Islamic Religious Landmarks in Saudi Arabian Banknote Issues
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) is the central bank of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was established on April 19, 1952, during the reign of the Founding King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. Originally designated as the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA,) it retained this title until November 24, 2020, when King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud approved changing its designation to Saudi Central Bank.
The Legacy of Saudi Monetary Issues
Since its establishment, the Central Bank has launched six issues of banknotes. In the sixth and current issue of Saudi currency, the Central Bank has introduced thirteen different coin and banknote denominations, six of which are paper based. These issues serve to highlight the religious heritage and the most sacred sites of the Islamic world.
The Grand Mosque and the Kaaba
Representing the holiest site in Islam, the front of the 500-riyal note features the portrait of King Abdulaziz and a picture of the Kaaba. To further emphasize this significance, the back of the note shows a view of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah
The importance of the city of Madinah is captured in the currency as well. The front of the hundred-riyal note depicts King Salman's portrait and the Green Dome of the Prophet's Mosque. This religious theme is continued on the reverse side, where the back of the note shows a view of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.
Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock
Beyond the borders of the Kingdom, the currency also recognizes key Islamic landmarks in Jerusalem. The front of the fifty-riyal note displays King Salman's portrait and the Dome of the Rock. Furthermore, the back of the note shows a view of al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Summary of Religious Landmarks on Current Banknotes
The following list details the sacred Islamic sites featured on the paper currency of the Kingdom:
- 500-Riyal Note: Features the Kaaba on the front and the Grand Mosque in Makkah on the back.
- 100-Riyal Note: Features the Green Dome of the Prophet's Mosque on the front and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah on the back.
- 50-Riyal Note: Features the Dome of the Rock on the front and al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on the back.
These religious landmarks, integrated into the sixth issue of Saudi currency, represent the core of the Kingdom's identity and its devotion to the protection of Islamic holy sites.