The Khiva Khanate Mint

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The Khiva Khanate Mint

In 1505, Khorezm was conquered by Shaybani Khan. In 1510, Shaybani Khan died in a battle with the army of Shah Ismail Safavi, the founder of the Safavid state.

The vice-regents of the Shaybanids in Khorezm took advantage of this circumstance and proclaimed the independence of the Khorezm Khanate. For a long period, old coins remained in circulation in its territory.

The minting of Khiva own coins was organized in 1612 under the Arab Muhammad Khan, in 1645–1663 – under Abulgazi Khan, in 1675 – under Anush Muhammad Khan, and in 1801 – under Eltuzar Khan.

The State Mint of the Khiva Khanate located in the Kunya-Ark palace was founded in 1810 by Muhammad Rakhim Khan. Gold, silver and copper coins known as tillo, abbosiy, ok tanga, qora tanga, shokhi, yarim shokhi and pul (qora pul) were minted there. At a time when there were no newspapers, radio and television available, coins were the main propaganda tool. Therefore, the rulers attached great importance to the minting of coins on their behalf.

The coins were minted using stamps made by special craftsmen. These masters were awarded the honorary title of muhrkan – engraver; they a lso were engaged in making seals for the rulers.

You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "The Collection of the Ichan-Kala State Museum-Reserve" (Volume XLVII) in the series "Сultural legacy of Uzbekistan in the world collections".

The main sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.

 

The Khiva Khanate Mint