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==Release style==
==Release style==
The style of Arab archery described in the extant texts is similar to the styles used by Mongol and Turkish archers, drawing with a [[Bow draw|thumb draw]] and using a [[thumb ring]] to protect the right thumb.<ref>Paterson, W. F. 1966. "The Archers of Islam." Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient. Vol. 9, No. 1/2 (Nov., 1966), pp. 69-87.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.archerylibrary.com/books/faris-elmer/arab-archery/docs/xlii.html|title=XLII. On thumb-tips and the various kind thereof, from: Arab Archery, by N.A. Faris and R.P. Elmer, 1945.|author=Marcelo Muller|work=archerylibrary.com|date=15 September 2012}}</ref> However, some medieval Muslim writers draw some differences between Arab archery and Turkish and Iranian archery, stating that the bow of [[Hejaz|Hejazi]] Arabs is superior.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-11 |title=Arab Archery |url=https://www.archerylibrary.com/books/faris-elmer/arab-archery/ |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=www.archerylibrary.com |language=en}}</ref>
The style of Arab archery described in surviving texts is similar to that used by [[Mongols|Mongol]] and [[Turkic peoples|Turkish]] archers, featuring the use of a thumb draw and a thumb ring to protect the right thumb.<ref>Paterson, W. F. 1966. "The Archers of Islam." Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient. Vol. 9, No. 1/2 (Nov., 1966), pp. 69-87.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.archerylibrary.com/books/faris-elmer/arab-archery/docs/xlii.html|title=XLII. On thumb-tips and the various kind thereof, from: Arab Archery, by N.A. Faris and R.P. Elmer, 1945.|author=Marcelo Muller|work=archerylibrary.com|date=15 September 2012}}</ref> However, some medieval [[Muslims|Muslim]] writers noted differences between Arab archery and Turkish and [[Iranian peoples|Iranian]] styles, claiming that the bow used by [[Hejazi Arabic|Hejazi Arabs]] was superior.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-11 |title=Arab Archery |url=https://www.archerylibrary.com/books/faris-elmer/arab-archery/ |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=www.archerylibrary.com |language=en}}</ref>


==Arab archery history==
==Arab archery history==
A [[headstone]] of a Syrian archer was found along [[Hadrian's Wall]], and dates from the 2nd century [[Common Era]], when 200 Syrian archers were sent to reinforce the 8,000 Roman soldiers. The tombstone is now displayed at the [[Great North Museum: Hancock]].<ref>Cecil, Charles O. 2017. [http://www.aramcoworld.com/en-US/Articles/July-2017/Hadrian-s-Syrians-1 Hadrian's Syrians]. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/949793337 Aramco World]. August 2017.</ref>
A [[headstone]] of a Syrian archer was found along [[Hadrian's Wall]], and dates from the 2nd century [[Common Era]], when 200 Syrian archers were sent to reinforce the 8,000 Roman soldiers. The tombstone is now displayed at the [[Great North Museum: Hancock]].<ref>Cecil, Charles O. 2017. [http://www.aramcoworld.com/en-US/Articles/July-2017/Hadrian-s-Syrians-1 Hadrian's Syrians]. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/949793337 Aramco World]. August 2017.</ref>


Arab archers used [[composite bows]] from foot, horse, and camel from the 7th century,<ref>KUNSELMAN, DAVID E. 2007. [http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a494014.pdf ARAB-BYZANTINE WAR, 629-644 AD]. Page 53.</ref> as well as using different kinds of arrows, arrow heads, and shafts.<ref>Soar, Hugh. 2018. "The Incendiary Arrow." [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/34993769 Primitive Archer]. Volume 26 (1), pages 18-20.</ref>
From the 7th century onward, Arab archers used composite bows while shooting from foot, horseback, and camelback. They also utilized a variety of arrows, arrowheads, and shafts.<ref>KUNSELMAN, DAVID E. 2007. [http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a494014.pdf ARAB-BYZANTINE WAR, 629-644 AD]. Page 53.</ref><ref>Soar, Hugh. 2018. "The Incendiary Arrow." [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/34993769 Primitive Archer]. Volume 26 (1), pages 18-20.</ref>


