Kariofili
| Kariofili | |
|---|---|
 Flintlock kariofili | |
| Type | Musket |
| Service history | |
| In service | 18th century to early 20th century |
| Used by | Greece |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 18th to mid 19th century |
| Specifications | |
| Barrel length | 30–44 inches |
| Caliber | .55–.80 |
| Action | Flintlock or Caplock (conversion) |
The kariofili (Greek: καριοφίλι), also spelled kariophili, was a smoothbore musket[1] produced and used throughout Greece and its neighbouring territories within the Ottoman Empire from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. A symbol of resistance and status, it was the characteristic arm of the klephts and armatoles,[2] and played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence.
Etymology
[edit]The origin of the name kariofili is uncertain. A common folk etymology suggests it is a Hellenized corruption of the Italian phrase "Carlo e Figli" (Carlo and Sons), implying the guns were based on those from a known Italian gunsmithing family. However, historical research has not identified any Italian gunmakers named "Carlo & Figli" operating in the relevant period, casting doubt on this theory.[3] Alternative theories propose the name may derive from the Turkish word karanfil (meaning carnation, and later a term for a rifled gun), which also influenced the Slavic name Karanfilka.[4]
Design and features
[edit]The stock was typically covered in sheets of brass, silver,[5][6] or iron, often covering the entire wrist and butt area. It curves upward sharply in a manner similar to the Afghan Jezail but ends in a distinctive, ornate fork or fishtail shape.[1] Most used exported flintlocks from Italy,[7] France, and Germany; many were later converted to percussion. Some examples have been found converted to the Berdan and Gras breechloading systems. Though predominantly made with Italian smoothbore barrels from Brescia,[8] examples with Turkish rifled barrels are known.[3] Many specimens are highly personalized, featuring engraved decorations, and often inscribed with the date, place of manufacture, or the owner's name on the left side of the stock.[3][9]
Regional variations
[edit]Significant regional variations existed. In Macedonia, a distinct style known as the Makedonka (Μακεδόνκα) was produced, characterized by its butt inlaid with alternating layers of walrus ivory and wood.[1] A variant utilizing a miquelet lock was produced in the Balkans and known by the name Rašak;[10] these seldom have a trigger guard.
Historical context and use
[edit]Its most famous period of use was during the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829), where it was wielded by revolutionary forces and became a symbol of identity for fighting against Ottoman rule.[6] Its use continued in more remote areas of the Balkans well into the early 20th century before being finally supplanted by modern, breech-loading rifles, such as the Gras and Mannlicher.
Gallery
[edit]
Gilded stocked kariofili
Greek armatoles
Shouldering and aiming a kariofili
Illustration of klephts
Flintlock kariofili with sling
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Astvatsaturyan, E.G. (2002). Турецкое Оружие [Turkish Weapons] (in Russian). Атлант. ISBN 5-901555-10-4.
- ↑ Russell, Quentin & Eugenia (2017). Ali Pasha, Lion of Ioannina The Remarkable Life of the Balkan Napoleon. Pen & Sword Books. ISBN 978-1-4738-7722-1.
- 1 2 3 Elgood, Robert (2009). The Arms of Greece and Her Balkan Neighbours in the Ottoman Period. Thames & Hudson. ISBN 978-0500251577.
- ↑ Daskalov, Nikola (1989). Weaponry of the Past (in Bulgarian). Sofia Press.
- ↑ Pouqueville, François Charles Hugues Laurent (1820). Travels in Epirus, Albania, Macedonia, and Thessaly. R. Phillips.
- 1 2 Mazower, Mark (2021). The Greek Revolution 1821 and the Making of Modern Europe. Penguin Books Limited. ISBN 9780141978758.
- ↑ Morana, Giovanni Antonio Maria (1816). Saggio delli commerciali rapporti dei Veneziani colle ottomane scale di Durazzo ed Albania e con quelle d'Aleppo, Siria e Palestina. Andreola.
- ↑ Cominassi, Marco (1861). Cenni sulla fabbrica d'armi in Gardone Valtrompia cui fra il martello e la lima (in Italian). Biblioteca di Cremona.
- ↑ Provatakēs, Theocharēs Mich (1980). Monastery of Arkadi History, Art, Traditions. Graphic Arts, of Michalis Toubis.
- ↑ Curčić, Vejsil (1926). Starinsko Oružje [Antique Weapons] (PDF) (in Bosnian). Sarajevo: Državna Štamparija.
Sources
[edit]- Astvatsaturyan, E.G. Турецкое Оружие 2002
- Elgood, Robert. Firearms of the Islamic World in the Tareg Rajab Museum, Kuwait 1995
- Elgood, Robert. The Arms of Greece and her Balkan Neighbours in the Ottoman Period 2009
