![]() ![]() These were thought to ward off the evil eye.Ĥ) Pulwar The pulwar sword’s unique quillions set it apart from other scimitars. The kilij pictured above has an elaborate design featuring inscriptions and large stones. Britain and France especially preferred the kilij for their cavalries. The curved blade was shortened in the 18th century and adopted by European militaries. The kilij is a single handed, single edged sword that was first developed in the medieval period. The kilij is another type of scimitar with Turkish associations. ![]() Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons This sword has a fully bejeweled hilt and gold details on the blade. The shamshir took on its current form by the 16th century.īladesmiths traditionally crafted the shamshir using Damascus or pattern welded steel, but this is not a necessary feature for characterization.ģ) Kilij An ornate example of a kilij. It developed into its true form in the 12th century from earlier sword styles. The shamshir is a Persian sword with a very distinct blade curve. The curve of the blade varies from type to type. They are full-sized swords that have curved blades. While the scimitar is the most well-known sword of Middle Eastern origins, it is actually not a single type of sword.Īll scimitars do possess a few shared characteristics. The shamshir is one of several types of swords in the “scimitar” sword family. Its lobed guard is similar in design and intent as the European bollock dagger of the Middle Ages.Ģ) Shamshir The shamshir is just one of several types of scimitar swords. This dagger measured an average of 40-60 centimeters or 14-18 inches and was double edged. ![]() The acinaces originated in the greater Mediterranean region and was used by the Medes, Persians, and Caspians. The first blade on our list dates to the 1st century BC. Silar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons It is important to remember that while most of the photos included in this article are of highly decorative blades, most of the swords crafted and used in the Middle East both historically and today are much simpler in design.ġ) Acinaces The ancient acinaces dagger had a wide blade and similar design to a European bollock dagger. Of course, the most decorative swords and daggers were typically worn and used by the elite of society. Common patterns include flowers, animals, and Islamic iconography. Gold and silver are common materials found on Middle Eastern hilts and scabbards. While not all blades will have the same design techniques, many possess Damascus steel blades, etching, gilding, inlay, and jewel settings. Middle Eastern and Islamic swords and daggers possess unique characteristics that set them apart from other blades. Unknown authorUnknown author, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons A scimitar, one of the most recognizable categories of Middle Eastern swords. The following swords and daggers developed during the distinct but oftentimes overlapping periods of Mamluk, Ottoman, and Mughal influences. The swords and daggers listed in this article are characteristic of areas that have a long history of Islam as the major religion. The Middle East is one geographic area where the sword has been especially influential to the history and culture of its peoples.Įxperts distinguish “Middle Eastern” blades by their shared history and the influence of the Islamic faith on their design. Hence it “fools” your opponent into attacking.Swords and daggers are two of the most widespread weapons in world history. This guard gives the appearance that you are open to attack.
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