WEAPONS

The Bosniak Institute possesses a significant collection of old and oriental weapons, which includes both cold and firearms covering a time span from the Middle Ages to the second half of the 20th century. Geographically, the collection represents regions such as Venice, Bosnia, and the Balkans during the Ottoman rule, as well as Persia, Iraq, Morocco, Oman, and extends far beyond to continents like Argentina, El Salvador, Ceylon, and Australia. The weapons in the Institute's collection are distinguished by their exceptional craftsmanship and a variety of decorative techniques, including inlaying, embossing, chiseling, engraving, coating, and gilding. These weapons not only serve as functional tools but also as works of art, reflecting the rich cultural and historical legacy of the regions they originate from.

The collection is divided into close comat weapons and firearms, and the represented types include knives and daggers, long knives (handjars – yatagans), sabres, swords, pistols, rifles, and exotic types of cold weapons. The most characteristic specimens of the collection are displayed as part of the permanent exhibition, with the goal of presenting this valuable collection to the broader public. The collection holds significant cultural and historical value, both as a part of material cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage.