ARTUQID of MARDIN.Husam al-Din Timurtash.1122-1152 AD. No Mint & No Date. AE dirhem.

Obv : Diademed Seleukid style bust right.

Rev : الملك العالم / العادل حسا / م الدين / تمرتاش بن / ايل غازي / بن ارتق(Al-Malik al-'Alim / al-'Adil Hisam / al-Din / Tamertash son of / Ilghazi / ibn Artuq).
S&S 26; Album 1826.3.

Condition : Brown patina with a nice gloss.Good very fine.

Material : Copper.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 11.77 gr
Diameter : 27 mm

Husam al-Din Timurtash was a prominent ruler of the Artuqid dynasty, which governed various regions in northern Mesopotamia, including Mardin, during the medieval period. The Artuqids, a Turkmen dynasty, were founded by Artuq ibn Ekseb, and his descendants ruled in different branches, including the line based in Mardin. Husam al-Din Timurtash, the son of Ilghazi, played a significant role in the continuation of Artuqid influence in this region during the 12th century.

The Artuqids were known for their military prowess and strategic importance, especially in the context of the Crusades and their interactions with the Byzantine Empire and other Muslim dynasties. Timurtash inherited the governance of Mardin and its surrounding areas from his father, Ilghazi, who was one of the most successful Artuqid rulers. Ilghazi had expanded the Artuqid territories significantly, and under his leadership, the Artuqids became a powerful regional force. Husam al-Din Timurtash built upon this legacy.

Timurtash's reign is notable for the Artuqid defense of their territories against both Crusader and neighboring Muslim states. While the Artuqids often had to navigate complex alliances and enmities, including relations with the Zengids and the Ayyubids, Timurtash managed to maintain the autonomy of Mardin. He continued to assert Artuqid authority in northern Mesopotamia, making Mardin a stronghold of Artuqid rule. His reign saw the construction and fortification of key cities and fortresses, which helped ensure the security of his lands.

Culturally, the Artuqids, including Husam al-Din Timurtash, were patrons of architecture and the arts. During his reign, Mardin developed into a center of Islamic culture and learning. The Artuqid rulers, influenced by both Islamic and local traditions, commissioned various architectural projects, including mosques, madrasas, and palaces. The architectural style of the Artuqids was a blend of Seljuk, Byzantine, and indigenous Mesopotamian influences, reflecting the diversity of their realm.

One of the most remarkable features of Husam al-Din Timurtash's rule was the coinage minted under his name. Like many rulers of the time, the Artuqids issued their own coins, which were both a practical tool for trade and a symbol of their sovereignty. The Artuqid coins of Mardin, including those minted under Timurtash, often feature inscriptions in Arabic and elaborate designs that demonstrate the blending of Turkmen and Islamic traditions. These coins were widely circulated, and their design helped legitimize Timurtash's rule by invoking both his own authority and the broader Islamic identity of his reign.

Despite the pressures from surrounding powers, including the Crusaders to the west and other Muslim dynasties to the east, Timurtash was able to maintain Artuqid control over Mardin and its territories for much of his reign. The Artuqids of Mardin were adept at forging alliances and maintaining a degree of independence, even as the region became increasingly dominated by larger powers such as the Zengids and later the Ayyubids.

Husam al-Din Timurtash's legacy is also tied to the survival and stability of the Artuqid dynasty in Mardin. His efforts helped to secure Artuqid rule for subsequent generations, allowing his descendants to continue governing Mardin and parts of northern Mesopotamia for over a century. Although the Artuqids eventually declined and were absorbed into larger regional empires, Timurtash's rule marked a high point for the Artuqid branch based in Mardin.

In conclusion, Husam al-Din Timurtash was a key figure in the history of the Artuqid dynasty and the medieval Islamic world. As the ruler of Mardin, he managed to maintain Artuqid independence in a region characterized by political and military challenges. His contributions to the architectural and cultural development of Mardin, along with his role in securing the legacy of the Artuqid dynasty, make him a significant figure in the history of northern Mesopotamia during the 12th century. His reign exemplifies the complex interplay of military, political, and cultural forces that defined the medieval Islamic world.