Smiljanić family
Vlach/Morlach family from Lika, served Venice in 17th-century wars.
The Smiljanić family (Smogianich) were a Vlach/Morlach family originating from Lika, first mentioned in the 17th century. Its oldest known member, Petar Smiljanić, served as a harambaša and capo of Morlach troops in Venetian service during the Cretan War.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Lika
- First mentioned
- 17th century
- Oldest known member
- Petar Smiljanić
- Petar smiljanić's birth place
- Udbina
Facts from the source article.
History
Enver Ljubović considered the Smiljanić family related to the noble officer family Smoljan/Smoglian from Senj, recorded in the mid-16th century and serving in military units of Lika and Gacka. Petar Smiljanić, titled capo (principale), moved from Udbina to Dalmatia and was included in the troops of commander Bosichi Renesi, noted for orderly holding his horse and weapons. He became distinguished in early battles with Ottoman forces and was instrumental in the takeover of Zemunik, Novigrad, Obrovac, Nadin, and Vrana. Leonardo Foscolo named him commander of all forces in North Dalmatia. After the male line ended, the family continued through the female line: the sons of Petar's daughter Anka and a certain Mihaljević—Smoljan, Marko, and Šimun—took their mother's surname and continued the family's warfare tradition.
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