II. International Seljuk Historical Geography Symposium FULL TEXT BOOK-I
THE CITY OF KASHAN IN THE SELJUK ERA
Yayıncı:
Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi Yayınları
Located in a central location between Isfahan and Tehran in the Jibal region of Iran, although Kashan looked like a small village or town before the Islamic conquest, it is an ancient settlement. It began to develop as a small city with the Islamic conquest in the 7th century. During the Seljuk rule in the 11th and 12th centuries, the city experienced an allaround development and a long period of prosperity. During this period, Kashan transformed from an agricultural town into a medium-sized city. It was enriched scientifically and culturally by Arabic accumulation of knowledge and rhetorical and calligraphical successes. The fortified Jalali Castle, built by Malik-Shah I, reflects the strategic and military importance of the city in terms of ensuring the security of the capital Isfahan. One of the most striking characteristics of Kashan is that most of the high-ranking Seljuk statesmen came from this city. The scribes from Kashan always took office in high bureaucratic positions and many of them rose to the rank of vizier. The high prestige of the Kashanis in government positions was largely due to the excellent education they received. Madrasas became widespread thanks to the support given by the Seljuk administration to educational and scientific activities. Besides, Kashani statesmen were investing some of their wealth in their hometown. Thus, many madrasas, libraries, and hospitals were built in the city. This development revitalized education and training activities and made the city famous as a centre of education. Also in this period, public work activities accelerated, and buildings and structures serving the public such as water channels, bridges, arches, mosques, and tombs were built, the expenses of which were covered by the statesmen of Kashan. Emphasizing the large Shiite population, sources have always mentioned Kashan together with some other cities such as Qom, Aveh, and Saveh. Despite their sectarian difference in connection with the high density of the Shiite population, the Kashanis managed to hold a position in the state government. Although, due to pro-Sunni policies, the vizier Nizam al-Mulk tried to break the effectiveness of the Shiite elements in the bureaucracy, after his death, the scribes from Kashan continued to be employed in more government services and take charge in high-level positions. This is remarkable in terms of revealing both the bureaucratic abilities of the Kashanis and the characteristics of the Seljuk administrative mechanism. The effectiveness of Kashani statesmen in the bureaucracy continued until the collapse of the Seljuk Empire. Another important feature of Kashan is that it is known as a place of art and elegance. Copperworking, weaving, metalworking and especially ceramic production were common in the city, which had a great manufacturing capacity. The high quality and decorative ceramics called Kashi had a great commercial value. Almost all of the famous ceramics used in Seljuk buildings are of Kashan origin. There were also glazed pottery in different forms and shapes that were exported to many regions and transported to world markets by caravans. Kashan’s location on the trade routes enabled it to develop economically and to be counted among the rich cities of Iran. The fact that gold coins were minted in Kashan during the reign of Alp Arslan and Berkyaruq also shows the economic importance of the city. In addition to the Jalali Castle, various buildings such as mosques and minarets reflect the magnificence of the Seljuk period.