{"id":283047,"date":"2025-05-17T08:54:54","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T22:54:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/?p=283047"},"modified":"2025-05-20T21:50:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T11:50:07","slug":"collectors-have-forgotten-the-rise-of-numismatic-research-in-the-arab-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/forgotten-collectors-the-rise-of-numismatic-research-in-the-arab-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Forgotten Collectors: The Rise of Numismatic Research in the Arab World"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/forgotten-collectors-the-rise-of-numismatic-research-in-the-arab-world\/#%E2%80%94_a_region_that_boasts_a_numismatic_legacy_stretching_back_over_a_millennium_encompassing_Islamic_caliphates_colonial_transitions_and_modern_statehood_Despite_its_deep_historical_relevance_Arab_numismatics_has_struggled_for_recognition_within_global_academic_circles_and_mainstream_collector_platforms_However_over_the_past_decade_a_quiet_but_determined_movement_has_been_changing_that_narrative\" >\u2014 a region that boasts a numismatic legacy stretching back over a millennium, encompassing Islamic caliphates, colonial transitions, and modern statehood. Despite its deep historical relevance, Arab numismatics has struggled for recognition within global academic circles and mainstream collector platforms. However, over the past decade, a quiet but determined movement has been changing that narrative.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/forgotten-collectors-the-rise-of-numismatic-research-in-the-arab-world\/#A_Region_with_Deep_Numismatic_Roots\" >A Region with Deep Numismatic Roots<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/forgotten-collectors-the-rise-of-numismatic-research-in-the-arab-world\/#The_Arab_Collector_A_Catalyst_for_Revival\" >The Arab Collector: A Catalyst for Revival<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/forgotten-collectors-the-rise-of-numismatic-research-in-the-arab-world\/#Building_Recognition_Without_Institutions\" >Building Recognition Without Institutions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/forgotten-collectors-the-rise-of-numismatic-research-in-the-arab-world\/#Global_Collaboration_Regional_Identity\" >Global Collaboration, Regional Identity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/forgotten-collectors-the-rise-of-numismatic-research-in-the-arab-world\/#Challenges_Ahead_Institutional_Resistance_and_Linguistic_Barriers\" >Challenges Ahead: Institutional Resistance and Linguistic Barriers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/forgotten-collectors-the-rise-of-numismatic-research-in-the-arab-world\/#Conclusion_A_New_Chapter_for_Forgotten_Collectors\" >Conclusion: A New Chapter for Forgotten Collectors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/forgotten-collectors-the-rise-of-numismatic-research-in-the-arab-world\/#%F0%9F%93%8E_References_Resources\" >\ud83d\udcce References &amp; Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%94_a_region_that_boasts_a_numismatic_legacy_stretching_back_over_a_millennium_encompassing_Islamic_caliphates_colonial_transitions_and_modern_statehood_Despite_its_deep_historical_relevance_Arab_numismatics_has_struggled_for_recognition_within_global_academic_circles_and_mainstream_collector_platforms_However_over_the_past_decade_a_quiet_but_determined_movement_has_been_changing_that_narrative\"><\/span>\u2014 a region that boasts a numismatic legacy stretching back over a millennium, encompassing Islamic caliphates, colonial transitions, and modern statehood. Despite its deep historical relevance, Arab numismatics has struggled for recognition within global academic circles and mainstream collector platforms. However, over the past decade, a quiet but determined movement has been changing that narrative.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Region_with_Deep_Numismatic_Roots\"><\/span><strong>A Region with Deep Numismatic Roots<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Arab world, spanning from Morocco to the Gulf, has been a critical axis in the development of early Islamic coinage, Ottoman provincial issues, colonial-era currencies, and modern state monetary systems. Coins from the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, for example, reflect a transition from Byzantine and Sasanian influences into a distinct Islamic identity. Likewise, the postal history of the Arab world \u2014 particularly in regions such as Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine \u2014 offers profound insight into geopolitical shifts and colonial legacies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet, for years, this wealth of material was trapped in private collections, inaccessible archives, or poorly documented in international catalogues. Language barriers, regional instability, and the absence of centralized scholarly platforms compounded the isolation of Arab collectors and researchers from global discourse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Arab_Collector_A_Catalyst_for_Revival\"><\/span><strong>The Arab Collector: A Catalyst for Revival<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2016, a new initiative emerged to bridge that gap: <em>The Arab Collector<\/em> (The Arab Collector), a digital magazine and research platform dedicated to Arabic numismatics, philately, and historical ephemera. Founded by Mazen Mira and Moheb Rizkallah, the project sought to create an academic yet accessible medium for Arab collectors, researchers, and historians.