The French newspaper “Le Radical” published on Thursday, August 8, 1912, on page no. 3, an article from the British media outlet “Morning Post” about Albanian traditions and customs.

“There is nothing modern about the Albanians except their weapons, which are excellent because in this field they are true connoisseurs. The annual ceremony of blessing the rifles among the Mirdita tribe is very impressive. An Albanian tribe is arbitrarily led by a chieftain who has the right to decide on the life and death of the tribe’s members.

Fear is an unknown vice among Albanians because, from birth, they have lived in an atmosphere of combat, and their clashes with neighbors are more frequent than football matches in England.

Their food is very simple. They are very hospitable.

The men, in general, are tall, and their eyes are exceptionally lively; the women, of a gentler character, have a deep expression; the patience and tenderness of the Albanian mother toward her children cannot be surpassed.

She is not mistreated, because her person is sacred to the dominant sex. The Albanian vents his anger on the enemy, and if he forgets himself and strikes a woman, he will be expelled from the tribe.

For a contemptuous word or a somewhat violent humiliation, he must answer before the elders, and if the woman’s family finds out, it could cost him his life.

The Albanian mother applies the same care with which she herself was raised to her own children. Striking a child is considered a monstrous sin, and denying something to a child until he reaches the age of reason is not viewed favorably.

This humane treatment does not seem to spoil the young Albanian. He rarely cries, and his demands are simple.

His first battle is the great day he awaits and for which he prepares as soon as he is able to hold a rifle.”