Period dramas raise interest in customized swords

Period TV dramas such as "Diriliş Ertuğrul" (Resurrection Ertuğrul), "Filinta" and "Muhteşem Yüzyıl" (The Magnificent Century) have sparked interest in swords made by the talented smiths of Karabük's Safranbolu district, which is listed in UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List.

The district of Safranbolu has been home to several ancient civilizations and has some of the most important cultural artifacts in the world, standing out with Ottoman-era inns, public baths, mosques, fountains, bridges and mansions.

Smith Kazım Madenoğlu, who owns a shop at the Demirciler Çarşısı (Smith Market) located on both sides of the Akçasu stream, recreates weapons that were used on ancient battlefields, for modern TV dramas and as trendy souvenirs.



Madenoğlu is the only smith at the Demirciler Çarşısı who makes these ancient forms of weaponry, crafting swords, helmets, shields and spears in this unique form of work.

When Madenoğlu was just a child he was very interested becoming a smith, he dropped out from school and began working alongside his grandfather, who was also a smith. Madenoğlu has been working with the hot iron for the last 34 years.

Speaking to the local media, Madenoğlu said he produces weapons such as swords, mace, armor and shields his forefathers made for the Ottoman army, for TV dramas and as souvenirs. He said that the TV dramas increased interest in swords.

Stating that he makes officer's swords decorated with the mother of pearl, Zulfiqar and Yatağan, Madenoğlu said, "Television producers and tourists purchase our swords that are made in various sizes. They sometimes hang the swords on their walls and recall the time of the Ottomans. We also decorate the swords with writings in Arabic, animal figures and the Ottoman royal seal. We ornament the hilt of the sword with the mother of pearl. They attract a great deal of interest."

Madenoğlu claimed that he has become a sword master after making the same swords over and over again. He said they choose the iron according to the sword he wants to make and heat the iron on the smith's oven. After forging the iron into the shape of a sword, the smiths sharpen the ends and prepare a wooden scabbard for the sword.

The smith said that TV dramas have had a positive effect on sword sales.

"Thanks to popular TV dramas, the increase in the Ottomans and swords increase every day. I make up to four swords every week and sell them. Back then, we only made three or four swords in a year. Customers mostly demand the swords that are featured in 'Diriliş Ertuğrul.' They email the photo and we ship the sword to their address. According to its craftsmanship, we sell the swords between TL 500 and TL 1,000," Madenoğlu said.

Madenoğlu said they receive orders from abroad as well, shipping swords to enthusiasts in the U.S., France, the Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland.

Fırkan Ertuğrul who visits Safranbolu said, "I was captivated by the swords as I take an interest in historic TV dramas as well as in history itself. I wanted to see this place. The swords deserve admiration. I am speechless."