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1 Rial 2020, Oman

no number in katalog -
Years of issue: 2020
Edition:
Signatures: Sultan of Oman: Haitham bin Tariq
Serie: 2020 Issue
Specimen of: 2020
Material: Hybrid material
Size (mm): 144 × 76
Printer: De la Rue currency,Loughton

* All pictures marked magnify are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.

** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.

1 Rial 2020

Description

Watermark:

watermark

The national emblem of Oman and denomination.

Avers:

1 Rial 2020

Oman Across Ages

Oman Across Ages is a new national museum that will celebrate the creation of a nation, praise human endeavour and inspire young Omanis to connect to their rich history. The project has been many years in the making and is the vision of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.

Companies Cox Architecture (Australia), Squint Opera (Greatbritain) и Tactile Studio (France) began working with the museum team in 2014 when the museum was nothing more than an idea. From a blank sheet of paper, we developed a proposition, consulted with the Royal Court, created the architectural masterplan and designed the museum, turning the Sultan’s vision into a reality.

The sheer scale of the building is something to behold. It includes galleries, a library, an auditorium, cafés and social and research spaces. The permanent exhibition space alone is 9,000 square metres and some galleries stretch more than 20 metres high. This gave us the freedom and space, literally and metaphorically, to create something truly dramatic and utterly jaw dropping on a scale that does justice to Oman’s rich history.

The museum takes you on a vast, sweeping journey through time. Starting with the first settlers of prehistory and ending in modern day Oman, you fly through different ages, dynasties and civilisations. The Renaissance Gallery marks the culmination of this long national story. It follows the country’s remarkable economic, technological, political and social modernisation under His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. Importantly, the museum sits at a crossroads through time – it is a journey through Oman's past, a celebration of its present and an insight into its future. (eventcomm.com)

emblem of Oman

On right side is the national emblem of Oman (شعار سلطنة عمان‎). It is an insignia consisting of a khanjar inside its sheath that is superimposed upon two crossed swords. Adopted in the 18th century as the badge of the Omani royal family, it subsequently became the national emblem of the Sultanate of Oman. The emblem is featured at the canton on the Flag of Oman.

The national emblem was first designed in the mid-18th century, when it was adopted as the royal crest of the Al Said dynasty. Its usage was expanded when it subsequently became the national emblem of the sultanate. This occurred during the reign of either Faisal bin Turki (1888-1913) or Taimur bin Feisal (1913-1932). The emblem was later incorporated onto the canton of the country's national flag in 1970. Moreover, in order to distinguish "directly royal entities" and create a distinct symbol for these organizations, a crown was added to the top of the national emblem. This modified insignia is utilized on the badges of all branches of Sultan's Armed Forces, including the Royal Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Guard, and Royal Oman Police - among many others.

According to the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the khanjar - along with the two crossed swords - symbolize the historic weapons utilized by the people of Oman. They are attached together by an embellished horse-bit at the center. The khanjar itself is a national symbol of the sultanate, and is still worn by Omani men as a "ceremonial dagger" for formal occasions. It is a ceremonial dagger with its abundantly decorated sheath, traditionally made of rhinonoceros-horn, highly appreciated in the arab world and for that reason contributes substantially to the extinction of the rhinoceros in Africa.

Revers:

1 Rial 2020

On banknote are: Khasab Castle (Musandan), Wadi Ain cemetery (Ibri), Omani khanjar (dagger) and hatchet Jirs.

Khasab Castle (Musandan)Khasab Castle (Musandan)

Khasab Castle lies in the quiet fishing town of the same name, in the Musandam Governorate in Oman.

Khasab Castle was built by the Portuguese in the beginning of the XVII century. There is evidence to suggest that it was built on the ruins of an earlier indigenous fort. Some 25 years after its construction the Portuguese were expelled from Oman and the castle was taken over by Omani rulers who modified it to their own military needs.

When it was built the castle was situated next to the beach. At present the sea has receded and new land has been made and developed in front of it. The castle has a square ground plan with 1 round corner tower and 3 rectangular ones. It has a central, round tower in its center.

In 1990 Khasab Castle was restored. It now houses a museum. (www.castles.nl)

Wadi Ain cemetery (Ibri)

Wadi Ain cemetery (Ibri).

The tombs of al-Ayn are an iconic archaeological site in Oman. Though they are famous, they can be a bit tricky to find. This post will help you plan a visit to the tombs of al-Ayn.

The tombs date to the Hafit period (ca. 3100-2700 BCE), which is the earliest period in Oman’s Bronze Age (ca. 3100-1250 BCE). The tombs are beehive-esque shaped cairn-like structures in which up to 30 people could be interred.

This kind of architectural feat was the first visible funerary markers on the southeastern Arabian landscape. The al-Ayn ones are noteworthy because they are a large well-preserved collection. The tombs at al-Ayn, along with the al-Khutm tower and Bat settlement and necropolis, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. (habitsofatravellingarchaeologist.com)

Small-bladed axe (jirs)

Omani Khanjar (it is written about in the description of the emblem of Oman) and a small-bladed axe (Jirs).

Small-bladed axe (Jirs) considered as the most identifiable handcraft related to the Musandam peninsula.

Jirs is a small axe with a decorated blade and is carried instead of the usual Khanjar or dagger in the Musandam Peninsula. The handles of the Jerz are made from the wood of the lotus jujube or mazj tree. Its origins date back to the Bronze Age and its long handle measuring just under a meter in length doubles up as an elegant walking stick too. The axe shaped head made of intricately engraved steel in about five centimeters in width and is inlaid with brass. This weapon is unique to this area and remains a distinctive symbol of Musandam.

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