==Archery in Islam==
==Archery in Islam==
[[Muhammad]] was said to be quite proficient with a bow,{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} and appreciated the benefits of archery in sports and warfare. A [[Bow shape#Recurve bow|recurved bow]] made of bamboo, and ascribed to Muhammad, is held in the [[Sacred Relics (Topkapı Palace)]] in the Chamber of the Sacred Relics in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ee.bilkent.edu.tr/~history/religious.html|title=Sacred Relics|work=bilkent.edu.tr}}</ref>
[[Muhammad]] is said to have been proficient with a bow and appreciated the benefits of [[archery]] in both sports and warfare. A recurved bow made of bamboo, attributed to Muhammad, is preserved in the Chamber of the Sacred Relics at the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ee.bilkent.edu.tr/~history/religious.html|title=Sacred Relics|work=bilkent.edu.tr}}</ref>


There are several comments by Muhammad concerning archery in the [[Hadith]]. [[Umm Salama]] told of Muhammed coming upon two groups practicing archery, and he praised them.<ref>Volume 4, Book 56, Number 710.</ref>
There are several comments by Muhammad concerning archery in the [[Hadith]]. [[Umm Salama]] told of Muhammed coming upon two groups practicing archery, and he praised them.<ref>Volume 4, Book 56, Number 710.</ref>


[[Malik ibn Anas]] spoke about the [[battle of Uhud]], where the troops left Muhammad behind and the archer, [[Talhah]], remained with Muhammad to protect the him with his shield.<ref>Volume 5, Book 58, Number 156.</ref> [[Uqbah ibn Amir]] relates how Muhammad said that archery shooting was more dear to him than riding.<ref>Book 14, Number 2507.</ref>
[[Malik ibn Anas]] spoke about [[Battle of Uhud|the Battle of Uhud]], where the troops abandoned Muhammad, but the archer [[Talha ibn Ubayd Allah|Talhah]] remained to protect him with his shield. [[Uqba ibn Amir|Uqbah ibn Amir]] also related that [[Muhammad]] once said he preferred archery over riding.<ref>Book 14, Number 2507.</ref><ref>Volume 5, Book 58, Number 156.</ref>


Muhammad owned six bows: az-Zawra’, ar-Rauha’, as-Safra’, al-Bayda’, and al-Katum – which was broken during the battle of [[Battle of Uhud]], and was taken by Qatadah bin an-Nu’man and as-Saddad. He had a quiver called al-Kafur, and a strap for it made from tanned skin, as well as three silver circular rings, a buckle, and an edge made of silver. According to a medieval [[Sunni]] scholar: "We should mention that [[Ibn Taymiyyah]] said that there are no authentic narrations that the Prophet ever wore a strap around his waist."<ref>Abu Maryah. 2008. [https://scholarsandmartyrs.wordpress.com/2008/02/20/the-weapons-of-the-prophet-muhammad/ "Weapons of the Prophet Muhammad"]. February 20, 2008.</ref>
Muhammad owned six bows: az-Zawra’, ar-Rauha’, as-Safra’, al-Bayda’, and al-Katum – which was broken during the battle of [[Battle of Uhud]], and was taken by Qatadah bin an-Nu’man and as-Saddad. He had a quiver called al-Kafur, and a strap for it made from tanned skin, as well as three silver circular rings, a buckle, and an edge made of silver. According to a medieval [[Sunni]] scholar: "We should mention that [[Ibn Taymiyyah]] said that there are no authentic narrations that the Prophet ever wore a strap around his waist."<ref>Abu Maryah. 2008. [https://scholarsandmartyrs.wordpress.com/2008/02/20/the-weapons-of-the-prophet-muhammad/ "Weapons of the Prophet Muhammad"]. February 20, 2008.</ref>


