Swords
During the Ottoman era in Algeria, multiple weapons were used in combat, such as spears to launch from a distance, while bladed weapons such as swords, daggers, and knives were used in physical fights. With the advent of firearms, the use of this type of weapon decreased, giving way to heavier weapons such as cannons and the use of guns and pistols.
Many types of weapons were used during the Ottoman era, the most famous of which are the “Yatagan” sword, the “Flyssa” sword, and the “Al-Bashaq” dagger. In addition to these weapons, there were firearms, including rifles and pistols.
1- Swords and daggers
Al-Yatagan Sword:
It is one of the most famous and widely used swords during the Ottoman period due to its toughness and quality.
Description: It features a single double curved blade, and it is weighted forward for a quick cut when stabbing. It does not have a protective hilt, as is customary in swords.
Ornaments: It has many decorations and often bears the maker’s signature.
Handles: generally in wood or ivory covered with metal plates.
The scabbard: Mainly made of wood and covered in fabric or leather, with decorative and inlaid metal sheets.
Al-Bashaq dagger
Description: A miniature model of the Yatagan sword, it is one of the most used daggers. The scabbard and handle of the dagger are covered with metal plates adorned with ornaments similar to the Yatagan sword
Flyssa sword
This name refers to the region of Iflissen Lebhar
Description: This weapon is distinguished by its great length. it is made up of :
– The blade: decorated with engravings with geometric patterns, engraved in iron or inlaid with copper wires.
– The handle: Consists of two wooden segments fixed on the steel extension of the blade, completely covered with leather or decorated with copper plates. The handle usually ends with a carved body representing the head of an animal.
– The scabbard: it is made in decorated wood, consisting of two lobes tightened by metal or leather rings.
Ornaments :
– The blade: decorated with engravings with geometric patterns, engraved in iron or inlaid with copper wires.
– The handle: It consists of two wooden segments fixed on the steel extension of the blade, completely covered with leather or decorated with copper plates. The handle usually ends with a carved body representing the head of an animal.
– The scabbard: The decoration (engraved, carved, or enameled) is limited to the outer face of the scabbard only.
Nimcha
Description: Nimcha is a one-handed sword.
– The blade: It has a single blade that can be either short, deeply curved, or longer and less curved, with one, two, or even three cavities.
– The handle: Handles are flat-sided wooden segments with a pommel of approximately 90 degrees.
– The scabbard: a wooden scabbard covered with leather.
