Turban helmet
The turban helmet or Tolga
History
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, turban helmet prototype were found in pre-Islamic Sasanian Iran (224–651), but the sweeping outline, reminiscent of the domes of mosques, has contributed to this type of helmet being recognized today as decidedly Islamic.[2]
Early
Decoration
In Ottoman Turkey, some mystical dervish groups would wear turbans folded several times to reflect some important mystical number. The fluted design of the turban helmet might replicate this practice; this indicates that the turban helmet is also worn as a kind of religious insignia. The religious nature of the turban helmet was underlined by the presence of Arabic inscriptions taken from the Quran. These Quranic inscriptions supposedly provided God's protective power to the wearer. Most inscriptions on turban helmets, instead glorify the name of the ruler to whom the warrior was loyal. Other inscriptions were written as advice on how to gain virtue.[7]
The heavy religious symbolism in the turban helmet indicates that the warriors wearing the helmet were involved in a kind of
After the development of firearms, turban helmets lost their military value, becoming ceremonial objects that were traded and displayed to show wealth. Some turban helmets have inscriptions inlaid with precious metals like gold and silver, with decorations of arabesque motifs around the edges.[7]
See also
- Kulah khud
- Fortress turban
References
- ^ https://www.sabah.com.tr/galeri/kultursanat/turklerin-silahlari/6
- ^ "Islamic Arms and Armor". Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York. 2004. Retrieved 5 March 2022 – via Metropolitan Museum.
- ^ Stone 2013, p. 47.
- ^ Alexander 2015, p. 70.
- ^ "Helmet with Aventail". Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2017. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
- ^ Alexander 2015, p. 69.
- ^ a b c "Turban Helmet". The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2017. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
Cited works
- Alexander, David G. (2015). Islamic Arms and Armor in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York City: Metropolitan Museum of Art. ISBN 9781588395702.
- Gahir, Sunita; Spencer, Sharon, eds. (2006). Weapon - A Visual History of Arms and Armor. New York City: DK Publishing. ISBN 9780756622107.
- Stone, George Cameron (2013). A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor: in All Countries and in All Times. Dover: Courier Corporation. ISBN 9780486131290.