Seljuk Dynasty (Islam)
(1055 to 1171)
What happened?
The Seljuk dynasty originated from the Qiniq branch of the Oghuz Turks (one of the largest Turkic tribes), who lived in the 8th century on the edge of the Muslim world, north of the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea in Turkestan. The Muslim world was going through a political, cultural, and economic crisis.
The Sunni Muslim dynasty gradually became Persian. When the leader Seljuk quarreled with Yabghu, leader of the Oghuz, he split off his clan and set up his own camp. Seljuk converted to Islam about 985. Within a few generations, the nomadic Seljuk Turks gained power over agricultural society with a sedentary culture. During the Middle Ages, they contributed to the Turko-Persian tradition in the Middle East and Central Asia.
The Seljuk Turks established the Seljuk Empire and the Sultanate of Rum (= predecessor of the Ottoman Empire) in 1050-1051. The establishment of the empire brought political stability to the Islamic world, which largely united under one state. The Seljuks mixed with the local population and adopted Persian culture and language.
At their height, their empire spread from Iran to Anatolia. After the reign of Sultan Malik Shah (1072-1092), the empire fell apart into many small states. The division enabled the Crusaders to capture Antioch in 1097 and Jerusalem in 1099 during the First Crusade.
Dish. Found: London, UK (JN0708)
Seljuk Bronze
± 1200
Our bronze bowl from Seljuk culture was made around 1200. This period was a golden age for Islamic art characterized by innovation and experimentation. The precious metals are less used than bronze and other copper alloys. Was there a shortage of silver and gold? Many objects are made for the market, and not for certain rich customers. This explains the rise of the merchant bourgeoisie.
One of the most important developments in metalworking was the inlay of bronze or copper objects with precious metals such as copper, silver, or gold. Towards the end of the 12th century, the embedded metals appear, which constitute the largest and richest production. Common unlaid items also remained available. Bronze casting flourished and famous workshops were established in the empire. Candlesticks, inkwells with different forms, pitchers, trays, etc., were recovered.
The inlays are made of copper, silver, or gold. The decorative motifs are geometric or represent flora, the animal world, or figurative scenes. Our dish has a high lobed rim of 12 vertical segments.