Muslims did use crossbows. Bihzad probably painted this in Herat in what is now northern Afghanistan.
Timurid Assault on a Castle, by Bihzad c.1480 (featuring crossbows),
Upper detail of Timurid defenders with crossbow &
Lower detail of Timurid besiegers with crossbow
The crossbows have a rope stirrup that hangs loose at the end of the crossbow.
MIRROR SITE
Timurid Assault on a Castle, by Bihzad c.1480 (featuring crossbows)
Druzhina
Timurid Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers
