladika’s unilateral declaration, the attitude of this so-called state, especially when one considers the breach of peace currently being perpetrated by him.

In Herzegovina, and partly also in Bosnia, the harsh pressure under which, as a consequence of the Old Turkic constitution, not only the written but also, relatively speaking, the Muslim rural population is being urged to exile. This is a phenomenon that has unfortunately occurred often in those countries, which, however sad it is in itself, as urgently as it requires serious and definitive redress, nevertheless had a higher, dangerous political significance.

This merely local agrarian uprising, which was simply about daily bread, has now been exacerbated by the fact that Vladika of Montenegro wants to use it for his ambitious protégés. Rontenegrins, and not just individuals but thousands in houses, have broken into Turkish territory. who fought against the Turkish troops, whose property, although partly Turkish, was plundered and set on fire, Montenegro is an integral part of the Turkish Empire.

The Sultan is the sovereign of the Vladika of Montenegro, whose basalt and subject. The obedient loyalty of this relationship is the condition of internal peace. The sanction of this relationship, however, is that of the European People’s Republic. What was the purpose of the difficult political and bloody war over the Eastern Question?

The European recognition of the legal principle that the Porte, inviolable in its sovereignty and integrity, must freely reform the conditions of the empire in the spirit of Russia and Greece on the one hand, and the recalcitrant Turkish elements on the other, and must submit to this European legal principle. Should the Montenegrin chieftain prevail over the European one? What is Montenegro? An inhospitable place of slightly over 80 square miles with no more than nine inhabitants, barely touched by the very lowest beginnings of culture.

For the entire population, there exist Only three schools, priests who cannot read and write, no craftsmen, a great rarity, manufacturers, technicians, doctors, etc. are completely lacking. In total, there is not a single built road. Of the 300, only the main town, Cettinje, has over 1000 inhabitants. Low levels of production, as nature with minimal human intervention provides, and alongside this, the arms trade as practiced by the brigands—that is the activity of the Montenegrins.

And the despot of such a small nation challenges the sovereign of a great empire; indeed, he dares to impose it on all of Europe. He dreams of establishing a national empire, with Montenegro as its center, which he himself is to be. Is this not greed? May a tinker throw the spark that could set the world ablaze with impunity?

In the face of these telling deeds, we wish and want nothing more than that the government exercise its rights and fulfill its duty, whether to itself, to its neighboring empires, or to Europe. Turkey was guaranteed, but this guarantee would in fact be without counter-argument if the Porte did not have the will and had repelled the brazen attack of the tiny vassal Montenegro.”²²

Montenegrin robbers attack Bosnian merchants on the Bosnian border of Suha

“From Mostar it is reported that Montenegrin robbers attacked three respected merchants from Jajce on the Bosnian border near Suha, killing one from ambush and seriously wounding another; the third managed to escape.”²³

Montenegrin bandit leader Stojan Kovačević and 60 bandits attacked Austro-Hungarian imperial mail coach on July 31, 1881

“Trebinj district or via Montenegro to the northern border districts for the purpose of requisitioning food and inciting the population. The first signs were already appearing that the tendency of the gangs roaming the country was no longer merely towards robbery, but towards violent resistance against government authority in general, by making imperial troops the target of attacks by the gangs.

On July 31, 1881, the imperial mail coach traveling between Bilek and Gacko was attacked by approximately 60 robbers led by Stojan Kovačević during the march from Korito to Gacko, on the descent from Kobila Glava near the village of Crnica. A hunter and a train soldier were shot dead.

The non-commissioned officer acting as postal escort commander was robbed, taken for a short distance by the gang, but then released. The mail coach itself, with valuables of approximately 3000 florins, was stolen. The gang evaded pursuit. By crossing into nearby Montenegrin territory, on the night of November 5th, a 16-man patrol consisting of 3 gendarmes and 12 riflemen of the 6th Rifle Battalion was attacked by about 20 bandits near the village of Srdjević, west of Gacko.

After a lengthy battle, one rifleman was shot dead and three were seriously wounded. The bandit’s leader, Renvo Dabović, was killed, and one bandit was seriously wounded. As early as the autumn of 1881, according to statements from returning insurgents, Stojan Kovačević and Montenegrin emissaries appeared in the area of ​​Ulok in the upper Neretva Valley, and later in Zagorje.

They announced the outbreak of a general uprising in 1882, promised support from Montenegro through the supply of weapons, as well as assistance from Russia, Turkey, and England, and called upon the people to join this movement. Also from the Kovačević’s gang, during their campaigns, incited the population to refuse obedience to the authorities.

