# Siege of Scutari (1787)

The Siege of Scutari (Albanian: "Rrethimi i Shkodrës" Turkish: "Üsküdar Kuşatması") was a siege by the Ottoman Empire in the Capital of the Pashalik of Scutari to overthrow Kara Mahmud Pasha and to end the First Scutari-Ottoman War.

## Background

During potential Ottoman conflicts with Austria and Russia, Kara Mahmud rebelled against Ottoman authority, causing turmoil in the western territories. The governor of Shkodra reinforced his control, extending his influence even to Manastir. Reports indicate Mahmud challenged the governor of Rumelia and seized funds meant for Belgrade's Janissary troops.
The dysfunctional Ottoman judiciary system and corruption among judges contributed to Kara Mahmud's rise. He presented himself as an authoritative figure to restore order, gaining support against disruptive notables. Kara Mahmud's interference in Bosnia, where he replaced officials with his puppets, created a crisis for the Sublime Porte. Alliance with the Pasha of Berat and Ahmed Kurt Pasha, expanded the influence of the Bushatlis. Despite the Ottoman government's desire to punish Mahmud, resource constraints and his autonomous rule hindered action. The passive stance continued until the end of 1785, prompting the Bushatlis to prepare for the impending confrontation.

## Lead up

Kara Mahmud Pasha had numerous battles before the start of the siege. During his campaigns he defeated the Ottomans twice in Kosovo, once in Macedonia, and once in Bosnia. As a result, the Ottomans started their offensive, which the siege was a part of. Part of the counter-offensive was also the campaigns of Ali Pasha of Tepelena and the Revolt in Ulqini.

## Siege

The Ottomans gathered 30,000 to 60,000 men under the command of Aydoslu Mehmed Pasha of Rumelia, Selim Pasha of Bosnia, and Ali Pasha of Yanina to besiege the Rozafa castle, where Kara Mahmud Pasha took refuge with 60 to 200 of his soldiers. During the siege, the defending Albanians attempted to break the siege by launching several attacks on the Ottoman armies that had surrounded the castle from all sides. Rozafa endured the bombardment by Turkish artillery for a staggering 80 days. However, on November 25, 1787, Kara Mahmud feigned submission, left the fortress with his loyal followers, and along the way, seized the imperial artillery, which was then turned against the Ottomans. His lurking army and his Malsor allies quickly gathered, ambushing the fleeing Pashas, resulting in a humiliating defeat for the Ottoman troops. Furthermore, all Turkish garrisons in Albania were individually attacked and defeated. Selim Pasha, the Wali of Bosnia, who had been on his way to retreat with 15,000 Bosniaks, was simultaneously dealt a significant blow by the Hoti tribe and was killed in battle. Mehmed Pasha Qausholli suffered a similar fate, when Shkodran Malsors, allied to Kara Mahmud, captured him in battle and decapitated him. Overall, the Ottomans lost around 6,000 men.

## Aftermath

Following the victory of Kara Mahmud Pasha in the siege of Scutari, Kara Mahmud faced a challenging turn of events as the Sublime Porte perceived him as a threat. Consequently, they deemed it imperative to eliminate him at any cost. In December, the central government demanded the handover of the Bushatlis from the people of Scutari, threatening severe consequences if not complied with. While military force wasn't immediately employed in Shkodra, the Sublime Porte imposed an economic blockade on all commercial activities and issued arrest decrees for Shkodran merchants attempting trade in other regions. Mustafa Pasha of Toptanis, who was given the title of Pasha, became the executor of these measures, extending his control over central Albania.