Discovery by Elton Ligu. Translation by Petrit Latifi

Abstract

This study examines a contemporary European newspaper account of the death of Marko Boçari, as published in the Neckar Zeitung of Stuttgart on November 1, 1823. The article, based on correspondence from Corfu, provides a detailed narrative of Boçari’s final military action against Ottoman forces during the Greek War of Independence. It highlights his leadership, tactical daring, and the role of Albanian Suliots under his command. As a historical source, the report reflects how Boçari was perceived in early 19th-century European media, portraying him as a Christian hero and symbol of resistance against Ottoman rule.

On November 1, 1823 the the Newspaper “Neckar Zeitung” of Stuttgart published an article mentioning that Marko Boçari with his 400 Albanians was selected by the Suliots.

This newspaper of the time generally had as its content European political and military news, foreign correspondence, historical events, often translated from other newspapers. In this specific issue it is written about the event of the death of Marko Boçari during an attack on the Turkish camp.

News:

A letter from Corfu, dated September 26, tells the following interesting circumstances regarding the death of the Christian hero Marco Boçari.
When the Pasha of Shkodra had risen on the banks of Acheleus, a Greek council was held to advance across the river. However, being unable to agree on a decision, it was postponed for a new meeting the next day. Only the brave Marco Boçari, believing that any delay was dangerous, decided to act immediately.

He sent two of his trusted men as scouts to the enemy camp. After their safe return, they reported on the position and strength of the Turks, which they estimated at about 18,000 men, and – especially important – on the password used that night. Boçari then selected 400 Albanians, mainly from the Suliot group, and sent them forward armed only with swords and pistols.

He set out with them on the evening of August 15 (27), at about 10:00 a.m., entering the enemy camp from different directions. Since Boçari knew the password, the Turkish guards were deceived; even the Albanians occasionally gave the correct night salute. Soon, however, they attacked the sleeping Turks and caused great confusion among them. The disorder grew steadily worse: the Turks struck each other and could not understand the source of the defeat.

At this point, Boçar and ten of his men entered the pasha’s tent, where several leaders were staying, including Mustafa Murdar, the commander of the unfortunate Ali Pasha of Ioannina. When he saw Marco Boçar, whom he already knew from Ali Pasha’s court, he shouted to his Moor:
“Kill him, it’s Marco Boçar!”

The Moor fired a pistol and inflicted a mortal wound on Boçar, while at the same moment he threw himself at Murdar with his drawn sword. The hero fell to the ground; however, in the ensuing fight, his men managed to free him from the Turks and capture not only Murdar, but also three other important Turkish officers.

After the Sulliots had plundered the Turkish camp for some time, aided by the darkness of the night, they returned to their own camp. Here, Marco Boçari, on the morning of August 28, called his brother Constantine, entrusted him with his sword, and urged him to continue the fight for the holy cause of his country and religion. Then, surrounded by his weeping comrades-in-arms, he gave up his heroic spirit.