All these influences—the growing uncertainty of transportation, the discontent fueled by active contact with disaffected people abroad, and finally, the increasingly threatening situation in Krivošije—led those familiar with the country’s conditions to suspect, in the late autumn of 1881, that a profound movement was brewing. However, the fact that the danger had moved so close could be assumed with even less certainty at that time.”

Article in the “Bamberger Zeitung 1858,1/6” writes that they hope that the Montenegrin bandits will not breach the peace during the treaty

“Turkey, Pera, June 2nd. No news has come from Montenegro, and it is to be hoped that the Montenegrins in their own interest, will not commit any further breaches of peace or treaty for the time being. Turkey is to raise the matter at a conference to be attended by those states that signed the Treaty of Paris.

It can do so as if virtually the whole world is beginning to consider the matter more impartially. Russia will not relinquish its role as protector of the poor, oppressed Christians in Turkey. On the other hand, France, already somewhat changed in its opinion regarding the Montenegrin issue, acknowledges the Territorial Status Quo of 1856 as authoritative in its note to the Sublime Porte.”²⁴

Montenegrin authorities tries to blame Montenegrin bandit raids on Albanians in 1888

“Cettinje: The raids into Herzegovina are still the subject of negotiations between the Montenegrin and Austrian governments. The former denies any wrongdoing. The escaped convicts who carried out the raid are Albanians; four ringleaders have been arrested. The government immediately notified the Austrian representation.

The N. Fr. Presse comments on these attempts at justification: It is true that the Montenegrin government informed the Austrian authorities in the occupied countries of the intended raid by some allegedly escaped convicts. However, this communication came at a time when Serajewo had already been informed by other sources and all preparations had been made to receive the invaders, who, incidentally, were not Albanians but Herzegovinian refugees, namely the Ilic brothers, notorious professional robbers who had found hospitable refuge in Montenegro.

The raid by the gang of twelve men took place on May 15th in the district of Bilek, and already on the evening of the 16th, the robbers were attacked by the Divin gendarmerie post and a detachment of the Streiskorps near Davidovic. Robbers Flic and Cuca were killed, while the others scattered.

However, they were vigorously pursued, and the very next day, the 17th of the month, the leader of the gang, Milutin Ilic, a brother of the one killed the day before and a deserter from the gendarme, was shot dead while fleeing.

During the continued pursuit, a gendarmerie patrol from the Plana post managed to capture the robber Boso Glogovac, a deserter from the train, alive and hand him over to the court. He was summarily hanged within 24 hours, while the rest of the gang fled across the Montenegrin border.”²⁵

Serbian and Montenegrin bandits

“Kingdom of Serbia. The crime of robbery is reaching alarming proportions throughout the country. Daily reports of murders and arson by the roadside arrive. The robber gangs mostly consist of discharged gendarmes, former mounted border guards, escaped convicts – invariably determined, daring fellows who, with incredible audacity, rob wealthy citizens and factory owners from their homes, abduct them to forests, and demand a ransom of 500 to 1000 ducats.

The government is mobilizing to put an end to this robbery. Gangs have also appeared in the vicinity of Belgrade. The government is by no means treating the captured robbers like robbers, but rather like political criminals. Indeed, it seems as if the radical government is even supporting these bandits, as they leave all supporters of the radicals unharmed and only take out their anger on members of other parties. How wonderful it must be to be able to live in Serbia under the current pro-Russian government!”.²⁶

Montenegrin-Hercegovinian bandits Osman Beg Tanovic, Kovačevic, Milic, Ljenic and Sutic’s plunder in Austro-Hungarian territories in 1882

“On December 20th, a skirmish took place in Savodi in Herzegovina between the military and the Kovačevic band of robbers. In this battle, the military lost seven men. Of the robbers, six were killed and six wounded. On the 4th, near the village of Verbanji di Kruschevo in Herzegovina, a skirmish occurred between troops and a detachment of the Kovačevic. One soldier was killed and two were wounded. The robbers numbered [number missing].

[Name missing] recently brought 36,000 hectares of grain from Odessa. This grain was sent here by the Committee of Moskan as a gift to Montenegrins. The government sells this grain to its own people for twelve twenties per bushel.

[Name missing] killed and two wounded. On the same day, a detachment of Krivoszians, 22 men strong, under the command of Milic and Sutic, fell into the village of Drinjocin. [Name missing] captured 42 head of cattle and drove them into the Krivoszia where the booty was divided.

A steamer of the English company Ar. In the first days of the month, Stojan Kovačevic set sail with 70 men for Krivošcie to go to Kojenie in Herzegovina. He had received word there that a large sum of state money for the troops was coming from Trebinje to Bilek.

As is now being told here, the military escort was ambushed by 42 men, who seized the entire sum, amounting to 1,000 guilders. 30 of Krivošcis men also participated in this. Three are said to have fallen in the fighting, as well as the bandit leader Osman Beg Tanovič, who is roaming around with his band near Kotjenic in Herzegovina.

