Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66)
ca. 1525–30
Medium
Steel, gold, ivory (walrus), silver, turquoise, pearls, rubies
Dimensions
L. 23 3/8 in. (59.3 cm); L. of blade 18 3/8 in. (46.7 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 8 oz. (691 g)
Classification
Swords
Culture
Turkish, Istanbul
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1993
Accession Number
1993.14
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite yatagan, or short sword, crafted by the renowned Ottoman armorer Ahmed Tekelü around 1525–30, hails from the glittering court of Süleyman the Magnificent (r. 1520–66). During Süleyman's reign, the Ottoman Empire reached its zenith of power and artistic splendor in Istanbul, blending military might with unparalleled luxury. As a ceremonial weapon rather than a battlefield tool, this piece exemplifies the era's fusion of functionality and opulence, reserved for elite warriors and dignitaries. Forged from high-quality steel with a sharply curved blade measuring 18⅜ inches, the yat...