Shala (tribe)
Coordinates: 42°19′N 19°47′E / 42.317°N 19.783°E
Shala is a tribe and historical region of northern Albania in the valley of the river Shalë, in the Dukagjin highlands. It was first mentioned in 1634, and oral tradition and archaeology confirms that their ancestors immigrated to the valley. At the end of the 19th century the tribe was Catholic and had ca. 3,000 members. Today, descendants are widespread in Kosovo.
The tribal region is situated in northern Albania, in the valley of the river Shalë, north of the Drin and south of Theth, in the Dukagjin highlands.
The Shala tribe is either divided into four bajraks: Theth, Pecaj, Lothaj and Lekaj, or three bajraks: Shala, Gemaj and Theth, the latter two considered tribes in their own right.
The Shala name was recorded for the first time in Italian in 1634 as "Sciala". Results of historical and archaeological research confirm the claim of oral histories that ancestors of Shala came to the valley several centuries ago. The religion of the tribe was Catholic while the tribe had around 3,000 members at the end of 19th century.
Shala tribe was in conflict with Gashi tribe until they made peace in August 1879, based on sultan's order.
In 1910 Shala tribe joined the Albanian revolt of 1910 and with some other tribes fought against Ottoman forces attempting to reach Shkodër. 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.
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