Coins of Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw II Period in Bursa Archeology Museum

Abstract

Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw II ascended to the throne of the Anatolian Seljuk State at a young age after the death of his father, Ala al-Din Kayqubad I. During this period, the state, at its peak, entered into a process of collapse due to the Baba Ishak Rebellion and the Battle of Kose Dag. Despite being a controversial figure in terms of state administration and personal life, Kaykhusraw II stands out for his activities in the field of art, especially architecture, during this period. This situation can also be observed in the coins minted by the Sultan. Within the scope of this study, aims to examine the coins belonging to the period of Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw II in the Bursa Archaeological Museum and to indicate their place and importance in Turkish art. In this regard, 99 coins registered in the museum inventory were identified. In terms of general condition, the majority of the surviving artifacts that have reached the present day in intact condition were produced using the minting technique. The pieces date between 634 AH (AD 1237) and 644 AH (AD 1246-47). The majority of the pieces were made of silver but copper is also used. The coins were minted in Sivas, Konya and Ankara. Geometric, figurative, and botanical decorative elements were used to enliven the surface. While geometric elements are mostly used, the composition consisting of a lion and a sun-face appears as an important group in Turkish art. The analyzed artifacts are divided into 4 types in terms of ornamentation and writing arrangements, which provide important information on dating and minting location.