First Scutari-Berat War

The First Scutari-Berat War was a military conflict between the Pashalik of Scutari under Kara Mahmud Pasha against the Pashalik of Berat under Ahmet Kurt Pasha.

First Scutari-Berat War
DateUnknown–13 April 1780
Location
Result

Inconclusive

  • Coalition under Ahmet Kurt Pasha fails to overthrow Kara Mahmud Pasha from power in Shkodër
Belligerents
Pashalik of Scutari Pashalik of Berat
Commanders and leaders
Kara Mahmud Pasha
Suleiman Beg
Ibrahim Beg Surrendered
Ahmet Kurt Pasha
Suleiman Pasha
Strength
6,000 (at the start)
6,000 (in 1779)
In total: 12,000 troops
8,000

Background

In 1775, Mahmud led an Army against Ahmet Kurt Pasha and defeated him on behalf of his father Mehmed. The Conflict between Ahmet Kurt Pasha and Mehmed Pasha Bushati was caused by Ahmet's interest to take possession of the wealthy region of Durrës.[1]

War

Initial Escalation and Regional Conflict

After Mahmud's appointment as Pasha, he and Ahmet began arresting each other's merchants, signaling the onset of a regional power struggle. Mahmud's response included arresting merchants from Tirana and Kruja who were trading livestock in Shkodra.

Tactical Maneuvers and Alliances

Mahmud initially avoided direct military confrontation with Ahmet and instead aimed to weaken his influence by eliminating his allies. Anarchy ensued, with Mahmud's father-in-law Ibrahim Beg leading a revolt against Ahmet in Tirana. Mahmud supported Ibrahim Beg's forces with an army, leading to the recapture of Tirana and escalating the conflict into a full-fledged civil war. At the same time Ahmet Kurt Pasha was dismissed as the governor of the Vlorë and Durrës districts.

Central Albania conflict

Mahmud capitalized on the chaos and entered Central Albania with 6,000 troops. He captured Kavaja and installed a puppet governor, extending Shkodran influence. Mahmud's next target was Kruja, where he aimed to neutralize the Toptani family, viewed as a local threat. While Mahmud raided Kruja, he refrained from attacking the Toptani castle, fearing a conflict with the central government.

Coalition and Attempted Overthrow

Ahmet Kurt Pasha orchestrated a coalition of local Albanian pashas, including the Toptani family, Suleiman Pasha of Elbasan, and others. Their aim was to recapture lost land and eliminate Mahmud by launching a large military campaign. The coalition's initial target was Kavaja, defended by Suleiman Beg's forces, which valiantly resisted the assault for 20 days.

Central Government Intervention

Despite the coalition's efforts, Mahmud's position was reinforced by central government intervention. A Tatar from the center informed the parties that Mahmud was forgiven for past actions, and administrative appointments were reshuffled. Mahmud was appointed governor of the Shkodra and Dukagjini districts, solidifying his influence in the region.

Aftermath

In June 1780, Mahmud and Ahmet Kurt Pasha were again in conflict over the control of the tax-farming of Durrës and its port, which was one of the primary Ottoman ports on the Adriatic.

References

  1. "PASHALLËQET E MËDHA SHQIPTARE" [THE GREAT ALBANIAN PASHALAKS]. historia.shqiperia.com (in Albanian). Retrieved 2023-08-17.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.