Copper Dirham of Nasr al-Din Artuq Arslan, minted at Mardin c. 1230s

Editor: This is a copper dirham of Nasr al-Din Artuq Arslan. What strikes me is how a simple coin can carry such a powerful, albeit aged, message. What story does it tell you? Curator: Consider the act of minting itself – a sovereign act, claiming power. How did identity intersect with economic power in 12th-century Mardin? This ruler’s image, stamped onto currency, speaks volumes. Editor: So it's about claiming power and showing who is in charge? Curator: Absolutely, but also, how does this portrayal of power, likely idealized, align with the actual realities of his rule and its impact on diverse populations? Editor: That makes me think about the responsibility that comes with power and the need for ethical governance. Curator: Precisely. These objects encourage us to reflect on power dynamics, both past and present, and their effects on individuals and communities.