The splendour of Isfahan: coins from Iran
5 March – 5 July 2009
Room 69a
Exhibition closed
The exhibition features coins, images and other objects
illustrating Isfahan’s rich history, from its pre-Islamic
foundation until the present day.
The beautiful city of Isfahan in central Iran has been described
as ‘Isfahan nesf-e jahan’ (‘Isfahan is half the world’ in Persian).
Shah 'Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty made it his capital in
1598.
The coins on display show the development in styles throughout
Isfahan’s history. Safavid era coins reflect the dynasty's adoption
of Shiism as Iran’s state religion. They have Arabic inscriptions
stating the ruler’s allegiance to Imam 'Ali and his family.
From the first quarter of the 16th century, coins introduce
Persian phrases on the back, and by the time of Shah Sultan Husayn
(AH 1105–1135/1694–1722 AD) Persian couplets in beautiful
calligraphy dominate the coin inscriptions.
The exhibition also includes images of some of the magnificent
architecture of Isfahan, the city that was built on the Zayandeh
Rud, the ‘life-giving river’.
Related exhibitions and displays
Shah 'Abbas: The Remaking of
Iran
19 February – 14 June 2009
Takhti: a modern Iranian hero
19 February – 19 April 2009