THE USE OF PRECIOUS STONES FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES IN MEDIEVAL ANATOLIAN TURKISH CIVILIZATION: THE CASE OF THE RUBY

Alongside narratives of the rarity, beauty, and value of rubies, owning assets (e.g. state, power) has also been expressed in the literature on medieval Anatolian Turkish literature with reference to rubies. Ruby jewelry is a means of displaying wealth and splendor. However, the use of rubies in the field of medicine explains how this wealth signifies more than just owning a precious stone. Those adorned with jewelry made of rubies were protected against deadly diseases like the plague and malaria, resisted bouts of various chronic illnesses, and lived with a joyful heart. Rubies were believed to be an antidote against poisons, and in cases of poisoning, rubies were consumed as the applied medical method. In addition, wearing ruby jewelry was one of the precautions taken against poisonings. The affinity rulers, nobles, and the very wealthy had toward rubies is also linked to preserving health. Medicines prepared using rubies were employed to treat lung, spleen, and stomach diseases, as well as paralysis and epilepsy. Rubies are one of the most expensive materials used in medicine. Medicines made from rubies demonstrate the occurrence of a luxurious treatment, but the frequency of their use remains uncertain.Key Words: Middle Ages, Ruby, Anatolia, Medical history, Turkish civilization.