A Unique Medallion with Views of Mecca and Medina

Location: Turkey or possibly the Hijaz

Materials: gold

Dimensions: 3.7cm (diameter)

Accession Number: AV [MED] 1

Other Notes:

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].