A rare Khazar or Al Arsiya iron helmet, Southern Russian steppe, 8th-9th century

This distinctive form of tight-fitting helmet constructed out of plates rivetted together is typical of nomadic Turkic tribes of the southern Russian steppe, dating to the period from the eighth through to the tenth century. For comparable examples, mostly in museum collections in Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union, see Nicolle, D., (ed.), Companion to Medieval Arms and Armour, pl.XI-5.  The present example is exceedingly rare on the market.  A Khazar sword of similar date sold in these rooms, 11 October 2006, lot 163.

The Khazaria Turks, who are perhaps best known from their conversion to Judaism in the 8th-9th century, occupied an extensive territory that stretched from the Volga basin in the Caucasus to Khwarizm in Central Asia.  Their rule lasted for at least 250 years, supported militarily by Muslim mercenaries, known as al-Arsiyah, 'As or al-'As.  Their capital was at Kiev (Kuyaba or Kuyabad in the Arabic and Turkish sources).

Much of what we know about the Khazaria and al-Arsiyah comes from Arabic sources. The geographer and traveller, al-Mas'udi, in his Muruj al-Dhahab ("Meadows of Gold"), writes: 'The predominant element in this country are the Muslims as they form the royal army.  They are known in this country as Arsiyah and are immigrants from neighbouring Khawarizm. ... They are strong and courageous and the Khazar king relies on them in his wars.  They have continued to reside in his country on certain conditions; one being the open profession of their religion with permission for mosques and the call for prayer.  Further the Vizierate must belong to them.  At present the Vizier is one of them, Ahmed ibn Kuyah.'

Mas'udi continues: 'When the king of the Khazars is at war with the Muslims, they have a separate place in his army and do not fight the people of their own faith.  They fight with him against all the unbelievers.  At such times about 7000 of them ride with the king, archers with breast plates, helmets and coats of arms.  Some also are lancers, equipped and armed like the Muslims.  They also have Muslim judges (qudat).'

For further reading on the Khazars and al-Arsiyah, refer to D.M. Dunlop, The History of the Jewish Khazars, Princeton Oriental Series, vol.16, Princeton, 1954, which has a large bibliography.