Anatolian Seljuk coins illuminate 12th century history in Türkiye

A remarkable collection of 2,764 rare coins from the Anatolian Seljuk Empire is shedding light on on 9 centuries ago. On display at Konya’s Dar-ul Mulk Exhibition Palace, this collection spans coins minted by 14 sultans and various princes from 1116 to 1308.

The exhibition, featuring coins made of gold, silver, and copper, will be open to the public for one year.

The Dar-ul Mulk Exhibition Palace, which also houses sculptures reflecting the facial and bodily appearances of 12 sultans and 17 dynasty members through DNA and anatomical analyses, now showcases these historical coins.

Anatolian Seljuk coins illuminate 12th century history in Türkiye — A collection of 2,764 gold, silver and copper coins minted by 14 sultans and some maliks who ruled the Anatolian Seljuk Empire between 1116-1308, on display in Konya, Türkiye, July 29, 2024 (AA Photo)

Each coin in the collection is unique, and the exhibition allows for detailed examination with special lighting and QR codes providing information in both Turkish and English.

Hulya Acar, the guide at Dar-ul Mulk Exhibition Palace, revealed that the collection belongs to Bahadir Kalayci, a registered collector from the Antalya Museum.

Acar emphasized the dual significance of the coins: “These coins offer insights into the socioeconomic status of the Seljuk Empire, its territorial extent, trade networks, and the locations of its mints. While no Seljuk mint has survived to this day, the coins themselves reveal that there were nearly 50 mints throughout the Seljuk state.”

Highlighting most valuable pieces

One of the most valuable pieces in the collection is a gold coin from the 2nd Izzeddin Keykavus.

Acar explained its importance: “Gold and silver coins became prevalent as the empire expanded. This collection includes gold coins starting from the reign of 2nd Kilicarslan, with the most valuable being from the 2nd Izzeddin Keykavus. The inscription ‘Dar-ul Mulk Konya’ on this coin highlights Konya’s role as the capital.”