Translation Assistance with 18/19th century Ottoman Kilij

[RSWORD]

Hello. Am hoping to receive assistance with the extensive calligraphy on this Kilij which I think is circa 1750-1825. I have also included a picture of the tughra and hallmark. These marks show on the tang band, cross guard, all scabbard mounts as well as the hanging rings. These marks are very bold and quite visible so I think they were meant to be seen. I'm hoping the hallmarks and the inscriptions shed more light into this sword.

Thank you in advance.

[RSWORD]

Here are the additional inscriptions that run along the spine. Thank you again.

[Ian]

Very nice sword Rick. I look forward to hearing from our expert translators.

[Battara]

One part includes "Allah" in it, and another part says "Made in China"

[Drabant1701]

That is a great looking sword. Good wootz to. I can not read the text. But is there a date near the crossuard? Its worn but I see 1211, 1796

[kwiatek]

The upper inscription is the ubiquitous

لا فتا (فتى) الا علي لا سيف الا ذ[و] الفقار

“There is no hero but ‘Ali, no sword but Dhu’l-Fiqar”

The lower, long inscription is Qur’an 48:1-4

In the 5-pointed star is ما شاء الله

“What God wills (ma sha’a allah)”

The inscription on the other side in the cartouche next to the grip is

يا مفتح الابواب افتح لنا خير الباب

“O Opener of Doors, open for us the best of doors.”

The larger silver assay mark looks like the tughra of ‘Abdulaziz (r. 1861-76). I’d have to look at it with a magnifying glass to be completely sure. The smaller one is the sahh assay mark.

[RSWORD]

Originally Posted by Ian

Very nice sword Rick. I look forward to hearing from our expert translators.

Thank you Ian. I do as well.

[RSWORD]

Originally Posted by Battara

One part includes "Allah" in it, and another part says "Made in China"

Thank you for your partial translation Jose. Nothing wrong with an Ottoman sword with strong Chinese connections!

[RSWORD]

Originally Posted by Drabant1701

That is a great looking sword. Good wootz to. I can not read the text. But is there a date near the crossuard? Its worn but I see 1211, 1796

Hello. Yes, the wootz is clear and consistent throughout. Quite good for a kilij. Not sure about the date though.

[RSWORD]

Originally Posted by kwiatek

The upper inscription is the ubiquitous

لا فتا (فتى) الا علي لا سيف الا ذ[و] الفقار

“There is no hero but ‘Ali, no sword but Dhu’l-Fiqar”

The lower, long inscription is Qur’an 48:1-4

In the 5-pointed star is ما شاء الله

“What God wills (ma sha’a allah)”

The inscription on the other side in the cartouche next to the grip is

يا مفتح الابواب افتح لنا خير الباب

“O Opener of Doors, open for us the best of doors.”

The larger silver assay mark looks like the tughra of ‘Abdulaziz (r. 1861-76). I’d have to look at it with a magnifying glass to be completely sure. The smaller one is the sahh assay mark.

Thank you very much Kwiatek! I greatly appreciate the translation assistance. It adds tremendously to the beauty of the sword and gives insight into the original owner and the religious texts that were important to them.

[kronckew]

“There is ... no sword but Dhu’l-Fiqar” ...

Or is it? It could be read "I am Dhu’l-Fiqar." ...

It is a beauty too. Feel free to loan it to me for a few decades. I'll even let you pay the Postage.

Ref:Zulfiqar

[Ian]

Kwiatek, thank you for the translation. With regard to the 6-pointed star, can you tell us what the symbolism means? I note an "o" adjacent to each point--does this have some special significance.

Thanks,

Ian.

[kwiatek]

Pleasure.

Yes, it is a six-pointed star of course, not five as I wrote. As far as I remember it is normally associated with the Seal of Suleyman (Solomon)

[Battara]

The six pointed star is usually the "Seal of Suliman" (Solomon) which is talismanic to ward off evil influences and demons.

[Ian]

Thank you kwiatek and Battara.