Balkans: yataghan or khandjar?

ariel · 9th August 2009, 03:02 PM

I have seen an intriguing comment on one of the Russian historical forums ( not specifically connected to arms and armour!).
A member, an obviously serious and knowledgeable person who spent quite some time in Yugoslavia, claims that in the Balkans , the division between yataghans and khandjars does not correspond to our customary knowledge. Per this person, khandjar is bigger and heavier, while yataghan is just a big knife. Kind of 180 degrees off the usual course.
In support, he cites old local songs, where the hero takes his khandjal in both hands, talks to the locals etc.
I am still not persuaded.
Thus, I have a question, especially to out Balkan colleagues and/or experts: were Y. and K. interchangeable or at least cross-called terms?

9th August 2009, 03:02 PM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Balkans: yataghan or khandjar? I have seen an intriguing comment on one of the Russian historical forums ( not specifically connected to arms and armour!). A member, an obviously serious and knowledgeable person who spent quite some time in Yugoslavia, claims that in the Balkans , the division between yataghans and khandjars does not correspond to our customary knowledge. Per this person, khandjar is bigger and heavier, while yataghan is just a big knife. Kind of 180 degrees off the usual course. In support, he cites old local songs, where the hero takes his khandjal in both hands, talks to the locals etc. I am still not persuaded. Thus, I have a question, especially to out Balkan colleagues and/or experts: were Y. and K. interchangeable or at least cross-called terms?