An Ottoman Yataghan That Landed Far Away From Home

Oliver Pinchot · 8th May 2019, 05:16 PM

Charles is right, it's an Ottoman sword which was remounted somewhere in SEA. The Ottoman parts comprise the blade, bolsters, tangband, locket and chape. The grips, scabbard and remaining bands are local work.
Examine the engraving on the bands: they are similar to, but distinct from, the original Ottoman parts.

The sword was most likely acquired as a complete yataghan, or one with at least a single ear intact-- otherwise, the grips wouldn't flare as they do. As these hybrids go, the aesthetic is pleasing.

CharlesS · 8th May 2019, 07:17 PM

The blade reversed for easier Arabic script translation.

Zifir · 17th May 2019, 09:03 AM

As Teodor pointed out, these are the names of seven sleepers and their dog:

"Yemliha, Mekselina, Mislina, Mernuş, Debernuş, Şazenuş, Kefeştatayuş, and Kıtmir."

They inscribed them on yatağans, believing to have talismanic powers, protecting owners from harm.

There is a chapter (Surat al-Kahf) in the Qur'an, on the miracle of seven sleepers and their dog: seven Christian men and their dog escaping from the persecution of the Romans, seeking shelter in a cave and sleeping several hundred years and waking up. References to strength of faith, divine protection of the believers, life after death and resurrection.

8th May 2019, 07:17 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	The blade reversed for easier Arabic script translation. Attached Images

8th May 2019, 05:16 PM	#1
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 465	Charles is right, it's an Ottoman sword which was remounted somewhere in SEA. The Ottoman parts comprise the blade, bolsters, tangband, locket and chape. The grips, scabbard and remaining bands are local work. Examine the engraving on the bands: they are similar to, but distinct from, the original Ottoman parts. The sword was most likely acquired as a complete yataghan, or one with at least a single ear intact-- otherwise, the grips wouldn't flare as they do. As these hybrids go, the aesthetic is pleasing.

17th May 2019, 09:03 AM	#3
Zifir Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Istanbul Posts: 228	As Teodor pointed out, these are the names of seven sleepers and their dog: "Yemliha, Mekselina, Mislina, Mernuş, Debernuş, Şazenuş, Kefeştatayuş, and Kıtmir." They inscribed them on yatağans, believing to have talismanic powers, protecting owners from harm. There is a chapter (Surat al-Kahf) in the Qur'an, on the miracle of seven sleepers and their dog: seven Christian men and their dog escaping from the persecution of the Romans, seeking shelter in a cave and sleeping several hundred years and waking up. References to strength of faith, divine protection of the believers, life after death and resurrection.