Description

UNICEF, or the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading UN agency providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children globally. With a presence in 192 countries and territories, UNICEF offers services including immunizations, disease prevention, HIV treatment, nutrition support, sanitation improvement, education promotion, and emergency relief. Originating from the International Children's Emergency Fund (ICEF) established in 1946, UNICEF was officially founded by the U.N. General Assembly to institutionalize post-war relief efforts. Since then, it has evolved to address the long-term needs of children and women, becoming a permanent part of the United Nations System in 1953.

Obverse

Depicts a portrait of Sheikh Isa bin Salman facing left wearing a traditional cloak and headpiece.

Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (1933–1999) was the 1st emir of Bahrain from 1961 until his death. Born in Jasra, he became emir upon the death of his father, Salman ibn Hamad. During his 38 years as Emir, the economic transformation of Bahrain into a modern nation and a key financial center in the Persian Gulf area took place. Nevertheless, critics note that he also dissolved Parliament, giving absolute power to the royal family.

The traditional men's headwear in some Middle Eastern areas consists of three components: a knitted skull-cap known as the "keffiyeh," (also referred to as a ghutrah, shemagh, or ḥaṭṭah) a large cotton headscarf, typically plain white or with a red-and-white checkered pattern, called the "ghutra," and a black cord named the "agal," which secures the ghutra in place.

Engraver: Michael Rizzello

حضرة صاحب السمو الشيخ عيسى بس سلمان آل خليفة - أمير دولة البحرين
HH THE AMIR OF THE STATE OF BAHRAIN SHAIKH ISA BIN SULMAN AL-KHALIFA

Reverse

Depicts Bahraini boys playing a traditional Bahraini game called Al Teelah and girls watching them, UNICEF logo below on the left, surrounded by the state name, date and denomination in Arabic above and English below.

Al Teelah is a multiplayer game utilizing glass marbles of varying sizes. It accommodates 2 to 10 players, with the initial player known as Awwal and the second as Akho Alawwal, or the first player's brother. The player preceding the second-to-last is named Akho Toosh, while the final player is referred to as Toosh. This challenging game requires focus and cunning to secure victory. Played on a level surface with shallow holes akin to the size of a coffee cup, participants aim to flick opponents' marbles out of bounds. Teelah matches typically occur between the Asr and Maghrib prayer times, roughly 1-2 hours before sunset.

دولة البحرين ١٩٩٨ · ٥ دينار
من أجل
أطفال العالمـ
unicef
· STATE of BAHRAIN 1998 · 5 BD ·

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 19.44 g
Diameter 36 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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