The Mušovići (also spelled Mushoviqi) are one of the oldest and most distinguished Albanian brotherhoods (bratstvo) in the historical region of Old Herzegovina and Montenegro. According to tradition and historical records, the family originated from Vraneš (Pavino Polje) in the area of Donji Kolašin. The tombstone of Mush, the legendary founder of the family, was preserved in this region until 1924, supporting local oral traditions about their roots.
Migration and Rise to Prominence
From Vraneš, the Mušovići branched out in several directions, primarily toward Kolashin and Nikshiq. They gained significant influence during the Ottoman period when they were granted the position of city captain (kapetan) by Numan-paša Ćuprilić. The family held this important military-administrative post until 1877. In addition to their official roles, they accumulated substantial land holdings around Nikšić. Many toponyms in the areas of Nikšić and Kolašin still bear witness to their historical presence.
Notable figures
Among the most prominent members of the family were several captains and beys, including:
Captain Hamza Mušović — one of the best-known figures, who is even mentioned in Gorski vijenac (The Mountain Wreath) by Petar II Petrović-Njegoš.
Bećir-beg Mušović
Captain Meho
Osman-kapetan
Mustaj-beg Mušović
Mujaga Mušović
Hamza-beg Mušović
These leaders played important roles in the administration and defense of the region under Ottoman rule.
The Great Exodus
After the surrender of Nikshiq and Kolashin to Montenegro following the Congress of Berlin (1878), most of the Mušovići emigrated. The majority moved to the Novi Pazar Sandžak, while others settled in Albania, Anatolia (Turkey), or Bosnia. Those who went to Anatolia adopted surnames such as Aksoj (“Bright Family”) and Sandžaktari (“From the Sandžak”). In the Sandžak and Bosnia, some took new names like Nikšić and Kapetanović.
Today, the largest number of Mušovići in Montenegro live in the Bijelo Polje area.
The history of the Mušovići reflects the turbulent fate of Muslim families in the Balkans during the decline of Ottoman rule and the rise of Montenegro — a story of prestige, military service, and eventual displacement.
References
Mušović, Ulvija. Mušovići – od begova i kapetana do zbjegova i svjetskih metropola. Podgorica: Almanah, [year].
“Mušovići kapetani.” Novine Nikšića, December 21, 2019. https://www.novineniksica.me/musovici-kapetani/.
“Bratstvo koje je ‘prionulo’ za Crnu Goru.” Pobjeda, October 12, 2024. https://www.pobjeda.me/clanak/bratstvo-koje-je-prionulo-za-crmu-goru.
“Mušović.” Sandžakpedija. Last modified February 17, 2024.
