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Scimitar – Use and History

A scimitar is a long, curved sword. Initially, during the Middle Ages, the Turks who came into contact with the Middle Eastern civilisation introduced the Scimitar to them and then they began to used the curved swords. Before this, they used the traditional straight blade swords which they called saif, takoba and kaskara. 

Scimitar
Scimitar

The scimitar began to gain popularity during the Irved design was also easy for slashing Islamisation of the Middle East. The sword form with this particular sword began to spread across the Middle East, towards Northern Africa where it was called a saif and in Egypt, a sfet.

16th-century texts first began to use the word scimitar. Other names for this sword are talwar, which is used for thrusting as well as cutting.

History of Scimitar

After the first Barbary War, a jewelled scimitar was gifted to the commanding Marine Officer. This began the tradition of the United States Marine Corps carrying the ceremonial weapon. In Morocco, the scimitar was forged using old weapons which came in from other countries like Germany. One of the earliest uses of the scimitars was attested in the 9th century by Turkic and Tungusic soldiers in Central Asia.

Uses of the Scimitar 

Many preferred using a scimitar because of its lightweight. Its curved design also made it easy for riders to slash their enemies and ride on without worrying about their swords getting stuck. Another use for the scimitar was by Saudi Arabian executioners who used them for beheading.

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