The Kleptist Movement: A Social and Political Phenomenon in Greece during the Late Ottoman Period

Klephtism (Greek: κλεφτισμός, "thievery") was a social and political movement that emerged in Greece during the late Ottoman period, particularly in the 18th and early 19th centuries. It was characterized by a network of armed bands, known as klephts (Greek: κλεφτές), who operated in rural areas and engaged in various forms of banditry, such as robbery, extortion, and kidnapping for ransom.

The klephts were often seen as a form of resistance against the Ottoman authorities, who had ruled Greece since the 15th century. They were also seen as a symbol of Greek national identity and a challenge to the Ottoman Empire's authority. The movement was not limited to Greece but also existed in other parts of the Balkans, such as Bulgaria and Serbia.

Klephtism was not only a criminal activity but also a social and political phenomenon that reflected the poverty, inequality, and political instability of the time. Many klephts were peasants who had been forced into banditry due to economic hardship or political persecution. Others were former soldiers or mercenaries who had turned to crime as a way to make a living.

The movement declined in the mid-19th century with the establishment of independent Greece and the modernization of the country's economy and institutions. However, the legacy of klephtism continues to be felt in Greek popular culture, where it is often romanticized as a symbol of resistance and national identity.