Srivatsan at 18:18, 6 March 2026

2026-03-06T18:18:31Z

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{{Short description|Traditional dagger originating from Oman}}
{{Italic title}}
{{About|an Omani dagger|a Caucasian dagger|Khanjali}}
{{otheruses}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
[[File:Khanjar.jpg|thumb|200px|An Omani ''khanjar'', {{circa}} 1924]]

A '''khanjar'''{{efn|{{langx|ar|خَنْجَر}}, {{langx|ku|xencer}}, {{langx|ps|خنجر}}, {{langx|bn|খঞ্জর|khôñjôr}}, {{langx|dv|ޚަންޖަރު|khanjaru}}, {{langx|tr|hançer}}, {{langx|fa|خنجر}}, {{langx|ur|خنجر}}, {{langx|sq|hanxhari}}, {{langx|cnr|ханџар|handžar}}, {{langx|bs|ханџар|handžar}}, {{langx|hr|handžar}}, {{langx|hu|handzsár}}, {{langx|kk|қанжар|qanjar}}}} is a traditional [[dagger]] originating from the [[Sultanate of Oman]]. Worn by men for ceremonial occasions, it is a short curved blade shaped like the letter "J" and resembles a hook.

It can be made from a variety of different materials, depending on the quality of its craftsmanship. It is a popular [[souvenir]] among tourists and is sold in [[souq]]s throughout the region. A national symbol of the [[sultan]]ate, the ''khanjar'' is featured on [[National emblem of Oman|Oman's national emblem]] and on the [[Omani rial]]. It also features in logos and commercial imagery by companies based in Oman.

==History==
Although it is not known when the Omani ''khanjar'' was first created, [[Petroglyph|rock carvings]] epitomizing the dagger were found on gravestones located in the central part of the region of the ''[[Musandam Peninsula#Geography|Ru’us al Jibal]]''. These are believed to have predated the [[Wahhabi movement|Wahhabi]] revival, which occurred in the late 1700s.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lancaster |first1=William |last2=Lancaster |first2=Fidelity |date=November 2011 |title=A discussion of rock carvings in Ra's al Khaimah Emirate, UAE, and Musandam province, Sultanate of Oman, using local considerations |journal=Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy |volume=22 |issue=2 |pages=166–195 |doi=10.1111/j.1600-0471.2011.00338.x }} {{registration required}}</ref> They were also mentioned in an account by Robert Padbrugge of the [[Dutch Republic]], who journeyed to [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]] in June 1672.<ref name=Deccan>{{cite news |title=Symbol of manhood |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/277339/symbol-manhood.html |access-date=30 May 2014 |first=Aftab H. |last=Kola |newspaper=Deccan Herald }}</ref>

==Usage and symbolism==
===Composition and manufacturing===
[[File:National emblem of Oman.svg|thumb|The [[national emblem of Oman]] featuring the ''khanjar'' at the centre]]

Depending on the quality of its craftsmanship, the Omani ''khanjar'' can be made using a variety of different metals and other materials. Gold or silver would be used to make ''khanjar'' of the finest quality (e.g. for royalty), while [[brass]] and copper would be used for daggers made by local craftsmen.<ref>{{cite news|title=More needed to be done for the survival of Omani art, crafts|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:OTOB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=141C74C28AF42B30&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=105B9A93AF33E3E3|date=7 October 2012|access-date=3 June 2014|newspaper=Times of Oman|agency=Times News Service}} {{subscription required}}</ref> For instance, a sheath adorned with gold was historically limited to the Omani upper class. White or Ivory handled and sheathed ones are preferred by the [[Sayyids]] or [[Hashemites]] symbolising their status in society. ''Najeeb Altarfayn Saadah'' in Oman and Arabia usually carry two of them.<ref name=old>{{cite news|title=Old & New|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:PTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1196942B498D5BB8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=105B9A93AF33E3E3|date=27 May 2007|access-date=30 May 2014|first=Betsy|last=Hiel|newspaper=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Traditionally, the dagger is designed by its future owner himself, with the craftsman taking into account the "specifications" and "preferences" stipulated by the former. The time it takes to manufacture a ''khanjar'' can range from three weeks to several months.<ref name=Deccan/>

The most elemental sections of the ''khanjar'' are its handle and blade,<ref name=silver>{{cite journal|last=Hawley|first=Ruth|date=July 1975|title=Omani Silver|journal=Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies|volume=6|pages=81–90|jstor=41223172}} {{registration required}}</ref> with the material used in the former playing a significant role influencing the final price of the dagger.<ref name=old/> [[Rhinoceros#Horn trade and use|Rhinoceros horn]] and [[ivory]]<ref name=old/> were once the common standard, as it was "considered the best material" to make the [[hilt]] out of.<ref name=silver/> However, with the international ban on the [[ivory trade]] and rhinoceros horn, the usage of other materials such as wood, plastic, and camel bone has become more prevalent.<ref name=Deccan/><ref name=old/><ref name=silver/> Typically, the top of the hilt is flat, but the one designed for the royal family is in the shape of a cross.<ref name=silver/>

