| 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.[3] However, historical research has not identified any Italian gunmakers named "Carlo & Figli" operating in the relevant period, casting doubt on this theory.[4] 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.[5]
Design and features
[edit]Stock: The stock was typically covered in engraved sheets of brass, silver,[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]
Lock: While most commonly utilizing a French-style flintlock mechanism, many were later converted to percussion systems. A variant utilizing a Miquelet lock was produced in the Balkans and known by the name Rašak.[7]
Barrel: Though predominantly smoothbore, examples with Turkish rifled barrels are known.[4]
Decoration: 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.[4][8]
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]
Makedonka
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 & Mannlicher
Gallery
[edit]-
Kariofili dated 1805 -
Shishane, Kariofili, Kubur, Tançica, Boyliya -
Greek Armatoles -
Rašak -
Display in Greece -
Shouldering & Aiming Kariofili -
Illustration of Klephts -
See also
[edit]- Shishane, another popular firearm used in the Ottoman Empire
- Tançica, Albanian long barreled musket
- Džeferdar, ornate musket from Montenegro
- Boyliya, Bulgarian musket with unique lock
- Khirimi, Caucasian miquelet musket
- Moukahla, a North African snaphaunce musket
- Jezail, Afghan rifle popularized in media
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Astvatsaturyan, E.G. (2002). Турецкое Оружие (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.
- ^ Nikoletseas, Michael M. (2014). The Male Totem in Klepht Poetry Parallels with the Iliad. Michael M. Nikoletseas. ISBN 9781500934729.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ a b Mazower, Mark (2021). The Greek Revolution 1821 and the Making of Modern Europe. Penguin Books Limited. ISBN 9780141978758.
- ^ Curčić, Vejsil (1926). STARINSKO ORUŽJE (PDF) (in Bosnian). Sarajevo: DRŽAVNA ŠTAMPARIJA.
- ^ Provatakēs, Theocharēs Mich (1980). Monastery of Arkadi History, Art, Traditions. Graphic Arts, of Michalis Toubis.
- 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