MENTESHEOGOLLARI.Leys bin Ilyas(823-825).NM and 825 AH.Akce.

Obv : أويس بن إلياس خان(Owais son of Ilyas Khan).
Arabic legand.

Rev : خلد٨٢٥ملكة.
May his reign be everlasting 825.
Arabic legand.
Celil Ender; Karesi, Saruhan, Aydin ve Mentese Beylikleri Paralari.Istanbul 2000.Page 207, 07A-MNT-404.

Condition : The coin exhibits a clean silver surface with a light patina that gives it a soft, muted appearance. The details of the inscriptions are well-preserved, with minimal wear evident along the edges. The patina is relatively even, indicating that the coin has likely been well-cared for, while some minor surface marks suggest natural aging over time. Overall, the coin retains much of its original clarity.Good very fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 0.67 gr
Diameter : 14 mm

Leys bin Ilyas was one of the notable beys of the Menteşe Beylik, an important principality that emerged in southwestern Anatolia during the 13th century, following the fragmentation of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. The Menteşe Beylik, named after its founder Menteşe Bey, controlled a strategically vital region along the Aegean coast, encompassing areas such as Muğla, Milas, and parts of the Mediterranean coastline. This region became a hub for maritime activities, trade, and military operations due to its proximity to important sea routes and islands in the Aegean.

Leys bin Ilyas, as a Menteşe bey, played a key role in the governance and military campaigns of the beylik. The Menteşe Beys were known for their naval prowess, frequently launching raids against the Byzantine Empire and later, the Knights Hospitaller who controlled the island of Rhodes. Under leaders like Leys bin Ilyas, the Menteşe Beylik developed a powerful navy that exerted considerable influence over the Aegean and Mediterranean, challenging both Byzantine and Latin forces.

During his reign, Leys bin Ilyas would have focused on consolidating the internal power of the beylik while also expanding its influence through military campaigns. The Menteşe Beys were also engaged in trade, particularly in maritime commerce, as their control of coastal regions allowed them to establish commercial ties with other parts of the Mediterranean world. This economic activity further strengthened the position of the beylik, making it a prominent player in the region.

The Menteşe Beys, including Leys bin Ilyas, also engaged in building and patronizing infrastructure and cultural institutions. Several mosques, caravanserais, and other public works were constructed during their rule, reflecting the cultural and religious development of the region. These structures were often influenced by both Seljuk and local architectural traditions, contributing to the unique cultural landscape of southwestern Anatolia.

Leys bin Ilyas and the other Menteşe rulers had to navigate a complex political environment, balancing relationships with more powerful neighbors such as the Ottomans, the Byzantines, and other Turkish beyliks. Eventually, the Menteşe Beylik, like many others in Anatolia, would come under the dominion of the rising Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, marking the end of its independent rule. However, during its height, under leaders like Leys bin Ilyas, the Menteşe Beylik played a crucial role in shaping the political and economic landscape of southwestern Anatolia and the broader Mediterranean region.