Journal of Archaeological Studies

Numismatics of Tabriz Mint during the Ilkhanate Period (Focusing on the Era Hülegü to Öljeitü)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Moharram Bastani 1
Nematollah Alimohammady 2

1 Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. (Corresponding author).

2 Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.337049.143315
Abstract
The Tabriz mint is one of the most significant mints from the Ilkhanid period. Since the Hulegu Khan era, Tabriz was officially recognised as the political centre of Ilkhanid rule. This decision, whether ideal or flawed, attracted an influx of artists, scholars, calligraphers, craftsmen, and architects from the vast territories of the Ilkhanid Empire—from Transoxiana to Asia Minor, the plains of Qipchaq and the Transcaucasus to the Mediterranean shores, and from the Persian Gulf to the Strait of Oman. During this time, Tabriz became a major financial, political, scientific, military, and social hub. Historical sources document that Tabriz reached a remarkable level of growth and distinction, with visitors—including tourists, foreign emissaries, and domestic ambassadors—providing vivid descriptions of the city in their accounts. The choice to establish Tabriz as the Ilkhanid political centre appears to have significantly boosted its importance as one of the largest and most prominent mints in Iran during this era, as evidenced by numismatic records. Tabriz’s role in minting underwent substantial changes, shaped by shifts across various historical periods, particularly its financial structure. The study of coins from this mint offers valuable insights into some obscure aspects of Iranian history during the Ilkhanid rule. This article examines Tabriz, one of the most influential mints of the Ilkhanid period, by highlighting its unique characteristics, features, and innovations. This paper addresses the question of how coins were minted in Tabriz in comparison to those from other Iranian mints and seeks to understand the factors behind Tabriz’s preeminence. Preliminary research suggests that Tabriz, as the Ilkhanid political centre, possessed the necessary conditions to become a major financial institution under the Ilkhanid administration. Following the progression of the Ilkhanid administration from nomadism to a more advanced and sophisticated one, the same development appeared in Tabriz. evolved correspondingly. Attracted a vast array of experts, talented artists, scientists, and craftsmen; fostering a dynamic professional environment that contributed to other Iranian cities in various areas of development. By the latter part of Ilkhanid rule in Iran, particularly during the reigns of Öljeitü and Abu Sa’id, Tabriz became a notable centre of cultural, economic, financial, architectural, artistic, and intellectual achievements. This included advancements in book illumination, painting, and coinage, largely for skilled and talented workers drawn from across the empire. This thesis, therefore, focuses on the unique characteristics of coins minted in Tabriz and explores the reasons for and implications of the Tabriz mint’s superiority over other mints within the Ilkhanid Empire.

Keywords

Tabriz
Ikhanid Era
Tabriz Mint
Ikhanid Coins
Mongol Period
Subjects
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Journal of Archaeological Studies
Volume 16, Issue 2 - Serial Number 35
Vol: English
Summer 2024
Pages 327-357

  • Receive Date 29 October 2024
  • Revise Date 10 November 2024
  • Accept Date 21 November 2024

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