Shala (tribe)
Shala is a tribe and region of northern Albania in the valley of the river Shalë.[1] Results of historical and archaeological research confirm the claim of oral histories that ancestors of Shala came to the valley several centuries ago.[2] Shala are considered as related to Kuči tribe because their ancestors came to Albania from the region of Kuči (modern day Montenegro).[3] In fact the origin of the name is derived from another Albanian language word (Albanian: shalës, shalësinë), meaning infertile land. The religion of the tribe was Catholic while the tribe had around 3,000 members at the end of 19th century.[4]
According to a legend they share a common ancestor with Shoshi and Mirdita (from three brothers, one who had saddle (Albanian: shalë), second had sieve (Albanian: shoshë) and third who had nothing wished to his brothers to have a good-day (Albanian: mirëdita)).[5] The religion of the tribe was Catholic while the tribe had around 3,000 members at the end of 19th century.[4]
Members of Shala tribe were very skillful in irrigation.[6] Branislav Nušić recorded that Shala was the poorest tribe of Albania with only small exception of around 400 families who lived in village Istinić, near Deçan.[7] Shala tribe was in conflict with Gashi tribe until they made peace in August 1879, based on sultan's order.[8]
In 1910 Shala tribe joined the Albanian revolt of 1910 and with some other tribes fought against Ottoman forces attempting to reach Shkodër.[9] In 1913 Shala tribe joined Montenegrin forces during the Siege of Scutari. When Montenegrin forces began to disarm them after the city was captured, Shala tribe rebelled.[10]
In 1926 Shala and Shoshi tribe again rebelled but this rebellion was suppressed by the gendarmes led by Muharrem Bajraktari and fighters from Dibra and Mat.[11] After World War II, the communists forced nationalist forces of Albania to retreat to Shala which they controlled throughout 1945 and 1946.[12]
See also
- Shalë municipality covered by the tribe
- Shala (surname)
- List of tribes of Albania
References
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