What is the name for the round metal shields typically associated with Middle Eastern soldiers during the Crusades?

by pantsshittingslasher

I’ve tried searching various terms and can’t find any information other than some variation of “Middle Eastern troops often carried shields made entirely of metal”. Any information that could shed some light on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

DrFrocktopus

So the Muslim forces used a number of shields of varying shapes and material. Based on your description, I believe you are describing a Dhal shield. Dhal shields were originated from South Asia but they were also made in Persia where they were called Sipars. Although they were often made of whicker (kalkan) (Note: Kalkan refers to the whicker material, not the shield type. I attached a link that shows a shield very similar in style to the one you described, it’s a Dhal style but it is made of Kalkan) they were also made of metal- mostly steel or iron and could be inlaid with precious metals and stones. They are a type of buckler shield and often feature the 4 distinct rivets/bosses that fasten the handle to the shield. Heres a paper specifically on Islamic armor to further guide your studies.