Christian-Islamic Symbiosis Emerged In Money: Coins As A Tool For Political And Economic Propaganda

Abstract

This paper discusses the political and economic compromises of Near-Eastern rulers of XI – XIII centuries as reflected in contemporary coinage. An analysis of reasons that enabled hybrid coinage combining contemporary Islamic and Christian motifs is also offered in this essay. From this point of view, a special significance must be attached to the role of local Christian or Muslim communities, their relationship with each other, an adequate perception and tolerance exercised by local rulers in terms of medieval multi-ethnic and multi-confessional society. On the other hand, international trade would demand for rulers to secure paradigms commonly used in Islamic coinage, in order to allow a coin participate in both near and far away trade.