Unique Medieval Ivory Archer’s Ring Discovered at Hasankeyf

A rare and highly significant archaeological discovery has recently emerged from the ancient settlement of Hasankeyf, one of the most historically layered sites in Anatolia. Within the framework of Türkiye’s Heritage for the Future Project (Geleceğe Miras Projesi), conducted under the auspices of the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums, archaeologists have uncovered an exceptional Artuqid-period ivory archer’s ring (zihgir) dating to the 12th–13th centuries. The find offers valuable new insights into Artuqid court culture, elite identity, and medieval Islamic craftsmanship.

Hasankeyf: A Crossroads of Civilizations

Hasankeyf is located in southeastern Turkey, within the province of Batman, along the Tigris River. Its strategic position at the crossroads of Mesopotamia made it a crucial hub for trade, culture, and defense throughout history. The city lies approximately 30 kilometers south of the modern city of Batman and is within accessible distance of Mardin and Diyarbakır.

Surrounded by steep cliffs and the river valley, Hasankeyf’s natural landscape contributed to its continuous habitation for nearly 12,000 years, hosting civilizations such as the Romans, Byzantines, Artuqids, Ayyubids, and Ottomans. Its dramatic landscape of rock-cut dwellings, bridges, palaces, and mosques reflects this long and complex past.

During the medieval period, Hasankeyf flourished as a major urban center under the Artuqid dynasty, who transformed the city into a political and cultural capital. Monumental architecture such as palaces and fortifications attest to the dynasty’s wealth and refined aesthetic sensibilities. The recent discovery further reinforces Hasankeyf’s role as a focal point of elite life and artistic production in the medieval Islamic world.

Discovery at the Artuqid Great Palace

The zihgir was unearthed during the 2025 excavation season at the southeastern corner of the Great Palace structure, a building closely associated with Artuqid rulers. Excavations at Hasankeyf are being carried out under the direction of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zekai Erdal of the Department of Art History at Mardin Artuklu University, supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

Found at the intersection of the palace’s structural walls, the object’s context suggests a connection to the ruling elite. Its location within a palatial environment indicates that the ring was not an ordinary military accessory but an item of personal significance, likely belonging to a high-ranking individual within the Artuqid court.

An Exceptional Ivory Zihgir

Crafted from ivory, the archer’s ring stands out for both its material and ornamentation. Ivory was a rare and costly resource in the medieval Islamic world, typically reserved for luxury objects associated with power and prestige. The zihgir is further embellished with pearls, turquoise, and silver inlays, reflecting an extraordinary level of craftsmanship.

Small pearls are set in neat rows on both sides of the ring’s shield, while a turquoise stone is embedded into a diamond-shaped platform on the outer surface. The finger opening is adorned with circular silver inlays, complemented by diagonal and triangular silver motifs along the body. At the center of the shield, a diamond-shaped silver design completes the composition, demonstrating a harmonious balance of geometry and ornament.

Archery, Status, and the Artuqids

In medieval Turkic and Islamic societies, archery was not only a military skill but also a marker of noble identity. The zihgir, worn on the thumb, became an important symbol of both martial ability and social rank. While simpler examples were used in daily practice, richly decorated archer’s rings functioned as status symbols, particularly within royal and aristocratic circles.

The precious materials and refined decoration of the Hasankeyf zihgir strongly suggest that it belonged to a member of the Artuqid dynasty or its immediate entourage. Researchers emphasize that such an object was likely intended for ceremonial display rather than battlefield use.

A Unique Archaeological Find

Comparative studies have shown that no other pearl-inlaid zihgir has been identified to date, making this artifact unique within the corpus of known Islamic archer’s rings. Although similar luxury examples crafted from valuable materials are preserved in collections such as the Topkapı Palace Museum Treasury, the Hasankeyf find represents an unparalleled combination of form, material, and decoration.

Preserving Hasankeyf’s Heritage

This discovery highlights the importance of ongoing archaeological work at Hasankeyf and the role of national heritage initiatives in preserving Türkiye’s cultural legacy. As conservation and scholarly analysis continue, the Artuqid zihgir is expected to become a key reference point for future studies on Islamic art, medieval court culture, and archery traditions.

Ultimately, this rare artifact stands as a powerful testament to Hasankeyf’s enduring historical significance and the artistic sophistication of the Artuqid world.

General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums (Kültür Varlıkları ve Müzeler Genel Müdürlüğü)

Cover Image Credit: General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums via X