==Camel archers==
==Camel archers==
Camels stand higher than horses, and are more resilient in desert warfare.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=566PXereaPsC&dq=camel+archery&pg=PA27 Sassanian Elite Cavalry AD 224-642] by Kaveh Farrokh, Angus McBride. 2012. Osprey Press. Page 27.</ref> However, camels were often used as transport, and not as a platform for shooting. An account shows an Arab archer dismounting from his camel, and emptying his quiver on the ground before kneeling to shoot.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=7mR8tKZ2ch8C&dq=camel+archery+arabs&pg=PA19 Rome's Enemies (5): The Desert Frontier]. by David Nicolle. 1991. Osprey Publishing. Page 19.</ref>
Camels, being taller and more resilient in desert warfare than horses, were sometimes used in combat, though often more for transport than as a platform for shooting. An account describes an Arab archer dismounting from his camel, emptying his quiver on the ground, and kneeling to shoot.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=566PXereaPsC&dq=camel+archery&pg=PA27 Sassanian Elite Cavalry AD 224-642] by Kaveh Farrokh, Angus McBride. 2012. Osprey Press. Page 27.</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=7mR8tKZ2ch8C&dq=camel+archery+arabs&pg=PA19 Rome's Enemies (5): The Desert Frontier]. by David Nicolle. 1991. Osprey Publishing. Page 19.</ref>


Camel archery is also attested by peoples not known to be Arab. The Old Testament shows how [[Joshua]] fought the [[Amalek]]ites at [[Rephidim]], who used camels for their archers. [[Gideon]] also fought against the [[Midian]]ites and their camels during the time of the Judges.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=0HQCBQAAQBAJ&dq=camel+archery+arabs&pg=PA36 Muhammad: Islam’s First Great General]. By Richard A. Gabriel. 2012. University of Oklahoma Press. Page 34.</ref>
Camel archery is also documented among non-[[Arabs|Arab peoples]]. [[Old Testament|The Old Testament]] recounts how [[Joshua]] fought the [[Amalek|Amalekites]] at [[Rephidim]], who used camels for their archers. Similarly, [[Gideon]] fought against the [[Midian|Midianites]] and their camel-mounted archers during the time of the Judges.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=0HQCBQAAQBAJ&dq=camel+archery+arabs&pg=PA36 Muhammad: Islam’s First Great General]. By Richard A. Gabriel. 2012. University of Oklahoma Press. Page 34.</ref>


==Arab archery today==
==Arab archery today==
There are a number of Arab Archery clubs and societies today. Some practice traditional Arab archery, while others use Western styles of archery in sport competition and hunting. The main organization is FATA, or the "Fédération Arabe de Tir a L'Arc" of [[Lebanon]], a member of the [[World Archery Federation]]. The [[Pan Arab Games]] usually have an archery competition, and the 12th Arab Games<ref>http://www.worldarchery.org/OTHEREVENTS/Others/2011/Doha-ArabGames/TabId/1124/ArtMID/1567/ArticleID/470/Successful-Archery-Competition-at-the-12th-Arab-Games-.aspx {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> in [[Qatar]] held in 2011 had 60 archers from nine Arab countries compete.
Today, several Arab archery clubs and societies exist, some of which practice traditional Arab archery while others use Western styles in sport competitions and hunting. The main organization is [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas|FATA]], or the "Fédération Arabe de Tir à L'Arc" of [[Lebanon]], which is a member of the World Archery Federation. Archery competitions are also a feature of the [[Arab Games|Pan Arab Games]], including the 12th Arab Games held in [[Qatar]] in 2011, where 60 archers from nine Arab countries competed.<ref>http://www.worldarchery.org/OTHEREVENTS/Others/2011/Doha-ArabGames/TabId/1124/ArtMID/1567/ArticleID/470/Successful-Archery-Competition-at-the-12th-Arab-Games-.aspx {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>


==List of Arabic works on archery==
==List of Arabic works on archery==

Latest revision as of 06:44, 11 August 2024

Arab archery is the traditional style of archery practiced by the Arab people of the West Asia and North Africa regions from ancient to modern times.

