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AV [MED] 1, obverse, with view of Mecca
AV [MED] 1, obverse, with view of Mecca

A Unique Medallion with Views of Mecca and Medina

AV [MED] 1

Turkey or possibly the Hijaz

struck around 1845

AV [MED] 1, obverse, with view of Mecca
AV [MED] 1, reverse, with view of Medina

A Unique Medallion with Views of Mecca and Medina

AV [MED] 1

Turkey or possibly the Hijaz

struck around 1845

gold

3.7cm (diameter)

The depiction of Mecca on the obverse includes a view of the Holy Sanctuary with the words of the Shahadah above it below it are the words, Makkah Mukarramah 1. In the background is Mount ‘Arafat. The view of the Prophet’s mosque on the reverse has the words, ma sha’a Allah (‘Whatsoever God wills’) above it, and Madinah Munawwarah 2 below. The dome above the Prophet’s tomb is surmounted by a tall flame.

Both depictions are probably adapted from contemporary Ottoman manuscript illustrations [see MSS 276].