Mazreku

Mazreku (archaic forms: Masarecu, Masareccu, Meserechus, Mânzaraku, Mazaraki or Mazarek) is an Albanian tribe[1] or fis from the Dukagjin highlands.

Historically they were one of the most widespread tribes, and placenames related to them are found throughout Albania: examples include Mazrek of Shkodër, Mazrek in Tiranë , Mazrek in Prizren and Mazarać in Vladičin Han.

The name Mazrek(u), which means "horse breeder" in Albanian, is found throughout all Albanian regions.

[2] Furthermore, the name relates to the Albanian word mëz - maz ('foal'), deriving from the Proto-Albanian *mandja and cognates to the Messapic word *menza ('foal').

[3] Another Albanian tribe called the Mazreku lived in Epirus during the Middle Ages.