In the final decades of Ottoman rule in the Balkans, tensions frequently erupted in the rugged Malësia (highlands) of northern Albania. A notable incident was reported in the Austrian newspaper Fremden-Blatt concerning unrest among the Malisor (Malësorë) tribes.

According to reports from Belgrade, Ottoman authorities arrested six prominent Malisor chiefs, including the tribal leader Ajam (Ljam) Kalesch (Kaleshi). During a military raid on his house in the village of Debar (Dibra) on the Black Drin, Ottoman forces discovered a significant arms cache: 2,000 Martini rifles along with large quantities of ammunition. The operation turned violent, resulting in the deaths of nine Ottoman gendarmes.

The arrests triggered immediate outrage. The Malisors demanded the immediate release of their leaders and took up arms against the authorities. In response, the Vali of Scutari (Shkodra) dispatched three battalions of Redif (reserve) troops to the Drin region to prevent the revolt from spreading.

Background

The Malësorë were renowned as fierce, autonomous highland warriors who lived according to the Kanun customary law. Incidents like this were common in the early 20th century as Albanians grew increasingly frustrated with Ottoman centralization, heavy taxation, and failure to grant administrative autonomy. Large weapons caches revealed the extent of clandestine rearmament among the tribes.

This event reflects the broader Albanian National Awakening and the growing resistance that would culminate in the Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912. The Malisors played a key role in multiple uprisings against Ottoman rule between 1909 and 1912.

The discovery of 2,000 modern rifles in a single chief’s house underscores how well-organized and heavily armed segments of the Albanian highlanders had become in their struggle for autonomy.

Source

Fremden-Blatt. Volume 50. 1896