AQ QOYUNLU. Anonymous.Amid AH 873.Fals.

Obv : Lion to right; behind, sun-face.

Rev : Tamgha of the Aq Qoyunlu within circle; around, legend in Kufic.
Album 2563A.

Condition : The coin is in heavily worn condition, with much of the design and details obscured by wear and corrosion. The patina is a mix of dark brown and yellowish tones, with patches of greenish oxidation, indicating significant age and environmental exposure. Despite the wear, some outlines of the figures and symbols remain visible, and the patina adds a distinct aged character to the coin.Good very fine.

Material : Copper.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 2.80 gr
Diameter : 23 mm

The Tamgha of the Aq Qoyunlu, a powerful Turkmen tribal confederation that ruled parts of the Middle East and Anatolia during the 14th and 15th centuries, serves as a significant symbol of the dynasty's identity and authority. The word "tamgha" refers to a mark or emblem that was traditionally used by Turkic and Mongol tribes as a form of identification, akin to a family crest or a tribal symbol. It was often stamped on documents, coins, and other official items to indicate ownership, legitimacy, or authority.

The Aq Qoyunlu, meaning "White Sheep" in Turkic, derived their name from the tribal symbol of a white sheep, which represented their clan’s identity. The Tamgha of the Aq Qoyunlu was a highly stylized and abstract emblem, usually consisting of geometric or symbolic forms that were easily recognizable by the people of their time. While the exact shape and design of the tamgha could vary slightly over time or between rulers, its purpose remained consistent: it was a visual representation of the ruling authority of the Aq Qoyunlu dynasty.

Under the leadership of rulers such as Uzun Hasan, who reigned from 1453 to 1478, the Aq Qoyunlu expanded their territories to include large parts of Iran, Iraq, and eastern Anatolia. The tamgha played an essential role in solidifying the power and unity of the Aq Qoyunlu realm, as it was used to assert dominance over conquered lands and to establish a sense of continuity and stability within the expanding empire.

The tamgha was often seen on coins minted by the Aq Qoyunlu, reflecting the state’s control over economic and monetary systems. It was also used on official seals, marking royal decrees, letters, and treaties. By embedding their symbol on important documents and items, the Aq Qoyunlu rulers communicated their sovereignty and legitimacy not only to their own subjects but also to neighboring states and rival powers.

The design of the tamgha carried symbolic meanings, which could relate to the tribe’s origins, its values, and its connection to Turco-Mongol traditions. For nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes like the Aq Qoyunlu, the tamgha was an essential part of their cultural heritage. It was passed down through generations, evolving as the tribe's power grew and their political ambitions expanded.

In addition to its political and administrative functions, the tamgha also held a spiritual significance. It was believed to bring good fortune and protection to the tribe and its leadership, linking the symbol to the divine favor necessary for ruling. This idea is rooted in the Turco-Mongol belief systems, where symbols and totems often carried a connection to spiritual power and ancestral guidance.

The legacy of the Aq Qoyunlu and their tamgha faded after the dynasty's eventual decline in the late 15th century, particularly after their defeat by the Safavids at the Battle of Sharur in 1501. However, the tamgha remains a notable emblem in the study of Turkmen and medieval Middle Eastern history, symbolizing the rise of a powerful tribal confederation that left a lasting impact on the region's political and cultural landscape.

Today, the tamgha of the Aq Qoyunlu can be seen in historical artifacts, such as coins and manuscripts, which continue to be studied by historians and numismatists. These remnants serve as valuable pieces of evidence for understanding the political and cultural dynamics of the medieval Middle East, as well as the importance of tribal symbols in asserting authority and legitimacy.