===Custom===
The Omani ''khanjar'' is tucked underneath a waist belt and is situated at the front and centre of the wearer's body.<ref name=rituals>{{cite journal|last=Chatty|first=Dawn|author-link=Dawn Chatty|date=May 2009|title=Rituals of Royalty and the Elaboration of Ceremony in Oman: View From the Edge|journal=International Journal of Middle East Studies|volume=41|issue=1|pages=10|access-date=3 June 2014|url=http://www3.qeh.ox.ac.uk/pdf/qehwp/qehwps173.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040037/http://www3.qeh.ox.ac.uk/pdf/qehwp/qehwps173.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{registration required}}</ref> It used to form part of everyday attire;<ref name=iconic>{{cite news|title=Khanjar (Dagger): Truly "Iconic" Omani emblem|url=http://www.timesofoman.com/news/Article-9589.aspx|date=27 February 2013|access-date=30 May 2014|first=Sultana|last=Kamal|newspaper=Times of Oman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530031427/http://www.timesofoman.com/news/Article-9589.aspx|archive-date=30 May 2014}}</ref> however, it is now carried as a "ceremonial dagger",<ref>{{cite news|title=Holidays in Oman: experience endless beauty|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/travel/oman-holidays/9834727/oman-holiday.html|date=31 January 2013|access-date=5 June 2014|first=Stuart|last=Rogers|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London}}</ref> and worn only for formal events and ceremonies – such as weddings, parades, meetings, and diplomatic functions – among many other occasions.<ref name=Deccan/><ref name=Nizwa>{{cite news|title=Nizwa souk is lower key than most, but just as intriguing|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:SDUB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=116D2FE99292F3DF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=105B9A93AF33E3E3|date=15 August 1999|access-date=30 May 2014|page=F4|first=Judith|last=Morgan|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Labelled a "ubiquitous sign of masculinity" by John M. Willis in ''The Arab Studies Journal'',<ref>{{cite journal|last=Willis|first=John M.|date=Spring 1996|title=History, Culture, and the Forts of Oman|journal=The Arab Studies Journal|volume=4|issue=1|pages=141–143|jstor=27933683}} {{registration required}}</ref> the ''khanjar'' is a symbol of "manhood, power and authority",<ref name=old/> as well as serving as a status symbol for the person wearing it.<ref name=Deccan/><ref name=iconic/> As a result, it is sometimes given by families to their sons when they reach adolescence,<ref name=iconic/> and is a common wedding gift to the groom.<ref name="mysticism">{{cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:STL2&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=123105DABB834E48&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=105B9A93AF33E3E3|title=A modern air of mysticism in the land of frankincense|last=Turbett|first=Peggy|date=7 September 2008|location=New Jersey|page=3|access-date=31 May 2014|newspaper=The Star-Ledger}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

Although the ''khanjar'' was originally created as a weapon to attack and defend, it is used solely for ceremonial and practical purposes today.<ref name=silver/> The latter situation would occur in the desert, where it is used as a tool for hunting and skinning animals, as well as for slicing ropes.<ref name=Nizwa/> Because of this development, it is now considered a "social taboo" in Oman to pull out one's ''khanjar'' from its [[scabbard]] without blooding it, since the only time men would do this would be to seek vengeance or to defend oneself.<ref name=iconic/>

===Distribution===
While the ''khanjar'' is most prevalent in [[Yemen]] where the majority of the Northern men wear it every day. In Oman it is given its symbolic status there,<ref name=iconic/> it is also worn by men in the [[United Arab Emirates]], forming an integral component of "traditional dress" in those countries.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Picton|first=Oliver James|date=2 February 2010|title=Usage of the concept of culture and heritage in the United Arab Emirates – an analysis of Sharjah heritage area|journal=Journal of Heritage Tourism|volume=5|issue=1|pages=69–84|doi=10.1080/17438730903469813|s2cid=145062963 }} {{registration required}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Karlgård |first1=Tone Simensen |last2=Ball |first2=Marieanne Davy |date=2011 |chapter=Typical souvenirs, originals or copies, how do we know? |url=https://www.interpol.int/Media/Files/Crime-areas/Works-of-art/Stop-heritage-crime |title=Stop Heritage Crime – Good Practices and Recommendations |publisher=Interpol |pages=129 |isbn=978-83-931656-5-0 |oclc=885311043 |access-date=2 June 2014}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> It can also be found and is sold in other states in [[Eastern Arabia]], such as the [[Souq Waqif]] in [[Doha]], Qatar.<ref>{{cite news|title=Is Qatar the Next Dubai?|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/04/travel/04qatar.html?pagewante&_r=1&|date=4 June 2006|access-date=30 May 2014|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> The ''khanjar'' is a popular keepsake among tourists,<ref name=Deccan/> and is the Sultanate's best-selling memento.<ref>{{cite news|title=Only 15 Readers Got All 30 Answers|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:PBPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF41026483AB57&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=105B9A93AF33E3E3|date=26 March 2000|access-date=3 June 2014|page=12D|first=Cheryl|last=Blackerby|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

===Other uses===
[[File:1 Oman rial reverse.jpg|thumb|The ''khanjar'' is depicted on the reverse of the Omani one [[Omani rial|rial]] note.]]

