Obverse. Photo © Banknote World
  • 1 Rial 2015, KM# 192, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, Islamic Cultural Capital, Nizwa - 2015
  • 1 Rial 2015, KM# 192, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, Islamic Cultural Capital, Nizwa - 2015
Description

The initiative of Islamic Culture capitals gained approval during the 3rd Islamic Conference of Ministers of Culture in 2001. Annually, the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) designates three cities from member states within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to serve as capitals of Islamic Culture, representing the Arab, Asian, and African Regions.

In 2015, Nizwa was chosen by ISESCO to represent the Arab Region as a Capital of Islamic Culture, while Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, represented the Asian Region, and Cotonou in Benin represented the African Region.

Nizwa, situated approximately 164 km from Muscat, the capital, holds historical significance as it once served as the capital city and continues to be a significant scientific and cultural hub in Oman.

Obverse

Depicts the National Emblem of Oman dividing denomination in Arabic and English, surrounded by the country name inside a circle, with the legend "Central Bank of Oman" outside both in Arabic above and English below.

The national emblem of Oman 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.

A khanjar (Arabic: خنجر‎‎, Persian: خنجر‎‎, Turkish: Hançer) is a traditional dagger originating from Oman. Worn by men for ceremonial occasions, it is a short curved sword shaped like the letter "J" and resembles a hook. It can be made from a variety of different materials, depending on the quality of its craftsmanship. It is a popular souvenir among tourists and is sold in souqs throughout the region. A national symbol of the sultanate, the khanjar is featured on the country's national emblem and on the Omani rial. It is also utilized in logos and commercial imagery by companies based in Oman.

البنك المركزي العماني
سلطنة عمان
ONE RIAL ريال واحد
SULTANATE OF OMAN
CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN

Reverse

Depicts the logo of the event featuring Nizwa Fort and the dome of the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Nizwa, inscription in Arabic above and English below, date in Georgian in English below.

Located in Nizwa, Oman, the Nizwa Fort stands as a formidable stronghold constructed in the seventeenth century, drawing countless tourists to its historic grounds. Commissioned in the 1650s under the leadership of the second Ya’rubi, Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi, this fortress encompasses an ancient core dating back to the twelfth century. Esteemed as Oman's most visited national monument, the fort served as the administrative nucleus for reigning Imams and Walis during times of both peace and upheaval.

Meanwhile, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, situated in the Wilayat of Nizwa within the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, was unveiled by the decree of Sultan Qaboos. Bestowed with regional mosque status in 2009, its architectural finesse lies in its minimalist design and discerning embellishment, setting it apart from other mosques across various regions. Distinguished by its four minarets, the mosque boasts a unique aesthetic. Spanning an impressive 80,000 square meters, it rests adjacent to the Nizwa Valley, affording captivating vistas of the surrounding terrain. Furthermore, its expansive outdoor prayer area accommodates an additional 5,300 worshippers, enhancing its capacity for communal worship.

نزوى
عاصمة الثقافة الاسلامية
Nizwa, Capital of Islamic Culture
2015

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Japan Mint

Related coins

Sharjah - 2014

Islamic Cultural Capital

Silver, 60 g, ⌀ 60 mm