This is a saber in the Arms and Armor section of the MET Museum. It has a gold-inlaid decoration consisting of Qur’an inscriptions that stress God’s sovereignty and the wisdom/power of Solomon (alluding to Suleiman). The cross guard was chiseled in relief and damascened in gold, formerly inlaid with gems. The grip was replaced at a later date. Bequested to the museum in 1935.
Saber
Steel, gold, green-dyed fish skin (grip)
Theorized to come from Constantinople in 1522-26
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/24320
The short sword above the saber is a yatagan, used by janissaries through the 19th century. This one, dated to 1526-27 and made by the jeweler Ahmed Tekel, closely resembles a similar one found in Topkapı Palace and both may have been made in the same workshop for Suleiman. The incrustation near the grip depicts a dragon fighting a phoenix, likely inspired by Chinese art discovered via Persian contacts.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/24953
Various pieces of Ak-Koyunlu Armor and a field ensign that has Quranic verses and inscriptions, among them is “Help from God and early victory.”
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