timariots and sipahis) among the Empire's Muslim communities, and especially the various local leaders who had exercised considerable regional authority and often enjoyed wide-ranging autonomy from the imperial government.

The Tanzimat reforms however; in particular the replacement of influential local leaders by Ottoman functionaries, the imposition of new taxes, the compulsory recruitment into the regular army, and the attempt to disarm the general population; caused much resentment, and led to a series of disorders throughout the western Balkan provinces in 1840–43.

In November the rebels liberated Gostivar and in January 1844, after bitter fights with the Ottoman army, they captured Kalkandelen.

In a move to disunite the rebels, the Ottoman government declared an amnesty, the abolishment of the new taxes and the postponement of the recruitment process, which would become voluntary in the future.

A promise was made by the Ottoman commander in chief Omer Pasha to the Albanians that if they handed over their arms, they would receive the same rights as the Serbs in 1830, which meant autonomy.

Bib Doda, Kepadan of Mirdita tribe in northern Albania, came with his men to aid to the Ottomans as a sign of loyalty to the Porte, playing an important role in the fights.

The capture of Dervish Cara didn't put an end to the rebellion, which continued in the areas of Dibër and Shkodër.

The Ottoman commander declared again an amnesty, the abolishment of the new taxes and the postponement of the recruitment process which would become voluntary in the future.

As a sign of appreciation for his support, Bid Doda of Mirdita was decorated and awarded an honorary sabre and pistols.

[12] The song on Hayredin Pasha remembering the Battle of Gjuricë is famous among Albanians and continues to be sung even nowadays.