Folia archeologica 42.

Gerelyes Ibolya: A török díszfegyverek elterjedése és használata Magyarországon a 16-17. században

THE SPREAD AND USE OF TURKISH ORNAMENTAL WEAPONS IN HUNGARY IN THE 16TH

—17TH CENTURIES On the basis of the 16-17th century Hungarian bequests and probate inventories it can be stated that Turkish ornamental weapons, saddles and harnesses were mainly used in Transylvania, first of all in the court of Transylvanian Princes having close connections with the Porte of Istanbul. The private collections of the famous families of ancient lineage also had Turkish weapons. These collections were part of the so called Turkish booty of the end of the 17tn century. Two prominent families, the Esterházy and the Batthyány-Strattman should be mentioned. The beginning of the use of Turkish ornamental weapons — considering the inventories — cannot be dated before the first decades of the 17th century. The fashion of Turkish objects was notable during the rule of Gábor Bethlen (1613-1629). Turkish goldsmith's craft had a strong influence on Transylvania, to such an extent, that in certain cases it was difficult to decide whether the given object had been made by a Turkish or a Hungarian master. Turkish goldsmith's craft have some special characteristics however which can never be observed on Hungarian objects. Beside emphasizing the direct and strong Turkish influence on Transylvania it should also be mentioned that a kind of Turkish fashion could also be observed in general among Hungarian noble families in the course of the 17th century. Ibolya Gerelyes