Qarqafti

Qarqafti is a term with historical significance, primarily associated with naval activities and conflict in the Mediterranean region, specifically during the medieval period. It generally refers to a type of warship or a heavily armed merchant vessel employed by North African corsairs, particularly those operating from ports along the Barbary Coast.

The qarqafti was typically larger and more robust than the smaller galleys frequently used in Mediterranean piracy. It possessed a significant number of cannons, making it a formidable adversary in naval engagements. The ship's size allowed for a large crew, enabling boarding actions and prolonged battles.

Historically, qarqaftis were known for raiding coastal settlements, capturing ships, and engaging in slave trading. They posed a major threat to European shipping and coastal communities for several centuries. The term is often found in historical accounts and documents describing the maritime conflicts and political landscape of the Mediterranean during the age of piracy.