Islamic bronze Scarce dirham, Najm al-din Ghazi (1239-60), Artuqids of Mardin

Artuqids of Mardin. Najm al-Din Ghazi I. AH 637-658 / AD 1239-1260. Inscriptions on both sides within six-pointed stars. 20mm, 2.84 grams. Mardin mint. cf. Zeno #371020.

The Artuqids of Mardin (1102–1409 CE) were a Turkmen dynasty that ruled Mardin and surrounding territories in southeastern Anatolia and northern Mesopotamia. Founded by descendants of the Seljuk commander Artuq, the dynasty maintained considerable autonomy despite the growing influence of the Zengids, Ayyubids, and later the Mongols. The Artuqids were notable patrons of architecture, engineering, and the arts, and are particularly celebrated for their remarkable bronze coinage featuring human figures, astrological symbols, and designs inspired by ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine coins. Their long rule ended in 1409, when Mardin passed into the hands of the Qara Qoyunlu Turkmen.