Ottoman period coins at the Iznik Museum

Coins have been the most important instrument of payment used for shopping as from the first years they were minted. The information on the coins reveal the years when the sultans of the related countries have ascended the throne, the lands they conquered, and their economic and social conditions. Examination of the coins both at the museums and found in archaeological excavations will provide more information about the archaic states which have minted coins. Located in Marmara Region where the Ottoman State was founded, Iznik has an important place in history both in Ottoman Period and before that due to its geographical location. Nilufer Hatun Imaret which got built by Murad I in Ottoman period in honor of his mother, Nilüfer Hatun, is used as the Iznik Museum today. The coins minted by other states before the Ottoman period are explained briefly and information about the terms used on Ottoman coins, their material, mint technique, currencies and mints are provided in this study. Minting periods, mint dates of and inscriptions and embroideries on 151 coins selected from among the 4200 Ottoman coins at the Iznik Museum are compared with the coins minted in different periods and tried to be evaluated. Keywords: Art History, Numismatics, Coin, Ottoman, Money, Iznik Museum