First Scutari-Berat War

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.