Arpachin

Arpachin is a historical term referring to a unit of length used primarily in Turkey and other regions previously part of the Ottoman Empire. The exact length of an arpachin varied regionally and over time, but it was generally understood to be the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, similar to the English cubit.

The arpachin was not a standardized measurement. Its value was based on the individual's arm length, which introduced inherent variability. Due to this inconsistency, the arpachin was eventually replaced by more standardized metric units as part of modernization efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries.

While no longer in common usage, the term "arpachin" can still be found in historical documents, old land deeds, and traditional stories originating from areas where it was once used. Understanding that an arpachin represents a rough approximation of length is crucial when interpreting these older sources. Its approximate equivalent is around 65-75 cm, although, as mentioned above, this can fluctuate significantly.