Era: Ottoman Empire
Date: 16th Century
Medium: Steel, shagreen, gold
Dimensions: L. overall 37 7/8 in. (96.19 cm)
Sources: [1],[2],[3]
This blade is chiseled in relief with Koranic verses, with the surrounding areas inlaid with gold. The inscriptions refer to victory in the Holy War and to the magical powers of the biblical King Solomon (Süleyman). It seems probable that this unique blade was made for the Ottoman Sultan Süleyman I (r. 1520–66). The guard is chiseled with gold-damascened flowers and was formerly inlaid with rubies. The grip, covered with fish skin dyed green, is a later replacement.
