Hi Ausjulius
I understand there was quite a bit of eastern Tatar, Persian and Ottoman influence throughout Eastern Europe, particualrly Hungary and Poland.
I can speak for Romania. Many sabres were of Ottoman type, and many of our volabulary for arms and armour comes from the Turks. A mace is called a "buzdugan", a Turkish word, while axe is "topor" - a cognate of the Indian "tabar" I think.
There were a few great discussion here in the past about east European arms. Forum member Michal wrote a good deal about Polish arms and armour and the hussars, and he gave a presentation at Timonium a few years ago.
As for non-European populations in Europe during the Middle Ages, consider that at the time non-European generally meant non-Christian, likely Muslim, and therefore enemy. I don't think we would many Muslim craftsmen in Europe at the time. I imagine there might have been Armenian craftsmen...Ariel, among other members knwo a gerat deal more about this.
Regards,
Emanuel
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