DANISHMENDID.Imad al-Din Dhu'l-Nun.(1142-1175).Ae Dirham.

Obv : OME AMHPAC ΔANOYNHC.
Central text in Arabic, marginal text in Greek.

Rev : OYICTγ MEΛHK MAXA[MATIC.
Central text in Arabic, marginal text in Greek.
Album 1244.1.

Condition : Light green patina with slight wear.Good very fine.

Material : Copper.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 4.17 gr
Diameter : 30 mm

Imad al-Din Dhu'l-Nun was a ruler of the Danishmendid dynasty, a Turkish principality that rose to prominence in Anatolia following the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. The Danishmendids established control over parts of central and northern Anatolia, including the regions around Sivas, Tokat, Amasya, and Niksar. Imad al-Din Dhu'l-Nun is one of the later leaders of the dynasty, known for his rule during a period of rivalry and political complexity in the region.

The Danishmendid dynasty was initially founded by Danishmend Gazi, and it became a significant power in Anatolia, often rivaling the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. Imad al-Din Dhu'l-Nun inherited this legacy and continued to rule over Danishmendid territories during the 12th century. His title, *Dhu'l-Nun*, means "the one with the fish," which was an honorific used by some rulers in the Islamic world, possibly indicating a connection to religious or legendary figures.

During Imad al-Din Dhu'l-Nun's time, the Danishmendids were frequently involved in conflicts with the Seljuks, the Byzantines, and Crusader forces. This period saw a continuous struggle for control over the important strategic and economic centers in Anatolia. The Danishmendids, under rulers like Imad al-Din Dhu'l-Nun, played a significant role in resisting Byzantine attempts to regain lost territories and in combating Crusader incursions into Muslim-controlled lands.

One of the key challenges for rulers like Imad al-Din Dhu'l-Nun was navigating the political landscape of competing Turkish principalities and the larger powers in the region. The Seljuk Sultanate of Rum was expanding and gradually exerting influence over other Turkish states, including the Danishmendids. Imad al-Din Dhu'l-Nun's reign was marked by efforts to maintain Danishmendid independence and authority in the face of these growing pressures.

Ultimately, the Danishmendid dynasty began to decline as the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum consolidated more power in Anatolia. By the mid-12th century, many of the Danishmendid territories were absorbed by the Seljuks, signaling the end of the dynasty as a dominant force in the region. Despite this decline, rulers like Imad al-Din Dhu'l-Nun are remembered for their contributions to the early Turkish presence in Anatolia and their resistance against both Byzantine and Crusader expansion.

The Danishmendids left a lasting cultural and political legacy, particularly in the cities they controlled, where they were known for patronizing scholars, building mosques, and contributing to the early development of Turkish-Islamic culture in Anatolia.