IPostSwords
1911
22
1
This is a 1780-1800 Ottoman Pala, an infantry variant of the Kilij (which is just the regional word for "sword"). It is made out of "turkish ribbon twist steel", being made of twisted bars of layered steel.
And here's how it all breaks down.
RonnyBert
Horseback fighting?
IPostSwords
Nah, infantry. It's too short for horseback. It's big brother, the cavalry kilij, looks very similar
RonnyBert
Why is it curved then?
IPostSwords
to aid in "draw cuts". Helps get through layered textiles, like the silks and cottons worn in the region
RonnyBert
Curved swords are not the norm. Mostly, to my bad sad knowledge thy are used on horses and marine
IPostSwords
Curved swords were definitely still widely used by infantry. Moreso outside of europe than in europe, but still