Afghan lohars in Istambul grand bazar

ariel · 2nd September 2011, 12:20 AM

Once upon a time, the question of lohars' use came up on a Russian weapon forum.
Some Russian veterans of the Afghan War mentioned that lohars were widely ( and exclusively) used as bazaar implements to split large cones of sugar, apparently the form in which it was produced and sold there. Rather pedestrian, isn't it? Way less sexy than battle horses' legs cutters, mountaineers' picks, or folding battle axes we were so accustomed to romanticize about.....

Since Lohars over there are a caste of wandering blacksmiths, the custom of every male making an implement might be viewed simply as a kind of "graduation exam" to become a full-fledged member of the guild. After that... tea, anyone? One piece of sugar or two?

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a very disappointing place weapon-wise. Knowledgeable friends of mine took me to the weapon stores there, but they had only overpriced junk or mass-produced fakes. The prices are ourtageous even for a rarely-encountered rusty and broken, but real, end of the 19th century, yataghans. The same is true for the Turkish equivalent of e-bay. Perhaps, there are secret antique shops with a good stuff, but I dread to think about the price tags.

The food is great, though.

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2nd September 2011, 12:20 AM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Once upon a time, the question of lohars' use came up on a Russian weapon forum. Some Russian veterans of the Afghan War mentioned that lohars were widely ( and exclusively) used as bazaar implements to split large cones of sugar, apparently the form in which it was produced and sold there. Rather pedestrian, isn't it? Way less sexy than battle horses' legs cutters, mountaineers' picks, or folding battle axes we were so accustomed to romanticize about..... Since Lohars over there are a caste of wandering blacksmiths, the custom of every male making an implement might be viewed simply as a kind of "graduation exam" to become a full-fledged member of the guild. After that... tea, anyone? One piece of sugar or two? Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a very disappointing place weapon-wise. Knowledgeable friends of mine took me to the weapon stores there, but they had only overpriced junk or mass-produced fakes. The prices are ourtageous even for a rarely-encountered rusty and broken, but real, end of the 19th century, yataghans. The same is true for the Turkish equivalent of e-bay. Perhaps, there are secret antique shops with a good stuff, but I dread to think about the price tags. The food is great, though.