In the French magazine L’Illustrateur des Dames, issue of September 27, 1863, among other things, it is said:

“The Mirditors constitute one of those numerous unconquered tribes found in Upper Albania. Enclosed within an impenetrable territory, surrounded by high mountains, they form a kind of principality, the origins of which are unknown. The population, numbering around twenty-one thousand inhabitants, recognizes as their leader a warrior who holds the title of prince. Stern and fiercely devoted to the freedom they enjoy, they harshly block any foreigner who would attempt to penetrate their mountains.

Where does this people come from? According to local tradition, they descend from a great tribe called the Dukagjins, who fought bravely alongside the illustrious Skanderbeg in the years 1439–1463. It is generally accepted that, among all the populations comprising the greater Albanian nation, the Mirditors are the bravest and the most fanatical in religious matters. They combine the agility of a cat with the muscular strength of a tiger. Their method of attacking in battle is such that they always gauge their momentum precisely. And if they must retreat, they do so swiftly, without ever halting the fire.

For this reason, Turkey rightly regards them as the best and most dangerous warriors! The High Porte has never wished to go to war with these mountaineers, against whom it could not possibly succeed…”