Release style

[edit]

The style of Arab archery described in surviving texts is similar to that used by Mongol and Turkish archers, featuring the use of a thumb draw and a thumb ring to protect the right thumb.[1][2] However, some medieval Muslim writers noted differences between Arab archery and Turkish and Iranian styles, claiming that the bow used by Hejazi Arabs was superior.[3]

Arab archery history

[edit]

A headstone of a Syrian archer was found along Hadrian's Wall, and dates from the 2nd century Common Era, when 200 Syrian archers were sent to reinforce the 8,000 Roman soldiers. The tombstone is now displayed at the Great North Museum: Hancock.[4]

From the 7th century onward, Arab archers used composite bows while shooting from foot, horseback, and camelback. They also utilized a variety of arrows, arrowheads, and shafts.[5][6]

Archery in Islam

[edit]

Muhammad is said to have been proficient with a bow and appreciated the benefits of archery in both sports and warfare. A recurved bow made of bamboo, attributed to Muhammad, is preserved in the Chamber of the Sacred Relics at the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul.[7]

There are several comments by Muhammad concerning archery in the Hadith. Umm Salama told of Muhammed coming upon two groups practicing archery, and he praised them.[8]

Malik ibn Anas spoke about the Battle of Uhud, where the troops abandoned Muhammad, but the archer Talhah remained to protect him with his shield. Uqbah ibn Amir also related that Muhammad once said he preferred archery over riding.[9][10]

Muhammad owned six bows: az-Zawra’, ar-Rauha’, as-Safra’, al-Bayda’, and al-Katum – which was broken during the battle of Battle of Uhud, and was taken by Qatadah bin an-Nu’man and as-Saddad. He had a quiver called al-Kafur, and a strap for it made from tanned skin, as well as three silver circular rings, a buckle, and an edge made of silver. According to a medieval Sunni scholar: "We should mention that Ibn Taymiyyah said that there are no authentic narrations that the Prophet ever wore a strap around his waist."[11]

Camel archers

[edit]

Camels, being taller and more resilient in desert warfare than horses, were sometimes used in combat, though often more for transport than as a platform for shooting. An account describes an Arab archer dismounting from his camel, emptying his quiver on the ground, and kneeling to shoot.[12][13]

Camel archery is also documented among non-Arab peoples. The Old Testament recounts how Joshua fought the Amalekites at Rephidim, who used camels for their archers. Similarly, Gideon fought against the Midianites and their camel-mounted archers during the time of the Judges.[14]

Arab archery today

[edit]

Today, several Arab archery clubs and societies exist, some of which practice traditional Arab archery while others use Western styles in sport competitions and hunting. The main organization is FATA, or the "Fédération Arabe de Tir à L'Arc" of Lebanon, which is a member of the World Archery Federation. Archery competitions are also a feature of the Pan Arab Games, including the 12th Arab Games held in Qatar in 2011, where 60 archers from nine Arab countries competed.[15]

