Mehmed Bushati ( 1768 – June 1775) was the governor of the Pashalik of Scutari and founder of the Bushatli dynasty of Shkodër

History

Sanjak of Scutari

In 1768, Mehmed Pasha became the governor of the pashalik of Scutari. In 1769 he fought in Zadrima. In 1770 he fought in Morea against Greeks and Russians, and in 1772 he and his son participated in the march on Ulcinj. He continued the Scutari pretensions over Montenegro and Brda, and planned to suppress their revolt; in early April 1774, he was in Podgorica and met with some chieftains of the northern Albanian tribes to discuss the planned operation. In 1774, in the same month of the death of Šćepan Mali, he attacked the Kuči and Bjelopavlići with 15,000 troops, but was decisively defeated and returned to Scutari. This campaign had a great impact on the Kuči tribe which was described as "destroyed".

Rivalry with Ahmet Kurt Pasha

In 1775, Mehmed's son, Kara Mahmud Pasha, led an Army against Ahmet Kurt Pasha and defeated him on behalf of his father. The conflict between Ahmet Kurt Pasha and Mehmed Pasha Bushati was caused by Ahmet's interest to take control of Durrës.

Death

Mehmed Pasha Bushati died in June 1775.

Annotations