Ferik (rank)

Ferik (فريق) is a military rank used in the militaries of many Arab nations, and formerly of the Ottoman Armed Forces. Usually, it ranks below Fariq 'awal (فريق أول) and above Liwa (لواء).

Ottoman use
It was senior to a Mirliva (Brigadier General, modern Tuğgeneral in the Turkish Army) and junior to a Birinci Ferik (Lieutenant General, modern Korgeneral in the Turkish Army). Ferik was a commander of firka (Turkish Ottman: division). The collar mark (later shoulder mark) and cap of a Ferik had three stripes and two stars during the early years of the Turkish Republic. The Ottoman Army and pre-1934 Turkish Army had three general ranks (similar to the British ranking system), while the current Turkish Army has four general ranks (similar to the American ranking system), with the inclusion of General (Orgeneral) as the fourth introduced in 1934.

The title of Ferik was abolished with Act No. 2590 of 26 November 1934 on the Abolition of Titles and Appellations such as Efendi, Bey or Pasha.

Current use
The rank of Fariq is usually equivalent to the Anglophone ranks of lieutenant general, vice admiral and air marshal, depending on the service branch.