The Dharia Dagger

[kahnjar1]

Dharia is the term used to describe the long dagger which originates from the west of modern day Saudi Arabia, around the Azir/Hijaz area, and down as far as Yemen.
The word Dharia appears to come from the Arabic Dhura'eyah which translates as Arm Long Dagger. These daggers are also called Sabiki, Sabak, Sabik etc depending on the spelling. The term Wahabite is also commonly used to describe these, but any direct connection with the Wahhabi Movement except perhaps the actual geographical area is likely very co-incidental, and perhaps that this style was one used by them. To my knowledge there is no concrete proof of this. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wahhabi_movement
Styles do vary considerably but some hilt styles can be linked to actual Tribes, such as Bani Malik, Bani Qarn and Bani Shahr.

There are a few useful books available for reference and they are:
Weapons of the Islamic World--Swords and Armour
Published by King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, Riyadh
The Arms and Armour of Arabia Robert Elgood
Jambiya-Daggers from the Ancient Souks of Yemen Stephen Gracie

The Dharia was/is worn in a horizontal way across the body and the hilt is always shown to the left. The reason for this is not clear, but may have roots in the Arab culture, where the right hand is used for "clean" tasks such as eating, and the left for other less hygienic uses.

If anyone wishes to add further detail or correct the above, please do so. I have a particular interest in these daggers and am always interested in further information. Any non Forumite who wishes, can email information to sabiki@clear.net.nz

Stu