Discovery by Mark Palnikaj.

Summary

In the mid-19th century, French ethnographer Victor de Lejean, citing Consul Hecquard, estimated the Albanian population in European Turkey at approximately 1,309,302. The breakdown includes 164,302 Ghegs in the Skodra (Shkodër) Pashalik, with major tribes such as the Mirdites (21,800), Zadrima (18,000), and others. Additional figures cover southern Ghegs (280,000), Tosks in Epirus, Thessaly, and central Albania (750,000), and various colonies (45,000).

The text describes the tribal organization of Albanians (Ghegs and Tosks), their partial autonomy in the north, Catholic mountain tribes under a vekil, and military service as irregular cavalry. The author considers this estimate more realistic than higher contemporary figures of 1.4–1.6 million.

Left Column (French original):

In the north we mention the beautiful village of Arnaut-keui, near Tirnova, populated by Arnaute cultivators, Greeks in language and religion, and that of Volkonesti in Bessarabia. The Albanians of Volkonesti speak Turkish or Skipetar [Albanian], but are Greek Christians and call themselves “Gagheoutz” (Gheg).

The Albanians are organized into tribes (phis or pharés). The Tosks are subject to the Porte, as are the southern Ghegs. All the northern tribes enjoy a certain autonomy, de facto or de jure. The Catholic Albanians of the mountains govern themselves as they see fit and have a “vekil” (representative) with the Pasha of Skodra or Scutari. The most important are the Mirdites, followed by the Dukagjins, then the Pulati (inhabitants of the forests). Finally comes a group of tribes among which the Klementi occupy the first rank, although they have split into numerous subdivisions as they grew. They mainly provide military service as Bashi-bazouks or irregular cavalry and can furnish 15,000 men.

Here is the detail of the Albanian population of European Turkey (according to the data of Mr. Hecquard on the Pashalik of Skodra).

Ghegs
Mirdites — 21,800
Dukagjins — 6,800
Matia — 6,750
Pulati — 6,412
Posripa — 6,700
Klementi — 4,000
Schkrell — 4,280
Kastrati — 4,600
Hotti — 4,500
Zadrima — 18,000
Kopliki — 4,050
Grudi — 3,000
Rioli — 1,600
Trepschi — 2,000
Various tribes and communes — 4,460
Nahies of Skodra, Antivari and Dulcigno — 60,400
Nahie of Alessio — 4,950
Total for the Pashalik — 164,302

Southern Ghegs (El-Bassan, Tirana, etc.) — 280,000
Ghegs of Rascia and Morava — 70,000
Tosks (Epirus, Thessaly, Central Albania) — 750,000
Various colonies — 45,000
Grand Total — 1,309,302

This figure is much lower than those given up to now, notably by Messrs. Boué and Ubicini who put it at 1,400,000 and 1,600,000 souls; however we have been able to convince ourselves that it is rather exaggerated than too low. […]

Right Column (German original):

In the north we mention the beautiful village “Arnaut-köi” near Trnova, which is inhabited by Arnautic farmers with Greek language and religion, and the village of Volkonesti in Bessarabia. The Albanians of Volkonesti speak Turkish or Skipetar, but are Greek Christians and call themselves “Gagheutz” (Ghegen).

The Albanians are divided into tribes (phis or pharés). The Tosks are subject to the Porte just like the southern Ghegs; all the northern tribes, however, enjoy a certain independence, de facto or by right. The Catholic Albanians of the mountains govern themselves as they wish and have a “vekil” (representative) with the Pasha of Skodra or Skutari. The most important divisions are the Mirdites, followed by the Dukagins, then the Pulati (forest dwellers); finally comes a group of divisions among which the Klementi occupy the first rank, although they have split into subdivisions as their numbers have grown. In the military they serve preferably as Bashi-bazouks or irregular cavalry and can provide 15,000 men.

The Albanian population of European Turkey in detail is as follows:

Ghegen (according to Hecquard’s data on the Pashalik of Skodra)
Mirditen — 21,800
Dukaginen — 6,800
Matia — 6,750
Pulati — 6,412
Posripa — 6,700
Klementi — 4,000
Schkrell — 4,280
Kastrati — 4,600
Hotti — 4,500
Zadrima — 18,000
Kopliki — 4,050
Grudi — 3,000
Rioli — 1,600
Trepschi — 2,000
Various tribes and communities — 4,460
Nahije of Skodra, Antivari and Dulcigno — 60,400
Nahije of Alessio — 4,950
Total for the Pashalik — 164,302

Southern Ghegen (in El-Bassan, Tirana, etc.) — 280,000
Ghegen on the Rascia and Morava — 70,000
Tosken (in Epirus, Thessaly, Central Albania) — 750,000
Various colonies — 45,000
Total — 1,309,302

This number falls far short of previous estimates, especially those of Messrs. Boué and Ubicini, who estimated it at 1,400,000 and 1,600,000; however, we have been able to convince ourselves that it is rather too high than too low. […]

Source

Victor de Lejean’s Ethnographie de la Turquie d’Europe. 1860, by French consul Mr. Hecquard on the Albanian tribes in the Ottoman Empire.