Description

The Bakiriyya Mosque, erected in Sana'a around 1596–97 under the patronage of the Ottoman governor Hasan Pasha, underwent periods of neglect following the Ottomans' expulsion from Yemen in 1626. However, it was meticulously restored upon their return to Sana'a in 1878.

Featuring a single minaret and a spacious prayer area sheltered by an Ottoman-style dome, the mosque's architecture embodies both exposed and covered elements. The dome comprises two primary sections: the open-air courtyard, known as the Sanctuary or Pylon, and the enclosed Prayer hall. Surrounding the central prayer space are several smaller domed extensions, enhancing the mosque's structural complexity.

The Yemen Arab Republic (YAR), also known simply as North Yemen or Yemen (Sanaʽa), was a country from 1962 to 1990 in the northwestern part of what is now Yemen. Its capital was at Sanaʽa. It united with the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (commonly known as South Yemen) on May 22, 1990 to form the current Republic of Yemen.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of the Yemen Arab Republic (1974–1990) surrounded by denomination in Arabic above, English below, date in Hijri and Gregorian calendar years in both sides encircled by country name in Arabic and English. Metal purity below.

The national emblem of Yemen depicts the Hawk of Quraish with a scroll between its claws. On the scroll is written the name of the country (Yemen Arab Republic) in Arabic. The chest of the eagle contains a shield that depicts a coffee plant and the Marib Dam, with seven blue wavy stripes below. The flagstaffs on the right and left of the eagle hold the flag of Yemen.

The Hawk of Quraish is a symbol which is found on a number of emblems, coat of arms and flags of several states of the Arab world. The Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula, today especially those from the Persian Gulf coast, are traditionally falconry experts; falcons (and hawks) are seen as status symbols and one of the Arabs' favourite animals. Also the traditions and recorded history about the Quraysh and Muhammad claim a falcon had been used as clan symbol. Therefore, several variants of the Quraishi hawk were and are seen in the flags, coat of arms, seals and emblems of several Arab states until today. In that meaning, the Hawk of Quraish is a rival to the so-called Eagle of Saladin.

الجمهورية العربية اليمنية
الجمهورية العربية اليمنية
٢٠
ريالاً
1975 ١٣٩٥
20
RIALS
[900] [ni]
YEMEN ARAB REPUBLIC

Reverse

Depicts an outer view of the Albakiriah Mosque with a minaret and dome, and inscriptions in Arabic and English within an oval shape.

جامع البكيرية
ALBAKIRIAH MOSQUE

Edge

20 Rial

Albakiriah Mosque

KM# 18 Schön# 142 Fr# 23
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.900
Weight 3.64 g
Diameter 18 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 8
Alignment Medal
Alt # KM# MS2, KM# PS6

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