- Title: Iraqi swordsmith revives nearly forgotten craft of Ottoman sword-making
- Date: 7th December 2024
- Summary: Iraqi swordsmith revives nearly forgotten craft of Ottoman sword-making SHOTLIST BAGHDAD, IRAQ (DEC. 3, 2024) (AAVN – ACCESS ALL) 1. PEOPLE WALKING IN MARKETPLACE NEXT TO AL-KADHIMIYYA MOSQUE 2. TIGHT SHOT OF TO AL-KADHIMIYYA MOSQUE 3. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE ROAMING IN MARKET PLACE 4. MAN ENTERING SWORD SHOP OF SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED IN MARKET PLACE 5. VARIOUS OF HANDMADE WEAPONS AND SWORDS IN SHOP 6. SWORDSMITH SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED HOLDING SWORD WALKING INTO ROOM 7. VARIOUS OF SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED HANDMADE SHOWING SWORDS AND SPEAKING 8. VARIOUS OF SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED MAKING SWORD IN HIS WORKSHOP 9. TIGHT SHOT OF SWORDS HANGING ON WALL 10. VARIOUS OF SWORDSMITHS WORKING 11. SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED TAKING SWORD OUT OF SHEATH AND SHOWING IT 12. SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED SHARPENING SWORD (TWO SHOTS) 13. WORKER SPRAYING FLAMES OVER MATERIAL COVERED WITH TAR 14. SWORDSMITH CARVING PATTERN ON SWORD'S HILT 15. DAGGERS, AND TOOLS ON HANGING IN SHOP (TWO SHOTS) 16. CLOSE-UP OF OTTOMAN SWORD ON TABLE (TWO SHOTS) 17. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRQAI SWORDSMITH SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED SAYING: "I have worked in all areas of goldsmithing since I was a child, and I have a deep love for this craft. My experience spans creating rings, bracelets, necklaces, as well as lockets and Muhammad’s medals. Later, I had the privilege of working with the late Mr. Aboud Al-Jawari, may he rest in peace, who was renowned for his expertise in crafting swords and daggers." 18. WHITE FLASH 19. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRQAI SWORDSMITH SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED SAYING: "I honed my skills in the 1980s while working with the late Aboud Al-Jawari. It was during this time that I fell in love with this craft. It's a profession rich with various branches and specialties." 20. WHITE FLASH 21. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRQAI SWORDSMITH SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED SAYING: "The swords that have captivated me the most throughout my life are Ottoman swords, distinguished by their unique designs. I often try to replicate them because I love their curvature, the elegant bend of the blade, and every intricate detail. There are numerous different styles, and sometimes I find myself envious of their beauty, inspiring me to craft similar swords that capture that same allure. The Ottomans were particularly renowned for specializing in this art. Now, whenever I encounter a sword, I can immediately discern if it’s Ottoman. These swords, specifically from the Ottoman Empire, are marked by exceptional craftsmanship and extraordinarily beautiful designs. 22. WHITE FLASH 23. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRQAI SWORDSMITH SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED SAYING: "Many people would come to me requesting the creation of swords, particularly Ottoman swords. As I mentioned, I make them in various styles, because the designs evolve every ten, twenty, or thirty years. Currently, I don't have any pieces on hand, but I used to have four or five. The difference in craftsmanship over fifty or forty years is significant, and there were times when the design would change completely. It wouldn’t remain the same. When it comes to ironwork, especially handmade work, it's impossible—and not desirable—to replicate designs exactly. I have many designs in catalogs, and while people often request the same design, I always clarify that I don’t reproduce exact duplicates." 24. WHITE FLASH 25. ((SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRQAI SWORDSMITH SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED SAYING: "What type of material would you like crafted? Options include gold, silver, copper, leather, and gemstones. Which types are most commonly requested?" 26. WHITE FLASH 27. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRQAI SWORDSMITH SAYYID HAIDAR AHMED SAYING: "The Ottoman sword is among the most beautiful, renowned for its intricate and unique designs that set it apart from the Persian sword. While the Persian sword often follows the style of the Shamshir, Ottoman swords boast a variety of styles, each with its own distinct name and features. For instance, the Sa'ila, the Kilij, and the Yatagan are all Ottoman swords, each celebrated for their unique characteristics and craftsmanship." SCRIPT Sayyid Haidar Ahmed, a skilled Iraqi swordsmith from the Kadhimiyya district of Baghdad, is committed to preserving the nearly forgotten craft of traditional sword-making. Specializing in Ottoman-style swords, Ahmed creates handcrafted weapons that reflect the rich history of swordsmithing, with a particular emphasis on designs from the Ottoman Empire. Ahmed's workshop, reminiscent of a museum, boasts a collection of swords from various historical periods, including the Safavid, Abbasid, and Umayyad eras. However, it is the Ottoman swords that capture the most attention. Having learned the craft from his uncle, Ahmed shared with Anadolu that Ottoman swords are true works of art. He remarked on their “unique design,” noting that the exceptional craftsmanship makes them especially prized. Though the oldest sword in Ahmed's collection hails from the Safavid period, he acknowledges that Ottoman swords remain the most sought-after. The prices for these swords vary depending on materials and design complexity. Ahmed’s workshop also produces both functional and decorative swords, with pieces like the Sa'ila, Kilij, and Yatagan being particularly popular among collectors. While demand for Ottoman swords is high, Ahmed emphasizes the challenge of replicating designs exactly. “When it comes to ironwork, especially handmade work, it's impossible—and not desirable—to replicate designs exactly,” he explained. “I have many designs in catalogs, and while people often request the same design, I always clarify that I don’t reproduce exact duplicates." Ahmed’s dedication to his craft ensures that the traditional art of sword-making endures, preserving the legacy of Ottoman craftsmanship for future generations.
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