Interactions and Semantic Relations between Legitimizer Codes in the Visual Elements of the Ilkhanate Coins based on the Semantics Approaches

The application of semiotic approaches in the study of the themes of coins, considering the written-visual feature of the visual elements of coins, can reveal their hidden and implicit meanings than other artistic texts. Relying on semiotic approaches (especially its poststructuralist concepts), this study has considered the themes in the visual elements of the Ilkhanids coins and in this way has used the theory of legitimacy of power of David Bettham. The main question of the research is “what is the interaction and semantic relations of the codes of the Ilkhanid coins?”; and “how are the symbolic systems manifested in them?” The data was collected using library resources and implementing an analytical-historical approach. The results reveal that using this method involves broader paradigms and leads to a better understanding of connotations in coin themes. The meanings of visual elements in coins of Hulagu Khan reign until the middle of Abaqa Khan rule indicate the Khans' efforts to gain the first level of legitimacy and the elements in coins near the end of Abaqa Khan rule to Gaykhatu Khan indicate the Khans’ failure to promote their justification goals and lack of common beliefs (the second level of legitimacy) by minting coins with Christian, Jewish (Star of David) and even Shiite themes. After Ghazan Khan until the extinction of the Ilkhanate dynasty, the coexistence of Islamic, Uyghur and Iranian codes in the coin themes occurs simultaneously with the third level of legitimacy in the society. In this period, the symbols of the main pillars of power (political, religious and economic) coexist harmonically in the coin themes and are a reflection of the power network. In this period, the meanings of coins had become a kind of semiosis through the expansion of intertextual connections with other areas.