====Official government====
As the ''khanjar'' is a [[national symbol]] of Oman, it is featured on the [[National emblem of Oman|sultanate's national emblem]].<ref name=Deccan/><ref name=iconic/><ref>{{cite web|title=Oman|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/oman/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110022251/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/oman|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 January 2021|access-date=30 May 2014|work=The World Factbook|publisher=CIA}}</ref> It has been a symbol on the royal crest of the Al Said dynasty since the 18th century,<ref name=old/> which subsequently became the national emblem.<ref name=rituals/> It is also depicted on the [[Omani rial]]<ref name=old/> – the country's currency – specifically on the one rial note,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OMxQwXQghgkC&pg=PA769|title=2013 Standard Catalog of World Paper Money – Modern Issues: 1961–Present, Volume 3|publisher=Krause Publications|date=17 February 2012|editor-last=Cuhaj|editor-first=George S.|page=769|isbn=9781440229565}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> as well as on postage stamps issued by the sultanate.<ref name=Deccan/> Furthermore, there are statues of ''khanjar'' on buildings housing [[Politics of Oman|government]] ministries and at various [[roundabout]]s throughout the country.<ref name=Deccan/><ref name=old/>

===Commercial===
The ''khanjar'' was previously shown prominently on the logo<ref name=Deccan/> and planes<ref name=old/> of [[Oman Air]] – the country's [[flag carrier]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Oman to restructure organisation of its civil aviation sector |publisher=Centre for Aviation |date=12 September 2012 |url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/oman-to-restructure-organisation-of-its-civil-aviation-sector-83149 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922231153/http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/oman-to-restructure-organisation-of-its-civil-aviation-sector-83149 |archive-date=22 September 2012 |access-date=31 May 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> – until it was removed under a rebranding in 2008.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6y34Df6MXf8C&pg=PA260E |title=Oman, Culture and Diplomacy |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |date=1 January 2012 |last=Jones |first=Jeremy |pages=259–260 |isbn=9780748674619 }}</ref> The logo of [[Omantel]] also illustrates a stylized khanjar; it was retained in the logotype's motif after the telecommunications company merged with Oman Mobile in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Oman Mobile, Omantel merge, unveil new logo |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:OTOB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=12DC99F37634C520&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=105B9A93AF33E3E3 |date=9 February 2010 |access-date=31 May 2014 |newspaper=Times of Oman |agency=Times News Service }} {{subscription required}}</ref> Moreover, the perfume company [[Amouage]], which is owned by the [[Sultan of Oman]] and his royal family,<ref>{{cite news |title=Oman's royal family scents global profit in luxury perfumes |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/02/25/perfume.amouage.oman/ |date=25 February 2010 |access-date=31 May 2014 |first=Daniela |last=Deane |publisher=CNN }}</ref> incorporates the dagger into the design of its bottles. The cap on its ''Gold for Men'' perfume bottle resembles the handle of a ''khanjar'', complementing the ''Gold for Women'' cap which evokes the dome of Ruwi Mosque.<ref>{{cite news |title=The smell of luxury |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story.aspx/?sec=lifeliving&file=%2f2011%2f9%2f4%2flifeliving%2f9222302 |date=4 September 2011 |access-date=31 May 2014 |first=Kee Hua |last=Chee |newspaper=The Star |location=Malaysia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531015427/http://www.thestar.com.my/story.aspx/?sec=lifeliving&file=%2F2011%2F9%2F4%2Flifeliving%2F9222302 |archive-date=31 May 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Oman}}

{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[Shotel]], the traditional Ethiopian sickle sword
* [[Firangi (sword)|Firangi]]
* [[Janbiya]]
* [[Qolxad or Jile (dagger)|Jile]]
* [[Keris]]
* [[Khanda (sword)|Khanda]]
* [[Khanjali]], a dagger from the Caucasus
* [[Kilij]]
* [[Pulwar]]
* [[Sabre]]
* [[Scimitar|Saif]]
* [[Sgian-dubh]]
* [[Shamshir]]
* [[Dhu al-Fiqar|Zulfiqar]]
{{Div col end}}

== Explanatory notes ==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Khanjars}}
* [https://alain-dailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/02/khanjar-al-ain-palace-museum-khanjar-is.html Khanjar photos] at Alain-Dailyphoto Blogspot
* [http://www.omanair.com/en/about-us/press-releases/amman-oman-air’s-new-destination Press release] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105131932/https://www.omanair.com/en/about-us/press-releases/amman-oman-air%E2%80%99s-new-destination |date=5 November 2019 }}) showing the ''khanjar'' on [[Oman Air]]'s old logo

{{Knives}}

[[Category:Arab inventions]]
[[Category:Culture of Oman]]
[[Category:Daggers]]
[[Category:Edged and bladed weapons]]
[[Category:Indo-Persian weaponry]]
[[category:Weapons of the Ottoman Empire]]
[[category:Weapons of the United Arab Emirates]]

Khanjar - Revision history

Srivatsan at 18:18, 6 March 2026