He is said to have lost men in the battle. Of Kovačevic’s own band, twelve are counted, and five dead. The news of this incident comes from an insurgent from Ledenjice who has since returned to Krivošcie.

From Cattaro it is reported that the number of insurgents in Krivošcie is 1300 men. Of these, 360 are from Krivoscie, 200 from Ubli, 80 from Ledenice, 130 from Drahovac, 300 Herzegovinians left behind by Krivacevic, 80 from Ljenic’s band, 90 from Sutic’s band, and 40 from Nulic’s band. In general, the situation is considered far more serious than in 1869.

Stojan Kovacevic was summoned from Krivoscie to the camp near Gacko, where he was given command by the leaders. There is doubt that any Montenegrins are among the insurgents. Provisions are being stockpiled in Trebinje. This city is likely to be the central point of operations in Herzegovina.

The news from Herzegovina, as already mentioned above, is also very grim. Merchants from Focha reported in Ragusa that in Upper Herzegovina between Fatscho Gacko and Nevesinje, a gang of 1000 men, formed with Stojan Kovacevic at the Spike, attacked and destroyed the military post near Nevesinje last Thursday.

Of the gendarmes assigned to the post, the locals joined Kovacevic’s gang. Gendarmes deserted to the gang. The report that an uprising had broken out in Stolac and Nevesinje is officially denied, while those who came from Austria were forced to retreat to Mostar.

Another report, probably about the same incident, states: 8 days ago, the gendarmerie post near Ulok in Herzegovina dissolved as a result of the approach of a gang coming from Fotscha. Two sergeants and four men are confirmed. It is confirmed that the military command has declared a state of siege over Mostar. The situation in Krivoscie has also deteriorated in recent days. Telegrams from Bara reports that small clashes are taking place daily. A sense of unease is also becoming noticeable in Bosnia as a result of Serbian aggression.”²⁷

Montenegrin bandits attack Austro-Hungarian troops the same year

“Field Marshal Lieutenant Baron Jovano, Establishment of the Telegraph Line from Korito. Yesterday, half a company of the 67th Infantry Regiment, dispatched as an escort and for the establishment of the telegraph line at the Kobila Glava saddle, was attacked by insurgents at 10:00 AM on the return march after handing over the supply column.

At the same time, a larger concentration of insurgents was noticed at Troglava and east of Korito. Half a company dispatched from Korito prevented the enemy’s advance. Upon the arrival of further reinforcements, the enemy fled towards the Montenegrin border and was pursued as far as the division which he had set on fire. Our forces from the 67th Infantry Regiment united on the slope of the Troglava mountain.”²⁸

Criticism against King Nikola Petrovic and the Montenegrin bandits, murderers and arsonists of 1862

“Turkey, Montenegro, the romantic little country, the heartland of the revolutionaries, seems to be facing difficult times. The Danube newspaper announces that the Porte’s patience is exhausted; the robberies and murders show amply what to make of Prince Nicholas’s neutrality.

The Montenegrins descend into the plain without any provocation, with no other motive than plunder, seeking to incite the Herzegovinians and indulging in all excesses. The Turkish government will no longer expose the population to this organized banditry. While they would like to inflate the Montenegrin issue into a European question, in the eyes of all those less sensitive to cries of pain, it is as far removed from this as the profession of warrior from the craft of robbery, or right from wrong. For those, however, who have conjured up and know how to exploit national conflicts, even the Montenegrin cattle thieves and arsonists are a welcome means to their own ends.

The Porte Europe must, however, openly declare the coercion that compels Montenegro to fight by the sword for what can never be achieved through negotiations. The Porte wants to force Montenegro to fulfill the most basic international obligations and put an end to an organic system of plunder. The Turkish government is in full possession of its rights in this matter, as repeatedly stated by the Danube Gazette, both to the insurgents in Herzegovina and to the inhabitants of the Black Mountains who scorn all international obligations.”²⁹

“What made the most joyful impression on all those present was Turkey. In Herzegovina, where the insurrection seemed to be dying down, it is becoming more lively again. Several skirmishes have recently taken place. When Dervish Pasha arrived in Buplizza, the insurgents, according to telegrams, retreated without resistance and burned down the houses, some of which were saved by Turkish troops. Luka Vuka lovich is said to have fallen out of favor with the Prince of Montenegro and to be replaced by Petro Matanovich. Thus, the function of a Herzegovinian insurgent leader would already be a Montenegrin court position.

