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What a beautiful silver jewelry these soldiers are wearing, was it just to beautify or also for a protective purpose? Especially the photo underneath, is a stunning piece. Thank you for placing this photo Jean-Pierre. Gr. Ingrid.
@ Ingrid: As far as I know (more specifically for Anatolian/Turkish kyustek - called 'köstek' in Turkey) this kind of ornamental chains had no protective meaning. They were combined with a pocket watch (if present), and seem to have been one of the many signs* of the social status of the warrior inside the group; generally made of high grade silver (with 'damga'/official mark), sometimes even gilt, and rather heavy - so, these chains were not unexpensive.
For protective means, warriors wore other jewelry: triangular amulet boxes (silver with niello decoration) on short chains around the neck, rectangular boxes (engraved silver, or with niello) on +/- long chains over the shoulder (the larger ones being genuine Koran boxes), and 'pazubent' armbands on the upper arm.
*: other signs of the warrior's social status: costume (expensive fabrics, rich embroideries) and weapons (sometimes a full arsanal for one man, made of special materials and decorated with many kinds of inlay).
With kind regards, Jean-Marie.
Dear Jean-Marie, I apologize in an earlier comment thanking you for this wonderful photo I called you Jean-Pierre! I must have had a wire crossed in my brain. In any case thank you for this wonderful example.
Thank you Jean-Marie Criel, for the explicit naration. Love the piece on the second solders so much. Like something as the European fob watches, but a lot more grand. What surprised me that as far down as Bulgaria they carry this amulet high on the arm protective band as like in Iran.
Enjoyed reading it. Thank you. GR. Ingrid.
@ Ingrid. Regarding the pazubent (amulet/ protective band) high on the arm: their use was widely spraid over Anatolia too (with Muslim popular militias, zeybek and 'başıbozuk'), at least during the 19th & early 20th century (period for which there is evidence in paintings and photographs). It is more rare with their Balkan counterparts (Arnaut/Albanian, Pomak, etc.). Best greetings, JM.
Dear Jean-Marie, I once again appreciate your added explanation. It shows also how nations are bound to each other and it comes out in their habits or customs and jewelry is a good show of that. Warm greetings Ingrid.