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"679\" src=\"https:\/\/pub-8c6367eeb78947fb9a67f9647334fc7f.r2.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/The-Arab-Collector-Issue-01-May-2016.jpg.webp\" alt=\"The Arab Collector Issue 01 May 2016.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-278566\" style=\"width:332px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Arab Collector Issue 01 May 2016.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initially launched as an e-magazine, <em>The Arab Collector<\/em> rapidly evolved into a multifaceted digital platform, offering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Specialized articles in Arabic and English on coins, banknotes, stamps, and medals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digitized archives of rare catalogs and historical documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A network of contributors from over 10 Arab countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partnerships with international platforms such as Numista and the Internet Archive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In doing so, it filled a critical void \u2014 providing a centralized, credible source of Arab-centric numismatic knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Building_Recognition_Without_Institutions\"><\/span><strong>Building Recognition Without Institutions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike in the West, where national numismatic societies and museums support collectors, the Arab world lacks a unified institutional framework for numismatics. Most countries have limited public infrastructure for research in this field, and national museums often treat coins as secondary artifacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where grassroots initiatives like <em>The Arab Collector<\/em> become vital. The platform has not only published over 15 comprehensive issues but has also archived thousands of historical scans, field studies, and collector testimonials. its digital library, <a href=\"https:\/\/library.arabcollector.com\">library.arabcollector.com<\/a>, has become a go-to resource for Arabic-language references on monetary and postal history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Global_Collaboration_Regional_Identity\"><\/span><strong>Global Collaboration, Regional Identity<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite challenges, <em>The Arab Collector<\/em> has forged connections with major global players such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>PCGS<\/strong> and <strong>NGC<\/strong> (Professional coin grading services)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Numista<\/strong> (which now hosts several volumes of the magazine)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>International ISSN Portal<\/strong>, which has officially indexed the publication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"670\" height=\"372\" data-id=\"281341\" src=\"https:\/\/pub-8c6367eeb78947fb9a67f9647334fc7f.r2.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/numismatic-guaranty-corporation-ngc-logo-vector-removebg-preview-min-Small.png\" alt=\"numismatic guarantee corporation ngc logo vector removebg preview min Small\" class=\"wp-image-281341\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">numismatic guarantee corporation ngc logo vector removebg preview min Small<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"157\" data-id=\"281342\" src=\"https:\/\/pub-8c6367eeb78947fb9a67f9647334fc7f.r2.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/PCGS-Logo-Primary-min-Mobile.png\" alt=\"PCGS Logo Primary min Mobile\" class=\"wp-image-281342\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">PCGS Logo Primary min Mobile<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through these affiliations, Arab numismatic content is gradually entering the global archive, allowing greater visibility and citation in international research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, <em>The Arab Collector<\/em> has actively promoted collaboration with local philatelic clubs and individual researchers, reinforcing the idea that scholarship need not be limited by borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Challenges_Ahead_Institutional_Resistance_and_Linguistic_Barriers\"><\/span><strong>Challenges Ahead: Institutional Resistance and Linguistic Barriers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the rise of digital platforms has democratized access, traditional institutions \u2014 even within the Arab world \u2014 often resist new voices. Some local societies view independent initiatives as competition rather than alliances. Moreover, many global publications continue to publish exclusively in English, limiting exposure to Arabic-language research.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"435\" height=\"228\" src=\"https:\/\/pub-8c6367eeb78947fb9a67f9647334fc7f.r2.