Engineering:Kariofili
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
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
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
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]
Historical context and use
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
-
Kariofili dated 1805 -
Shishane, Kariofili, Kubur, Tançica, Boyliya -
Greek Armatoles -
Rašak -
Display in Greece -
Shouldering & Aiming Kariofili -
Illustration of Klephts -
See also
- 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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Astvatsaturyan, E.G. (2002) (in ru). Турецкое Оружие. 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. https://books.google.com/books?id=UQPMDwAAQBAJ&dq=kariofili&pg=PT61.
- ↑ Nikoletseas, Michael M. (2014). The Male Totem in Klepht Poetry Parallels with the Iliad. Michael M. Nikoletseas. ISBN 9781500934729. https://books.google.com/books?id=67kuDwAAQBAJ&dq=kariofili&pg=PA82.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Elgood, Robert (2009). The Arms of Greece and Her Balkan Neighbours in the Ottoman Period. Thames & Hudson. ISBN 978-0500251577.
- ↑ Daskalov, Nikola (1989) (in bg). Weaponry of the Past. Sofia Press. https://books.google.com/books?id=zmwMAQAAIAAJ&q=sliven%20rifle.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Mazower, Mark (2021). The Greek Revolution 1821 and the Making of Modern Europe. Penguin Books Limited. ISBN 9780141978758. https://books.google.com/books?id=csYZEAAAQBAJ&dq=kariofili&pg=PP164.
- ↑ Curčić, Vejsil (1926) (in bs). STARINSKO ORUŽJE. Sarajevo: DRŽAVNA ŠTAMPARIJA. https://ognjilo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Starinsko-oruzje-Vejsil-Curcic-p.pdf.
- ↑ 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
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