The Weapons

The old treasury was a very important place in Topkapı Palace.

This was where the Ottoman Empire kept its silver and gold coins. Every coin was recorded with care. The Janissaries were also paid from this treasury. The Janissaries were special soldiers of the Ottoman army. They received their wages every three months.

The door of the treasury was very carefully protected. It was sealed with a special seal. This seal carried the signature of the sultan.

Today, the old treasury holds part of the palace weapon collection. These weapons were made by the Ottomans, taken in war, or sent as gifts to the sultan. Some pieces are from between the 7th and 10th centuries.

The collection includes very precious Arab weapons. It also includes Mamluk weapons. The Mamluks were a powerful Muslim state in Egypt and Syria. There are also Iranian, Ottoman, and Turkish weapons.

Other pieces came from farther lands. There are Crimean swords. There are swords and weapons from Dagestan. There are Japanese swords and armor. There are also European swords, rifles, and guns.

The collection also includes many flagpoles, shields, and helmets. Together, they show how power, skill, and honor were linked to weapons in the palace world.