The currency bill of a country can be seen as a representation of that country. Now Libya can say the same. This month, Libyans were introduced to the new 1 dinar bill; a smaller, more colourful bill that is a better representation of the country's values, and is a symbol of national identity. Here is why.
For the most obvious reason, the former bill was outdated because it featured a photo of none other than, Muammar Gaddafi smiling with his face rested into his palm like there wasn’t a worry in the world for Libya. Contrary to this, the front of the new bill shows an image of a celebrating crowd, much like the countless ones seen after the liberation of Libya.
In this way, Libya is represented as a country of its people instead of being represented by the dictator that ruled it with an angry fist.
Why else is the new bill so cool? Well, it has the word ‘Libya’ written on it. Sweet and simple, and without the long, tongue-tying description of a republic that Gaddafi spent his years of rule trying to persuade the world of.
On the back of the new bill is an image of the new national flag - perhaps the best representation of the new Libya that there is. Pigeons, which are known to symbolise love and peace in many cultures, can be found in this image fluttering around the wavering tricoloured flag. Taking an even closer look, the pigeons add up to a total of 17, and we all know what that number represents!
And perhaps, the coolest thing about the new bill is that when held to the light, the profile of Omar Mukhtar becomes visible. The war hero that led the resistance against the Italian Occupation and who eventually sacrificed his life to save this country from foreign occupancy and oppression played an important role in the 2011 revolution.
Famous quotes and the memory of Omar Mukhtar was one of the biggest driving forces of the revolution. Knowing that Libya was liberated before by its people was the best motivation to do it again.
Mukhtar’s words, “We’ll never surrender. We’ll win or die,” were at the backbone of the unrelenting drive to liberate Libya from Gaddafi's stronghold. Having the profile of the man who inspired the revolution in the background of the new currency bill is only fitting.
No doubt, your first introduction to the new Libyan dinar bill was as exciting as it was for me. For many it will be an experience worth remembering for a very long time.
Perhaps you weren’t expecting it when it came into your reach for the first time. Maybe it happened when you were handed change on your routine trip to the grocery store.
Or, maybe a friend walked into the room bragging that he got his hands on one before you did. However it happened, the first time you lay your eyes on one is a special moment, because it is visible evidence of how this country has changed.
The bill is a celebration of our national identity, one that has been lost to the Libyan people for far too long. The change we all witnessed in 2011, and continue to see as Libya progresses toward a stable democracy is now formalised in our nation’s currency, starting with the 1 dinar bill.
Knowing that these bills are not going anywhere anytime soon is comforting. Our children will see the big change we made so they wouldn’t have to.
What do you think of the new dinar bill? Share it with the Bifocal.
To contact the writer directly, email hbiuk@tripolipost.net
Comment: Gongratultions to all Libyans men, women and children. This is one of the positive steps for building our new nation's positive identity and document this great history. May all good and Allah be with Libya and bless every step we all "Libyans" take.
Name:Eranio B. Sonza
Date: 03/02/2013 22:32:38
Comment: God bless you all ! I wish for a progessive Libya country in the years ahead....
Name:Dr.Swami D Francis
Date: 03/02/2013 22:50:41
Comment: No doubt the new one dinar bill is held proudly by many Libyan friends since it has become the symbol of change this ancient nation aspired for. It symbolizes equality, liberty and fraternity forming the collective identity of a nation born anew pushing behind its perilous days. May Allah bless the people who designed the bill with visionary insight. Let the same vision be shown in all the aspects of nation building currently being embarked on by the Libyan people in general and the governing leaders in particular.
Name:preach
Date: 03/03/2013 02:34:05
Comment: Murdering black people'killing muammar to secure infidels intrest in a country that originally belong to African people.not Arabs from Qatar and Saudi Arabia the currency will be devalued in a couple of months death to a propped up infidel revolution against Islam.
Name:Yesseh
Date: 03/04/2013 02:27:26
Comment: Mr preach or whatever u call yourself would shot up your mouth and stop creating problems for the innocent black africans who are here looking for better life do u know anything about history libya politics is only for them not for a stranger u guys stop porking your nose into their national issues every sub sahara africa citizen knows gadafi made himself god so watch your mouth i am a black man
Name:Ahmed Dautovic
Date: 03/04/2013 10:48:21
Comment: Oh, I love Preach's comment, when did Libyan belong to African people exactly? As far as I know, there was the Berber tribes and then the Arabs came, bringing Islam with them.
Peff mate, learn some history :)
I love the new currency, it actually can fit in standard sized wallet! Colours and spirit also are amazing, just great!
Name:zaynab
Date: 03/04/2013 11:09:03
Comment: Ya Allah (O Almighty god) bless our dear country Libya!
Name:zaynab
Date: 03/04/2013 11:10:27
Comment: Had no idea it the new bill also had the profile of Omar Al Mokhtar! Thanks for pointing that out Huda!
May god bless our dear country Libya!
Name:khalifamuktar
Date: 03/04/2013 20:34:21
Comment: Wonderful. The world is proud of the brave Libyan men and woman who took control of their own lives and overthrew the evil tyrant Gaddafi. May the legacy of the revolution be peace, health and happiness for all Libyans.
Name:Andy, Tripoli
Date: 03/04/2013 22:56:03
Comment: Huda is right. A cool note and a symbol of new times. And I remember exactly where I got it. It was a small grocery store and it was as change. The owner had other notes of varying denominations, issued over the years, under the glass serving counter and he beamed as he handed me the note. And I beamed when I realised, after a second or two, what I had been given. Progress - small but significant.
Name:Onallah M. Mustafa
Date: 03/06/2013 00:56:35
Comment: Thank you very much indeed for an excellent and illustrative article.I immensely enjoyed it! I think the"money folks" outdid themselves.The colors,the symbols are simply impeccable! I am sure "the best is yet to come" to quote Sinatra! Again thank you for a job well done!
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