Al-Andalus | Almohad Caliphate Silver Dirham

History of the Artifact The square silver dirham from Al-Andalus is a striking example of the rich cultural and artistic fusion that defined Islamic Spain. These coins stand out immediately due to their unusual square shape—an aesthetic choice that set them apart from the more common round coins of both Islamic and Christian mints. They’re inscribed with elegant Kufic script, bearing the iconic phrase of the 'shahada' - the Islamic profession of faith - along with the name of the issuing authority and mint location, usually cities like Córdoba, Almería, or Seville. Rather than featuring portraits, which Islamic tradition generally avoided, the beauty of these coins lies in their geometry, symmetry, and calligraphy, making each one a small masterpiece of medieval design. What makes these coins especially compelling is how they embody the complex and dynamic world of Al-Andalus. This was a time when Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities coexisted in a remarkably advanced and cosmopol