By courtesy of Oriental Arms
![](images/icon_clip.gif)
![qametireshish.jpg](files/qametireshish_856.jpg)
Manoucher M. wrote: |
Before introducing the Ottoman Kilic with slender Shamshir blades, the Ottomans actually had another form of Kilic. This has a slight yelman (thanks Adam for remidning me of this).
The development 1) early kilic with slight yelman and different grip 2) Kilic with shasmhir blade 3) Wide bladed Kilic and a pronounced yelman Now this is the earliest form of Ottoman Kilic Kilic of Suleyman the Magnificent 1 |
Manoucher M. wrote: |
Hi Antonio
Good questions. Please let me start by saying that the term of Arab world is very limited. Arab world only encompasses countries which speak Arabic like all small Gulf States, Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Yemen, Algeria, Marroco, Egypt, Libya, etc. These countries speak Arabic which is a semitic language. There are other countries such as Iran, Tajikistan, North of Afghanistan where Farsi / Persian is spoken an Indo European language. The difference between the two is like Spanish and German, although there are many words borrowed from each other, sich as the case of Latin in European langauges, but a communication between the two is impossible. No need to say that Turkish is another langauge. Please note that early Islamic swords were all straight. During the crusades, Muslim forces had the same swords as their Christian foes. For seeing some wonderful examples, please check "Islamic Swords and Swordsmiths" by Dr. Ünsal. There you can also see the holy swords of Islam. Please note that with the conquest of the Middle Eastern countries by Golden Horde (Mongol forces), the Middle East came for the first time in contact with curved sabers. Mongols themselves adopted this from Turkish tribes from Asia Minor who fought against and then for them! There were still straight swords in the so-called Islamic world even after the Mongol conquest. On the horseback nothing beats a curved saber, you are agile and fast. Plus it allows for draw-cuts, a middle eastern specialty. This form as you know enchanted European military forces and the French were fasinated by them and many European armies started to introduce this form. But as you see not a Middle eastern invention, per se. Regards Manoucher |
Manoucher M. wrote: |
Hi Antonio
As far as I know there was no smithing technology among the Mongols. You are absolutly correct in saying that the Mongols relied on their bows, only after the enemy was worn and injured they attacked with lances and sabers. Lately I read that they also had heavy cavalry! (another topic I will open on the Mongols soon). They borrowed or stole this sabers and adopted them from the Turkish tribes from Asia Minor. The Parsis are the followers of the Zoroastra the Persian prophet. There are 120,000 followers of this religion in today Iran as well. The Parsis escaped to Indian and fought the Muslim forces together with Indians there. Middle Eastern swords are really marvellous. I will continue with this thread and will later introduce the straight swords from this region. They are pieces of art. All of them. Regards Manoucher |
Antonio Cejunior wrote: |
I look forward for more of your information and pictures.
|
Manoucher M. wrote: |
Please note that early Islamic swords were all straight. During the crusades, Muslim forces had the same swords as their Christian foes. For seeing some wonderful examples, please check "Islamic Swords and Swordsmiths" by Dr. Ünsal. There you can also see the holy swords of Islam. Please note that with the conquest of the Middle Eastern countries by Golden Horde (Mongol forces), the Middle East came for the first time in contact with curved sabers. Mongols themselves adopted this from Turkish tribes from Asia Minor who fought against and then for them! There were still straight swords in the so-called Islamic world even after the Mongol conquest. On the horseback nothing beats a curved saber, you are agile and fast. Plus it allows for draw-cuts, a middle eastern specialty. |