Language: Turkish
Source: In common use

Description

The yatağan is a type of sword with a distinct recurved edge, vaguely reminiscent of the Greek kopis from which it is probably a distant relative.

The hilts often consist of two grip scales with "ears" making it look like the condyle of a bone. The grip scales can be of wood, horn, silver, or more precious materials like walrus or elephant ivory. The better yatağan feature wootz blades or pattern-welded blades with rows of twist-core also referred to as "Turkish ribbon".

These swords were in popular use throughout the Ottoman empire, with distinct regional variations in the various areas under strong Ottoman influence such as Algeria, the Balkans and the Caucasus. The yatağan was mainly associated with infantry, like the janissaries, elite infantry units that formed the Ottoman Sultan's household troops.

A fine Algerian yatağan of the  19th century.
Listed at Mandarin Mansion