Ferik: The History and Usage of the Military Rank
In the complex hierarchy of military leadership, certain titles carry deep historical and linguistic significance. One such rank is Ferik (Arabic: فريق, romanized as Fariq), a high-level officer rank utilized across various Arab nations and formerly within the Ottoman Armed Forces. Depending on the era and the specific branch of service, this rank represents a critical tier of senior command.
Key Facts
- Current Equivalence: Generally corresponds to Lieutenant General, Vice Admiral, or Air Marshal.
- Hierarchy: Typically positioned below Fariq 'awal and above Liwa.
- Ottoman Origin: Formerly used in the Ottoman and pre-1935 Turkish armies.
- Turkish Transition: Replaced by the terms Korgeneral (Army) and Koramiral (Navy) in 1935.
The Ottoman and Turkish Legacy
The rank of Ferik played a significant role in the Ottoman Armed Forces. In the Ottoman and pre-1935 Turkish Army, it was positioned as a junior rank to the Birinci Ferîk (or Ferîk-i Evvel), which is equivalent to a Lieutenant General, and superior to the Mirliva, which corresponds to a Brigade General.
During the early years of the Turkish Republic, the visual identification of a Ferîk was distinct. The cap (used until 1933) and the collar marks—which later transitioned to shoulder marks—featured three stripes and two stars.
The transition away from this terminology occurred in the mid-1930s. On November 26, 1934, the rank of Ferîk was officially abolished under Article 3 of Law No. 2590, the Law on the Abolition of Nicknames and Titles. Shortly after, on April 9, 1935, Decree No. 2295 established new designations: Korgeneral for Army officers and Koramiral for Navy officers.
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Modern Usage in Arab Nations
While the term evolved in Turkey, the rank of Fariq remains a staple in the militaries of many Arabophone countries. In contemporary contexts, the rank is typically equivalent to the high-level Anglophone ranks of lieutenant general, vice admiral, or air marshal, depending on whether the officer serves in the army, navy, or air force.
In the standard hierarchy of these nations, Fariq usually sits below the rank of Fariq 'awal and above the rank of Liwa.
| Context/Service | Equivalent Rank | Relative Position |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Arab Armies | Lieutenant General | Below Fariq 'awal / Above Liwa |
| Modern Arab Navies | Vice Admiral | Below Fariq 'awal / Above Liwa |
| Modern Arab Air Forces | Air Marshal | Below Fariq 'awal / Above Liwa |
| Ottoman Army | Corps General | Below Birinci Ferîk / Above Mirliva |
| Modern Turkish Army | Korgeneral | Established 1935 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the modern English equivalent of the rank Fariq?
Depending on the military branch, Fariq is generally equivalent to a lieutenant general (Army), a vice admiral (Navy), or an air marshal (Air Force).
Where does Fariq sit in the military hierarchy?
In most Arab nations, the rank of Fariq is positioned above the rank of Liwa and below the rank of Fariq 'awal.
Why is the rank no longer used in Turkey?
The rank was abolished on November 26, 1934, by Law No. 2590, which sought to remove various nicknames and titles. It was replaced in 1935 by the terms Korgeneral and Koramiral.
What were the insignia for a Ferîk in the early Turkish Republic?
Until 1933, the cap and collar marks (later shoulder marks) of a Ferîk were characterized by three stripes and two stars.
How did the Ottoman Ferîk rank differ from the Birinci Ferîk?
The Ferîk was junior to the Birinci Ferîk (or Ferîk-i Evvel), which served as the higher Lieutenant General rank in the Ottoman system.