Seljuk Pehlivan Stones with New Samples

Abstract

Anatolian Seljuk society, culture and art have been the subject of scientific studies from all fields for many years and have been approached from a variety of perspectives. However, there are still questions that need to be answered and areas of uncertainty that need to be clarified. While new information emerges that addresses some gaps, it also raises other questions.Four artefacts offered for sale at Christie’s Auction House in England at different times draw attention with their inscriptions and figures. Described as weights, the objects are made of solid limestone and are approximately 40 cm high in the shape of a ‘U’ or horseshoe, and are joined at both ends by a cylindrical handle in the centre.It is understood that this handle was made to carry the artefacts.In the inventory of the Auction House, the artefacts are dated to the 13th century and it is stated that they were probably made in Anatolia. Research on the subject has revealed that the artefact is known as ‘Pehlivan Taşı’ or ‘Training Taşı’ and that there is an example in the Ankara Ethnography Museum (now Konya İnce Minareli Madrasa Museum) Despite the evident variation in dimensions amongst the pieces, they are all crafted according to a uniform form. However, the examples in Christie’s Auction House exhibit distinct characteristics compared to the Turkish pehlivan stone, primarily in terms of their figural ornamentation and inscriptions.The Turkish pehlivan stone is traditionally associated with Konya, leading to the supposition that the artefacts in Christie’s Auction House might also hail from the same region. The present study aims to determine the purposes of use and their place in Seljuk society through the quality and artistic style of these sports items, which have hitherto received little attention in studies of Anatolian Seljuk society, culture and art.