Pala - translation on the blade

[TVV]

The zig-zag decoration on the brass scabbard parts also looks like a typical Balkan decorative element to me.

A lot of arms made in the Balkans at one point traveled to Syria and Egypt - seeing a pala in a Syrian context means it was used there, but does not automatically mean it was made there.

[Richard G]

Doesn't the inscription indicate that it, at least, is more likely to be Syrian than Balkan?
Regards
Richard

[Edster]

I can't say where the sword was made, but the client for the inscription was likely a Shi'a. As suggested by Richard G, the reference to Ali and the famous split blade Zulfiqar sword given to Ali by the Prophet informs this view. Shi'a are more to the east like in Iraq and Persia than in the Balkans and indeed Syria that are mostly Sunni.

Regards,
Ed

[Kubur]

Unfortunately not
Please read the following text then you will know where this pala comes from

The Bektashi Order is a Sufi order and shares much in common with other Islamic mystical movements, such as the need for an experienced spiritual guide—called a baba in Bektashi parlance — as well as the doctrine of "the four gates that must be traversed": the "Sharia" (religious law), "Tariqah" (the spiritual path), "Marifa" (true knowledge), "Haqiqah" (truth).

Bektashism is also heavily permeated with Shiite concepts, such as the marked reverence of Ali, The Twelve Imams, and the ritual commemoration of Ashurah marking the Battle of Karbala. The old Persian holiday of Nowruz is celebrated by Bektashis as Imam Ali's birthday.

The Bektashi order was widespread in the Ottoman Empire, their lodges being scattered throughout Anatolia as well as many parts of particularly the southern Balkans (especially Albania, Bulgaria, Epirus, and both Vardar Macedonia and Greek Macedonia) and also in the imperial city of Constantinople. The order had close ties with the Janissary corps, the elite infantry corp of the Ottoman Army, and therefore also became mainly associated with Anatolian and Balkan Muslims of Eastern Orthodox convert origin, mainly Albanians and northern Greeks (although most leading Bektashi babas were of southern Albanian origin). With the abolition of Janissaries, the Bektashi order was banned throughout the Ottoman Empire by Sultan Mahmud II in 1826. This decision was supported by the Sunni religious elite as well as the leaders of other, more orthodox, Sufi orders. Bektashi tekkes were closed and their dervishes were exiled. Bektashis slowly regained freedom with the coming of the Tanzimat era. After the foundation of republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk banned all Sufi orders and shut down the lodges in 1925. Consequently, the Bektashi leadership moved to Albania and established their headquarters in the city of Tirana. Among the most famous followers of Bektashi Sufism in the 19th century Balkans were Ali Pasha and Naim Frashëri.

[Edster]

Kubur,

Well done. I never know of that group.

Ed

[qusko]

Dear All

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and investigations - very helpful!
I've found the date on the blade and tried to match it with islamic digits.
For me it looks like 1248 which gives 1832

[ALEX]

Originally Posted by Kubur

Unfortunately not
Please read the following text then you will know where this pala comes from

What is the connection between the Bektashi mystical order, which was "widespread in the Ottoman Empire" or any other Sufi movements, and the subject Pala, or any arm or sword for that matter? Did Sufi dervishes make or even wear Palas?

Originally Posted by TVV

The zig-zag decoration on the brass scabbard parts also looks like a typical Balkan decorative element to me.

A lot of arms made in the Balkans at one point traveled to Syria and Egypt - seeing a pala in a Syrian context means it was used there, but does not automatically mean it was made there.

Indeed, weapons traveled throughout the vast Ottoman empire and were produced and used in different places. They did not only move from Balkans to Syria, but other way as well... especially Kilijes and Palas I would think

Similarly, the zigzag decoration was/is not typical Balkan element. It is very common Ottoman (and many other locales) technique.

[Richard G]

Kubur,
Thank you, we live and learn.
Regards
Richard