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31st October 2022, 09:43 PM | #1 |
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Hello,
I know this curved daggers as Druze daggers from the Golan Heights. Many of them are made in Majdal Shams. Regards Robin |
1st November 2022, 09:18 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Mar 2006
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A Syrian Jambiyah rather than a saibriyah, I would think. Needs a bit of TLC.
The shabriyahs have a different recurved blade shape like this one of mine with a 6 in. blade: (they come in a variety of sizes too, Jordanian Camel Corps carry fairly large ones) Last edited by kronckew; 1st November 2022 at 10:52 AM. |
1st November 2022, 11:43 AM | #3 |
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Jambiya or Janbiya is a southern term. In the levant the term was not in use for such daggers which was used commonly there beyond the Druze. There are various production centers with their distinct styles; such as cylindrical hilts or more squared ones. Blade types vary as well and are imported to other cities which makes it difficult to pinpoint an actual location.
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5th November 2022, 12:47 PM | #4 |
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The common term is "khanjar" (dagger), and as Mr. Alnakkas pointed out, hard to determine exact origin. This one seems more general-Syrian rather Majdali.
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7th November 2022, 08:55 PM | #5 |
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I agree, the Syrians seem to like their hilts inlayed with rings of brightly and differently coloured stone. A bit too garish for my taste.
A Syrian khanjar: (NOT mine) similar hilt, bit better condition. |
7th November 2022, 09:22 PM | #6 |
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Location: Ireland
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Thanks all for your knowledge,
I should have the knife this week all going well and I will be able to se if any more information can be gleaned Regards Ken |
8th November 2022, 12:40 AM | #7 |
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This is a typical knife from Madjal Shams. This Druze village ( small town, really) was the exclusive producer of these knives for a very long time. In 1967, as a result of the Six Days War Israel captured the Golan Heights and four Druze villages, Madjal Shams included, fell under Israeli control.
From there on, Madjali knifemakers could not sell their knives to other Arab countries. Using this opportunity, many Syrian and Lebanese workshops were established and started producing their copies of Madjali knives. Kmaddock's knife is quite old ( my guess late 19th-early 20th century), which by definition puts it into the " Real Madjali Druze" category. Good catch! New " Madjali-like" knives are not real Druze, but Syrian/Lebanese mass produced copies. I have a short saber of the Ottoman era with European blade and fully intact Madjali handle. The only Druze sword I have ever seen. |
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