The Application of the Title “Shah of Iran” on an Unknown Coin from the Period of the Reign of Qizil Arsalan

The inscription of the phrase “Shah of Iran” on a coin from the era of the reign of Qizil Arsalan (582-587 AH), one of the Atabeks of Azerbaijan (541-626 AH), is considered a novel and unique deed. The use of the word “shah” on coins in post-Islamic Iran was not new, and the rulers of the Buyid dynasty and then the Seljuk dynasty used this word on their coins; but the juxtaposition of the two words “shah” and “Iran” is considered new in the history of post-Islamic Iran. This not only was unprecedented in the history of post-Islamic Iran, but was not repeated until the reign of Nader Shah Afshar. The main issue in this research is the study and analysis of the reasons for using the phrase “Shah of Iran” on this coin. After gaining religious legitimacy, Qizil Arsalan sought to gain national popularity. Therefore, he had silver coins minted and the words “Shah of Iran” inscribed on them — silver and shah being the symbols of ancient Iran. It is important to note that the region of Azerbaijan was one of the bases of cultural ideology during the Sassanid era, and Sassanid traditions were rooted in this region. In addition, the poetry of the Azerbaijani school reflect the poets’ interest in Iranianism, and this influenced Qizil Arsalan. Considering his untimely murder and reviewing the poetry collection of poets such as Zahir Faryabi and Khaghani Shervani, we realize the failure of Qizil Arsalan in gaining national popularity.