2019-11-19 Tue

Malik Shah, I was the third and most famous sultan of the Seljuq Empire. He was born on 16th August 1055 and spent his youth in Isfahan. During his youth, Malik-Shah along with Nizam al-Mulk, the Persian vizier of the Empire, took part in Alp Arslan’s (father) campaign in the Caucasus.

He succeeded his father, Alp Arsalan in 1072 under the guidance of the great Vizier Nizam al-Mulk, who was the real manager of the empire until his death. Malik Shah spent the rest reign waging war against the Karakhanids on the eastern side and establishing order in the Caucasus.

Malik-Shah displayed a great interest in literature, science, and art. His reign is memorable for the splendid mosques of his capital, Esfahan, for the poetry of Omar Khayyam, and for the reform of the calendar. His people enjoyed internal peace and religious tolerance. Malik-Shah died on 19 November 1092 while he was hunting.

Depicted here is a gold Dinar issued under his reign from Madinat al-Salam in 486 AH. The obverse of a coin depicts the Kalima, the name of Abbasid caliph in four lines. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin engraved continuation of Kalima and name and title of Malik Shah in four lines.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions