Reflections from the coins of Anatolian Seljuks era to the ceramic surfaces

Ceramic forms, which were developed through old Anatolia Seljukian coins, create the main starting point of the designs in this research. In the study, it is aimed to create original works in the framework of an approach that synthesizes the visual characteristics of these coins with modern visual images, particularly the female body. The Seljuks, who had an enlightened period in science, civilization, economy and cultural activities in Anatolia during 11th and 13th centuries AD, became the founders of an unique and long lasting civilization thanks to the achievements in both politics and culture. The coins, which represent a small piece of the art of such a powerful empire, are considered to be historical documents that reflect the history, economy, culture and social life of the era. Thereby, it is intended to scrutinize the interactions between fields of arts of the era with the coins of Anatolia Seljuks and transfer the personal impressions on ceramic. In our research that is focused on the ornaments of coins of Anatolia Seljukian rulers, the Museum of Yapı Kredi Bank archives -the richest collection of Seljuks in Turkey- and İzmir Archeology Museum related to Şevkullah Bal Collection are used. The coins displayed in İstanbul Archeology Museum could not be examined due to restoration, consequently the research method is limited by these two archives. In examination of interactions between the coins of Anatolia Seljuks and the fields of art, the ornaments of the coins, the conception of painting in the era and the belief and thought systems are considered. As the consequence of the comparison between the coin ornaments and the examples of Seljukian civil and religious architecture, handicrafts, works of stone, wood and tile, it is determined that the form in the ornaments integrated into the belief and thought system of the era and was frequently used as a common language in every field of art. Hence, this indication provides a cultural basis to suggest many other motifs that reflect the rich culture of the era and could be applied on the coins. In this context, the coins of Anatolia Seljuks and their ornaments are conceptually approached and ceramic practices are applied.