Yataghan inscription

[eftihis]

This ottoman short silver yataghan has inscriptions in both sides. A small one on the side of armourers mark, and a long inscription on the other side. In addition, it seems there are some letters on the handle also.I would be gratefull for a translation.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Maybe a date 1211 equating to 1796/7 A.D.
Regards,
Norman.

[eftihis]

Thank you Norman! I forgot there is also an inscription on the silverwork on the scabbard.

[Kubur]

This is a beautifull piece my friend!
I have a similar armourer mark on an Algerian yataghan...
I love the Turkish coat of arms, the citadel and mosques.
A bit strange are the two lions, around the acropolis??? I have the same lions on a Greek palaska...
Maybe a Greek yataghan

[Battara]

On one side of the blade is what I think is a bismillah, one of the names of Allah.

[mariusgmioc]

Very beautiful and interesting example!

The date "1211" is quite clear and it seems to be correct for the style and condition of the sword.

The decorations on the hilt and scabbard appear more Greek/Balkans to my eyes, but this is just an opinion.

As I said it before, skills, styles and smiths travelled freely within the Ottoman Empire and you had Turkish smiths working in Greece and in the Balkans and Greek smiths working in Turkey.

PS: Norman, I think it may be helpful to post a detailed photo of the writing on the hilt. Maybe Kwiatek or a more knowledgeable colleague can translate it.

[kwiatek]

Sorry for long delay in replying. This is a variation on a very common inscription on yataghans. It has one spelling mistake

بچاق الده سرک [گرک] دلده یا سبحان سنه ۱۲۱۱

bıçak elde gerek dilde ya sübhân sene 1211

'In one's hand should be the knife, on one's tongue "O Exalted!" Year 1211 (1796-7)'

In the roundel is the phrase mashallah ("What God has willed")

[eftihis]

Thank you very much!!!