The Orient in the West. The Consolidation of the Umayyad Monetary System in al-Andalus during the 2nd/8th Century

Abstract

During the 2nd/8th century, the consolidation of the Umayyad monetary system took place in al-Andalus. In this process, the influence of Eastern coinage played a decisive role and shows us the fact that al-Andalus was one more territory of Dār al-Islām. The first Andalusi issues, despite having their own local characteristics, were deeply influenced by Eastern elements because they were immersed in the policy of the Umayyad caliphate. After a transitional period, Andalusi dinars and dirhams were adjusted to ‘Abd al-Malik’s reform, becoming fully Arabized currencies. In this process, they were also adjusted to Eastern parameters. The coin hoards of this period show the importance of Eastern coins in the economy of al-Andalus because they were the main currency circulating in the territory. When the Umayyad caliphate of Damascus was replaced by the ‘Abbāsid caliphate, and al-Andalus became an Independent Emirate from the ‘Abbāsid caliphate in 138/756, the maintenance of Umayyad monetary features was the best expression of their dynastic vindication and rejection of the caliphate of Baghdad. The political break with the East was not only reflected in the issues but also in the monetary circulation, as is evidenced by coin hoards. Unlike the previous period, the main circulating currency was the Andalusi dirham, which is evidence of the monetary autonomy and consolidation of the Umayyad monetary system in al-Andalus.