Yatagan
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The yatagan, yataghan, or ataghan, also called varsak,, after the Turkish Varsak tribe, is a type of Ottoman knife or short sabre used from the mid-16th to late 19th century. The yatagan was extensive
Two Ottoman yatagans, 19th century.
Yataghan (on top) and kilij from Topkapı Palace Museum Imperial Armoury
The Fencing Lesson by Paja Jovanović
A yatagan held in Aleksinac Museum
Janissary
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A janissary was a member of the elite infantry units that formed the Ottoman sultan's household troops. They were one of the first modern standing armies, and perhaps the first infantry force in the w
Yatagan
…between the grips is covered by a metal strap, which is often decorated. The yatagans (also called varsaks, named after the Varsak Turkomans) used by janissaries and other infantry soldiers were smaller and lighter than ordinary swords so as not to hinder them when carried at the waist on the march. The hilt has…
Agha of the Janissaries and a Bölük of the Janissaries by Lambert Wyts, 1573
Agha of the Janissaries, commander of the Janissary Corps, in 1768
Portrait of a Janissary with a firearm (before 1657)
The Janissary Agha leading the corps, 1658.