Shah Abbas: Coins of faith and power at the British Museum

Summary

This script delves into the cultural and religious significance of Safavid coins, focusing on their inscriptions and artistry. Coins from the Safavid era, such as those from Shah Abbas, carry important messages about Islamic faith, specifically the Shiite reverence for Imam Ali. The coins feature detailed Persian calligraphy and religious proclamations, reflecting the political and spiritual landscape of the time. These small but intricate objects not only served as currency but as powerful symbols of identity, faith, and royal allegiance, encapsulating key aspects of the Safavid dynasty's religious and national identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Islamic coins have been used for centuries, serving both economic and symbolic purposes.
• 😀 Coins often carried religious messages, such as proclamations of faith like 'La ilaha illallah Muhammad rasoolullah' (There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger).
• 😀 The coins also conveyed political messages, with rulers using them to assert their allegiance to religious figures like Imam Ali.
• 😀 The gold coin of Shah Abbas includes an inscription that prominently features Imam Ali, highlighting his importance in Shiite Islam.
• 😀 The inscription on the Shah Abbas coin stresses the ruler's devotion to Imam Ali, positioning him as a key figure in Shiite Muslim belief.
• 😀 Persian calligraphy is showcased as an exquisite form of art on coins, with beautiful designs such as the use of flowers and dots around the inscriptions.
• 😀 The coins' inscriptions not only included religious affirmations but also detailed the ruler's name, title, and the location where the coin was minted (e.g., Isfahan).
• 😀 The Persian language and culture played a significant role in the Safavid dynasty, with coins acting as a medium to assert national identity.
• 😀 The Persian phrase 'Shah havilah yet' on the coin signifies the ruler's role as a servant of the kingdom of Imam Ali.
• 😀 The inclusion of the date '11:21 Hijra' on the coin, corresponding to 1709 CE, places it within the context of Safavid rule during that period.

Q & A

What role do coins play in the economic and cultural context discussed in the transcript?

Coins are significant both economically and culturally as they were used for trading, and they also served as a medium for rulers to communicate messages. These messages often include religious affiliations, proclamations of faith, and allegiance to particular leaders or dynasties.

What is the religious message inscribed on the coin discussed in the transcript?

The coin features the central inscription 'La ilaha illallah' (There is no god but Allah), with the name of Imam Ali, the son-in-law and successor of the Prophet Muhammad, inscribed in the middle. This is significant for Shiite Muslims, as Imam Ali is considered the first Imam.

How does the inscription on the coin reflect Shiite Muslim beliefs?

The inscription emphasizes the Shiite belief in Imam Ali’s central role, as his name is given prominence in the coin’s design. The phrase 'La ilaha illallah' (There is no god but Allah) is present, with a direct reference to Imam Ali, which indicates the Shiite allegiance to him as the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad.

What does the back of the coin reveal about the ruler?

The back of the coin provides information about the ruler who minted it. It states the ruler’s title and includes Persian inscriptions declaring the ruler's allegiance to Imam Ali, with the title 'Shah' being emphasized, linking the ruler to the Safavid dynasty and its Shiite identity.

What does the use of Persian language on the coin signify?

The use of Persian language on the coin highlights the importance of Persian culture and language within the Safavid dynasty, reinforcing Persian as a key element of national identity and the Safavid rulers' legitimacy.

What is the significance of the date mentioned on the coin?

The coin is dated 11:21 Hijri, which corresponds to 1709 in the Gregorian calendar. This date indicates the period during the Safavid dynasty and the reign of Shah Hussein, providing a historical context for the coin.

How does the calligraphy on the coin contribute to its cultural value?

The coin features exquisite Persian 'nastaliq' calligraphy, known for its elegance and artistic value. The beauty of the calligraphy, along with decorative elements like flowers and dots, enhances the cultural and aesthetic significance of the coin.

What is the meaning of the phrase 'bandy ashore' inscribed on the coin?

The phrase 'bandy ashore' translates to 'the servant of the kingdom of Ali.' This phrase reflects the ruler's humility and devotion to Imam Ali, emphasizing the ruler's role as a servant of the larger Shiite cause.

Why is Isfahan mentioned on the coin, and what does it signify?

Isfahan is mentioned on the coin as the place of minting. This is significant because Isfahan was the capital of the Safavid Empire during the reign of Shah Abbas and is known for its cultural and architectural achievements, marking it as a key center of Safavid power.

How does this coin reflect the broader political and religious context of the Safavid dynasty?

The coin reflects the Safavid dynasty's Shiite identity, with clear religious messages emphasizing allegiance to Imam Ali. It highlights the Persian cultural influence, the Safavids' political legitimacy through their connection to Imam Ali, and their commitment to promoting Shiism as a central element of their rule.