Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66)
Flag of TurkeyArms & ArmorSwordsca. 1525–30

By Ahmed Tekelü (possibly Iranian)

Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66) is a swords Istanbul of Turkish, Istanbul origin created in ca. 1525–30 using steel, gold, ivory (walrus), silver, turquoise, pearls, rubies measuring L. 23 3/8 in. (59.3 cm); L. of blade 18 3/8 in. (46.7 cm)… attributed to Ahmed Tekelü (possibly Iranian) — now part of the Arms and Armor collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumSteel, gold, ivory (walrus), silver, turquoise, pearls, rubies
DimensionsL. 23 3/8 in. (59.3 cm); L. of blade 18 3/8 in. (46.7 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 8 oz. (691 g)
ClassificationSwords
DepartmentArms and Armor
Credit LinePurchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1993
Dateca. 1525–30

Historical Context

Culture & Period

This work belongs to the Turkish, Istanbul culture. The estimated date range is 1500 – 1555.

Geography

Origin: Istanbul. Flag of Turkey

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66)?

Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66) is housed in the Arms and Armor department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66) created?

Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66) dates to ca. 1525–30.

What material is Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66) made from?

Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66) is crafted from steel, gold, ivory (walrus), silver, turquoise, pearls, rubies.

Is Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66) in the public domain?

Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66) is in the public domain and can be freely used.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

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