The “Regensburger Zeitung”, 1862, writes in the same article of the bandits Luka Vulakovic and Petro Matanovic

“(Turkey) In Herzegovina, where the insurrection seemed to be dying down, it is becoming more lively again. Several skirmishes have recently taken place. When Dervish Pasha arrived in Buplizza, the insurgents, according to telegrams, retreated without resistance and burned down the houses, some of which were saved by Turkish troops. Luka Vukalovich is said to have fallen out of favor with the Prince of Montenegro and to be replaced by Petro Matanovich. (Thus, the function of a Herzegovinian insurgent leader would already be a Montenegrin court position!)”

References and sources

https://www.karamangundem.com/yazarlar/ismet-ozturk/karadagin-eskiyalari/442733

Europe and the Islamic World: A History By John Tolan, Gilles Veinstein, Henry Laurens.

Kökenleriyle Konya’nın Delibaşı isyanı ve bu olayın Karaman’a sıçrayışı. D. Ali Gülcan. 1994

Kurora e Maleve (The Mountain Wreath). https://books.flossk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1952-peter-petroviq-njegosh-kunora-e-maleve.pdf

Lahuta e Malcis, Gjergj Fishta.

Provocation of Nationalism in Yugoslavia, Tanil Bora, 2018.

Sadrazam Kıbrıslı Mehmet Emin Paşa’nın Rumeli teftişi Av Yonca Köksal, Davut Erkan, 2007.

Footnotes

1. Gute Geister ein Sonntagsblatt für das deutsche Haus; wöchentliche Beilage zu hundert angesehenen deutschen Zeitungen . Volume, 1895 ↩︎
2. Illustriertes Wiener Extrablatt 1885. ↩︎
3. Geschichte des k. u. k. Infanterie-Regimentes Prinz Friedrich August Herzog zu Sachsen Nr. 45 von der Errichtung bis zur Gegenwart. Alfons Dragoni Edler Von Rabenhorst, 1897 ↩︎
4. Geschäft- & Vergnügungs-Anzeiger 1896 ↩︎
5. „Bote von der Ybbs Zeitfchrift für die Localintéressen der Sommerfrische Waidhofen a. d. Ybbs & Umgebung. Nr. 1. Waidhofen a. d. Ybbs, den 6. Februar 1886. ↩︎
6. Deutsche Wacht Volume 9, 1884 ↩︎
7. “Der” Pilger Familienblatt. 1887 ↩︎
8. Neues Fremden-Blatt 1869 ↩︎
9. imbid. ↩︎
10. Lienzer Zeitung 1886 – 1919. Osttiroler Wochenblatt. Volyume 2, 1887 ↩︎
11. Die Grenzboten Volume 48, 1889. ↩︎
12. “Der” Schweizer-Bote Volume 55, 1858 ↩︎
13. Oesterreichisch-ungarische Heeres-Zeitung Volume 13, 1898 ↩︎
14. Neue Jahrbücher für die Turnkunst Blätter für d. Angelegenheiten d. dt. Turnwesens, vornehml. in seiner Richtung auf Erziehung u. Gesundheitspflege. Volume 1868 ↩︎
15. Das Vaterland Zeitung für die österreichische Monarchie. 1885 ↩︎
16. “Die” Vedette Militär Zeitschrift, Volume 20, 1888. ↩︎
17. Die Protokolle des österreichischen Ministerrates, 1848-1867: Abt. Das Ministerium Schwarzenberg Bd. 1. Dezember 1848-7. Janner 1850. Bd. 2. 8. Jänner 1850-30. April 1850. Bd. 3. 1. Mai 1850-30. September 1850. Bd. 4. 14 Oktober 1850-30. Mai 1851. Bd. 5. 4. Juni 1851-5. April 1852. Österreichisch-ungarische Monarchie. Österreichischer Ministerrat, published 1970 ↩︎
18. Gemeinde-Zeitung unabhingiges politisches Journal · Volume 25 1886. ↩︎
19. Neuigkeits-Welt-Blatt 1888 ↩︎
20. New Free Press, 1877,6 · Volume 1877, Publication 6. ↩︎
21. Salzburger Zeitung 1807 – 1918. 1859 ↩︎
22. Bayerisches Volksblatt 1858. ↩︎
23. Saazer Zeitung politische Zeitschrift für die Städte und Gerichtsbezirke Saaz, Postelberg, Podersam und Jechnitz · Volume 16. 1899 ↩︎
24. Bamberger Zeitung 1858,1/6 ↩︎
25. Donau-Zeitung 1888,5/6 ↩︎
26. “Der” Freimtige politisches Volksblatt, Jedermann. Zweimalige Ausgabe, Volyume 28 ↩︎
27. Lobositzer Anzeiger 1882 ↩︎
28. imbid ↩︎
29. Regensburger Zeitung 1862, 1. ↩︎