Yatagan from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent
Title: Yatagan from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent
Artist: From the Workshop of Ahmed Tekelü
Date: ca. 1525-1530
Medium: Steel, gold, ivory, silver, turquoise, pearls, and rubies
Credit Line: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1993.14
This yatagan is part a group of three made by the court jeweler Ahmed Tekelü for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. The extreme detail and use of precious material designates it as fit for a ruler and demonstrates the level of luxury Ottoman Sultans required. The hilt is made of ivory, and has gold cloud bands covering it, with the end of the hilt being set with turquoise and rubies. The blade features a battle between a dragon and simurgh, both made of gold with ruby eyes. The mythical creatures and cloud bands are Chinese motifs, which were likely introduced into Ottoman art through Persia. Even though it could be considered the peak of extravagance, it can still function as a weapon. It was made with all the same characteristics of a traditional yatagan carried by the janissary corps.