List of Arabic works on archery

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Paterson, W. F. 1966. "The Archers of Islam." Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient. Vol. 9, No. 1/2 (Nov., 1966), pp. 69-87.
  2. ^ Marcelo Muller (15 September 2012). "XLII. On thumb-tips and the various kind thereof, from: Arab Archery, by N.A. Faris and R.P. Elmer, 1945". archerylibrary.com.
  3. ^ "Arab Archery". www.archerylibrary.com. 2019-11-11. Retrieved 2022-08-23.
  4. ^ Cecil, Charles O. 2017. Hadrian's Syrians. Aramco World. August 2017.
  5. ^ KUNSELMAN, DAVID E. 2007. ARAB-BYZANTINE WAR, 629-644 AD. Page 53.
  6. ^ Soar, Hugh. 2018. "The Incendiary Arrow." Primitive Archer. Volume 26 (1), pages 18-20.
  7. ^ "Sacred Relics". bilkent.edu.tr.
  8. ^ Volume 4, Book 56, Number 710.
  9. ^ Book 14, Number 2507.
  10. ^ Volume 5, Book 58, Number 156.
  11. ^ Abu Maryah. 2008. "Weapons of the Prophet Muhammad". February 20, 2008.
  12. ^ Sassanian Elite Cavalry AD 224-642 by Kaveh Farrokh, Angus McBride. 2012. Osprey Press. Page 27.
  13. ^ Rome's Enemies (5): The Desert Frontier. by David Nicolle. 1991. Osprey Publishing. Page 19.
  14. ^ Muhammad: Islam’s First Great General. By Richard A. Gabriel. 2012. University of Oklahoma Press. Page 34.
  15. ^ http://www.worldarchery.org/OTHEREVENTS/Others/2011/Doha-ArabGames/TabId/1124/ArtMID/1567/ArticleID/470/Successful-Archery-Competition-at-the-12th-Arab-Games-.aspx [dead link]
  16. ^ a b Jallon 1980, p. 25.
  17. ^ Jallon 1980, p. 31.
  18. ^ Jallon 1980.
  19. ^ Translated in Latham and Pateson 1970.
  20. ^ Ibn Qayyim al-Jawzīyah, Muḥammad ibn Abī Bakr. kitab ʻuniyat al-ṭullāb fī maʻrifat al-rāmī bil-nushshāb. [Cairo?]: [s.n.], 1932. OCLC: 643468400.
  21. ^ Translated in Faris and Elmer 1945.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Boit, Bernard A. 1991. THE FRUITS OF ADVERSITY: TECHNICAL REFINEMENTS, OF THE TURKISH COMPOSITE BOW DURING THE CRUSADING ERA. (PDF) A Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree Master of Arts in the Graduate School of the Ohio State University by Lt. Bernard A. Boit, USAF.
  • Faris, Nabih Amin, and Robert Potter Elmer. Arab Archery: An Arabic Manuscript of About A.D. 1500, "A Book on the Excellence of the Bow & Arrow" and the Description Thereof. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1986. 182 pages. Translation of "Kitāb fī bayān fadl al-qaws w-al-sahm wa-awsāfihima," no. 793 in Descriptive catalog of the Garrett collection of Arabic manuscripts in the Princeton University library.
  • Jallon, Adnan Darwish (1980). Kitāb fī maʿrifat ʿilm ramy al-sihām: A Treatise on Archery by Ḥusayn b. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān b. Muḥammad b. ʿAbdallāh al-Yūnīnī [AH 647 (?) – 724 / AD 1249–50 (?) – 1324]. A Critical Edition of the Arabic Text together with a Study of the Work in English (PhD diss.). Victoria University of Manchester.
  • Latham, J. D., W. F. Paterson, and Ṭaybughā. Saracen Archery: An English Version and Exposition of a Mameluke Work on Archery (Ca. A.D. 1368). (PDF) London: Holland P., 1970.
  • McLeod, Wallace E. 1962. "Egyptian Composite Bows in New York." American Journal of Archaeology. Vol. 66, No. 1 (Jan., 1962), pp. 13–19
  • Paterson, W. F. 1966. "The Archers of Islam." Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient. Vol. 9, No. 1/2 (Nov., 1966), pp. 69–87.
  • Sukenik,Yigael. 1947. "The Composite Bow of the Canaanite Goddess Anath." Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research. No. 107 (Oct., 1947), pp. 11–15.
[edit]
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