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Originally Posted by AhmedH
And in the period between 1997 and 1999, I read a lot about Arab and non-Arab swords in the period 550 to 900 CE very vigorously, and I became more and more convinced that I should compose a book about this topic; especially that during this time, I was able to come out with new findings; some of which were very important.
After finishing and succeeding in my pre-masters academic year in 2000, I insisted upon doing my masters dissertation about the Arab sword in 600-750 CE. I consulted my Imam, and acknowledged that it was he who inspired me with this great idea, and he approved, and he promised me that this dissertation will be a great composition, one day.
Please put in mind that -according- to higher education statute in Egypt, you must have finished a masters dissertation and discussed it and received your M.A. before becoming a PhD student. This is why I wanted my masters dissertation to be somewhat short and useful...so that I'd save my energy for my PhD. However, the circumstances that followed didn't go in my favor, and in the next posting, I'll inform you of what happened next.
But for the time being, I need some rest...so please give me several hours before I could resume my story. I know that the overture had been long, but I feel it was necessary that I'd tell the whole story...OK?!
Cheers!
Ahmed Helal Hussein
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Salaams AhmedH,
I view the inclusion of this work as ground breaking and very important to the field of Ethnographic Arms and Armour... and naturally to our understanding of Islamic Arms and Armour. It represents the equivalent of a researcher turning up the sword Excalibur in the Tower Armoury or the V and A Museum in London.
My reading of the treatise focuses on the very vital area of al Kindi since it was largely his work that lead to the logical sequence of proofs and theories of your detective work unveiling as has been described very nicely of this sword
hiding in plain sight Certain experts must be somewhat frustrated that they overlooked this most important sword.
In looking to Al Kindi we discover not just a great mathematician, scientist and philosopher but a veritable metallurgist. Without doubt his records of sword making and descriptions have formed the backbone of your thesis. The other supporter of Al Kindi is Colonel Doctor Zaky another of your well placed references. I am very surprised many of the other experts ... paid such lightweight attention to these two authors.
I have to say that I have reservations on a number of the other experts but that it is not my intention to criticize their inclusion. I also think the perfect balance of any paper can be thrown slightly when you have been required to reduce it. I found it very interesting that the late Mr Reinhardt was selected to throw some light on the cutting actions and probable techniques of Medieval fencing so that you were able to reverse engineer the weapon as a formidable sword against the various armour combinations.
I am still searching amongst Al Kindi writings and hope I can add more later and as I gradually get into this work. Indeed the plot thickens as I see areas of joint interest opening around the Omani Battle Sword (Sayf Yamaani) which I have placed at 751 AD.
I am sure a lot of members are delighted with your efforts and how you are fielding some searching questions so well. Very well done Ahmedh !
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.