Dirham of Kay Khusraw II 1235 - 1237

Editor: This is the Dirham of Kay Khusraw II. It's a coin, so pretty small, but the imagery is striking. What do you make of the lion and the sun? Curator: The lion and sun are ancient symbols of power, but their union on this coin suggests a deliberate syncretism. It hints at the cultural and political landscape of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. What does it evoke for you? Editor: I guess it feels like an attempt to unite different cultural ideas. Curator: Precisely. Consider also the Arabic script on the reverse; a tapestry woven from diverse threads. This coin embodies cultural memory and continuity. Editor: That’s a lot to pack onto one little coin! Thank you. Curator: Indeed. The power of symbols lies in their ability to transcend time and space, sparking dialogue across centuries.