Origins of Shepherds' Knives and Karakulaks

ariel · 30th June 2021, 10:12 PM

Another potential source of “ karakulaks” is Crimean Khanate, either directly ( they are close) or thru the Ottomans. There are archeological findings in and around Crimea of yataghan-like blades of 12-14 centuries. At the end of 15 century ( more precisely 1475) there was an invasion of Crimea by the Ottomans to put their chosen khan on the throne.

Literally, within the next 40 years we get absolute copies of these blades on the “Royal” yataghans with the handles very similar to the Crimean examples. Let’s not forget that Crimean Khans were direct descendants of Chingiz Khan and as such were venerated by the Ottomans to the point that a Crimean Khan was supposed to take the Ottoman throne in case of no direct Ottoman heir. The last Khan, Shahin Girey was sent by the Ottoman to Rhodes, accused for trying to become a Sultan and executed.

Then , from the Royal examples yataghans diffused down first to the janissaries and then all over, but this time with eared pommels. Why eared ? I have a very fantasy- sounding theory with a lot of conjectures, but let me think about it some more.

30th June 2021, 10:12 PM	#22
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Another potential source of “ karakulaks” is Crimean Khanate, either directly ( they are close) or thru the Ottomans. There are archeological findings in and around Crimea of yataghan-like blades of 12-14 centuries. At the end of 15 century ( more precisely 1475) there was an invasion of Crimea by the Ottomans to put their chosen khan on the throne. Literally, within the next 40 years we get absolute copies of these blades on the “Royal” yataghans with the handles very similar to the Crimean examples. Let’s not forget that Crimean Khans were direct descendants of Chingiz Khan and as such were venerated by the Ottomans to the point that a Crimean Khan was supposed to take the Ottoman throne in case of no direct Ottoman heir. The last Khan, Shahin Girey was sent by the Ottoman to Rhodes, accused for trying to become a Sultan and executed. Then , from the Royal examples yataghans diffused down first to the janissaries and then all over, but this time with eared pommels. Why eared ? I have a very fantasy- sounding theory with a lot of conjectures, but let me think about it some more.