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/L-Orient-Philatelique.jpg\" alt=\"L Orient Philatelique\" class=\"wp-image-282160\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">L Orient Philatelique<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Addressing this will require a twofold strategy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Translation of Arabic key works into English and French<\/strong>, to integrate with global scholarship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Outreach programs<\/strong> that engages universities, and societies in museum mutual research.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_A_New_Chapter_for_Forgotten_Collectors\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion: A New Chapter for Forgotten Collectors<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arab numismatics is no longer confined to personal collections or niche circles. Thanks to digital transformation, community-led initiatives, and growing interest in regional heritage, a new generation of collectors and researchers is emerging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Arab Collector<\/em> stands as both a symbol and a tool of that transformation \u2014 proof that with the right platform, even \u201cforgotten collectors\u201d can reclaim their voice in the global narrative of numismatic history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we look to the future, the question is no longer whether the Arab world will contribute to numismatic scholarship \u2014 but rather, whether the world is ready to listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%8E_References_Resources\"><\/span>\ud83d\udcce References &amp; Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/The-Arab-Collector\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Arab Collector on Archive.org<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/library.arabcollector.com\">The Arab Collector Digital Library<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.numista.com\/catalogue\/magazine\/the-arab-collector-volume-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Arab Collector Vol.1 on Numista<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/en.numista.com\/forum\/topic147827.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum discussion on Numista<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/portal.issn.org\/resource\/ISSN\/2652-9009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Official ISSN Registry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/\">The Arab Collector Official Site<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-arab-collector wp-block-embed-the-arab-collector\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"YMx9J54AQpN3RcaBS\"><blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"qKDzsVMQZQ\"><a href=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/day-1-of-release\/\">Collection and display of special editions for the first day of release<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cCollecting and showcasing the special editions for day one\u201d \u2014 The Arab Collector\" src=\"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%8a%d9%88%d9%85-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a3%d9%88%d9%84-%d9%84%d9%84%d8%a5%d8%b5%d8%af%d8%a7%d8%b1\/embed\/#?secret=3xakKhT9V8#?secret=qKDzsVMQZQ\" data-secret=\"qKDzsVMQZQ\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2014 a region that boasts a numismatic legacy stretching back over a millennium, encompassing Islamic caliphates, colonial transitions, and modern statehood. Despite its deep historical relevance, Arab numismatics has struggled for recognition within global academic circles and mainstream collector platforms. However, over the past decade, a quiet but determined movement has been changing that narrative. \u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1509,"featured_media":283048,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wpupg_custom_link":[],"wpupg_custom_link_behaviour":[],"wpupg_custom_link_nofollow":[],"wpupg_custom_image":[],"wpupg_custom_image_id":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1423,1424],"tags":[3018,3005,3016,3012,3010,3021,3003,3017,3019,3022,3020,3009,3006,3004,3014,3011,3008,3015,3013,3007],"class_list":["post-283047","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-numismatics","tag-ancient-coins-middle-east","tag-arab-coin-collectors","tag-arab-coin-exhibitions","tag-arab-coin-history","tag-arab-numismatic-research","tag-arab-numismatic-scholars","tag-arab-numismatics","tag-arab-world-currency-history","tag-arabic-numismatic-societies","tag-coin-collecting-revival-arab-world","tag-coins-of-the-arab-caliphates","tag-forgotten-coin-collectors","tag-historical-coins-arab-region","tag-islamic-coins","tag-islamic-numismatics","tag-middle-east-coin-collecting","tag-middle-east-numismatic-heritage","tag-modern-arab-numismatics","tag-numismatic-studies-arab-countries","tag-rare-coins-arab-world"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283047","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1509"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=283047"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283047\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/283048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=283047"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=283047"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arabcollector.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=283047"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}