Amid the peaceful village of Amanbaev in the Talas region of Kyrgyzstan, an important discovery has come to light known as the Kyrgyz sword. This ancient military sword has a heavy frame, long cutting edge, and gracefully curved blade, representing the pinnacle of medieval art. Exceptionally rare in Central Asia, this exquisite Kyrgyz sword was discovered in exceptional condition, a living testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship of medieval blacksmiths.
The names behind this discovery are a trio of dedicated brothers—Chyngyz, Abdylda and Kubat Muratbekov, along with their compatriot Nurdin Jumanaliev. The discovery was announced by Siyatbek Ibraliev, a researcher at the Kyrgyz national complex Manas Ordo, a tourist site and cultural site in Talas dedicated to the legendary Kyrgyz hero Manas, a central object in Kyrgyz epic literature.
“The two brothers, with a fervent passion for archaeology, tirelessly strive to unearth hidden treasures of the past. In just one year, they have generously added about 250 valuable historical objects to the museum’s collection, an effort worthy of admiration,” said Siyatbek Ibraliev in Turmush, who reported on the discovery this from June 4, 2023, said.
Ancient Kyrgyz sword, discovered in Amanbaev. (Siyatbek Ibraliev / Turmush )
A Scimitar-like sword: The Kyrgyz sword is a lethal weapon
The Kyrgyz sword consists of a hilt, hilt, impressive blade, and steadfast guard. Its origins date back to 12th Iran, from where it has ventured into distant lands, extending its influence from Morocco to Pakistan. The gentle curvature of the blade of this weapon suggests a possible connection to the Islamic caliphate, like the famous shamshir swords of the Indo-Iranian vastness.
The total length of the recently discovered Kyrgyz sword extended to 90 cm (about 35.4 inches), while the tip length only extended to 3.5 cm (about 1.4 inches). The hilt is 10.2 cm (about 4 inches) long and the guard, a defensive pin, is 12 cm (about 4.7 inches) long. The blade, a focal point of both form and function, measures up to 77 cm (about 30.3 inches) long, with a width of 2.5 cm (about 1 inch).
Recognized as a scimitar by the sensible people of Europe, the shamshir affirms its heritage as the ultimate longsword wielded by the equestrian champions of Persia (Iran), Arabia, and Iran. Arab and Moghul India. Famous for its sharpness and lethality, its curvature enabled those agile warriors to perform excellent slashing attacks while spinning.
It is a miracle of science because this curvature does not allow the full weight of the sword to be felt when in full motion. It is especially useful for cutting attacks in rapid motion, with a high success rate and accuracy, Arkeonews reported.
The Kyrgyz sword was discovered in a treasure trove that included a melting pot, coins, a dagger and other ancient artifacts. (Siyatbek Ibraliev / Turmush )
Play more with metal: A ship, numerology and a dagger
The finds also include a vessel just 5cm in diameter, designed for metal smelting purposes, with a thin neck for pouring liquid. These same cups were used in the Middle Ages to hold gold, silver, and bronze coins.
An accompanying coin with intricate Arabic inscriptions on both sides was also found. This coin, marked by its association with the Karakhanid state in the 11th century, once circulated in Kyrgyzstan. Sıyatbek Ibraliyev further explains that the presence of both metal smelting tools and coinage paints a vivid portrait of the workshops that once thrived in the vicinity.
An important difference is that the rulers of that period made dirhams (rather than coins) from gold, silver and copper, weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 grams. What is especially interesting and relevant from this mystery to numerology is how often the borders of the Arab states changed, the extent of these borders and the genealogy of the Karakhnid period (like the In other empires, rulers preferred to leave large insignia on the dirham.
These dirhams also show us the level of economic activity and inflation. For example, in 1035, one dirham helped buy 8 kg of weight and 12 kg of barley! In 1046, 160 kg of grapes could be purchased for one dirham, while a typical agricultural horse cost 20 dirhams (cavalry horses cost around 300 dirhams).
Finally, a rusty dagger was found, pointed on both sides with a length of 24.8 cm and a thickness of 4.3 cm at its widest part. Where the handle should have been, it was 5cm thick. To date, the Manas Ordo complex has received 39 discoveries and this is one of the most exciting of them!
Top photo: Medieval sword found in Kyrgyzstan. Source: Siyatbek Ibraliev / Turmush
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