Anatolian Seljuk coins in the Tokat Museum: A study of 50 selected examples

This study aims to examine the coins from the Anatolian Seljuk period housed in the Tokat Museum from historical, economic, and artistic perspectives. The coins minted during the Seljuk rule between the 11th and 13th centuries serve as significant historical documents that reflect the political power, economic structure, and aesthetic preferences of the era. Within the scope of the thesis, fifty coins belonging to thirteen different Seljuk sultans in the Tokat Museum collection were analyzed systematically in terms of mint location, minting date, material, script style, decorative elements, and method of acquisition by the museum. The study demonstrates that these coins were not merely tools of economic exchange but also symbols of political legitimacy, vehicles of artistic expression, and bearers of Islamic identity. The silver-based coins feature inscriptions in Kufic and Thuluth scripts, including phrases such as the kalima al-tawhid and the names and titles of rulers, emphasizing religious authority. Decorative motifs—including figural, geometric, and vegetal designs—illustrate the symbolic language of Seljuk art. The diversity of minting centers provides valuable insights into the political reach and economic integration across Anatolia during the Seljuk period. In conclusion, the Tokat Museum possesses a notably rich numismatic collection from the Anatolian Seljuk era, offering important data for both local history and broader studies on Seljuk economics and art. This thesis contributes to the growing body of regional numismatic scholarship and emphasizes the importance of academic documentation of museum collections. Keywords: Anatolian Seljuk State, Tokat Museum, Coin, Mint.