yatagan inscription for translation

Dom · 14th July 2008, 03:28 PM

Thanks Zifir for your help

à +

Dom

Valjhun · 14th July 2008, 07:19 PM

Zifir? Have you translated the inscription on my yataghan or Henks' one?

Henk · 15th July 2008, 09:04 AM

Valjhun,

I believe Zifir completed the translation on your yataghan. Great job!

I wait ancious till Dom returns, but maybe Zifir could help on my inscription as well.

Zifir · 15th July 2008, 10:02 AM

Valjhun, it was your yatağan that I translated.

Henk,
At first, the inscription on your yatağan seemed all gibbersih but then I recognized the formula which I translated in one of my earlier posts.

It is:

Yemliha, Mekselina, Mislina, Mernuş, Debernuş, Şazenuş, Kefeştatayuş, Kıtmir

These are the names of Ashab-i Keyf (Seven Sleepers) and their dog.

Still I don't have any clue about why they put these names on a yatağan.

Best,

Henk · 15th July 2008, 11:10 AM

Zifir,

Thank you so much for your efforts. I already asked so many people for a translation or the meaning of this writing. Even someone who spoke Farsi and the old turkish language was not able to help me out.
I do know the story of the Seven Sleepers in the cave near Ephesus. Don't have an explanation either why the names of these Sleepers are written on my yataghan. But the legend is mythical.

Çok teşekür ederim, Zifir.

TVV · 15th July 2008, 04:30 PM

I have asked a Bulgarian scientist, who studies symbolism on Balkan weapons about the significance of the Seven Sleepers inscriptions on yatagans. She explained it to me quite well, and here is my very poor attempt at a summary:
Even though it was originally a Christian legend, the tale of the seven sleepers was adopted by Muslims as well. On the surface, the legend is about strength of faith. It could also be an alegory of death and salvation. When a person dies, he goes to sleep, only to be awakened by the Almighty. Therefore, if the owner of the yatagan dies in battle, he can expect to be saved by Allah and enter Paradise. This ties in well with the concept of martyrdom.
I am not sure if this is the correct explanation, but it makes a lot of sense to me.

Best regards,
Teodor

Henk · 15th July 2008, 07:04 PM

Teodor, it certainly makes sense.
If it is like you said the correct explanation, i certainly can imagine something why these names are put on this yataghan.
Very interesting subject. Thanks again.

14th July 2008, 03:28 PM	#1
Dom Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Paris (FR*) Cairo (EG) Posts: 1,142	Thanks Zifir for your help à + Dom

14th July 2008, 07:19 PM	#2
Valjhun Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 692	Zifir? Have you translated the inscription on my yataghan or Henks' one?

15th July 2008, 09:04 AM	#3
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Valjhun, I believe Zifir completed the translation on your yataghan. Great job! I wait ancious till Dom returns, but maybe Zifir could help on my inscription as well.

15th July 2008, 10:02 AM	#4
Zifir Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Istanbul Posts: 228	Valjhun, it was your yatağan that I translated. Henk, At first, the inscription on your yatağan seemed all gibbersih but then I recognized the formula which I translated in one of my earlier posts. It is: Yemliha, Mekselina, Mislina, Mernuş, Debernuş, Şazenuş, Kefeştatayuş, Kıtmir These are the names of Ashab-i Keyf (Seven Sleepers) and their dog. Still I don't have any clue about why they put these names on a yatağan. Best,

15th July 2008, 11:10 AM	#5
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Zifir, Thank you so much for your efforts. I already asked so many people for a translation or the meaning of this writing. Even someone who spoke Farsi and the old turkish language was not able to help me out. I do know the story of the Seven Sleepers in the cave near Ephesus. Don't have an explanation either why the names of these Sleepers are written on my yataghan. But the legend is mythical. Çok teşekür ederim, Zifir.

15th July 2008, 04:30 PM	#6
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,660	I have asked a Bulgarian scientist, who studies symbolism on Balkan weapons about the significance of the Seven Sleepers inscriptions on yatagans. She explained it to me quite well, and here is my very poor attempt at a summary: Even though it was originally a Christian legend, the tale of the seven sleepers was adopted by Muslims as well. On the surface, the legend is about strength of faith. It could also be an alegory of death and salvation. When a person dies, he goes to sleep, only to be awakened by the Almighty. Therefore, if the owner of the yatagan dies in battle, he can expect to be saved by Allah and enter Paradise. This ties in well with the concept of martyrdom. I am not sure if this is the correct explanation, but it makes a lot of sense to me. Best regards, Teodor

15th July 2008, 07:04 PM	#7
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Teodor, it certainly makes sense. If it is like you said the correct explanation, i certainly can imagine something why these names are put on this yataghan. Very interesting subject. Thanks again.