Unveiling Morocco's Architectural Brilliance: New 20-Dirham Banknote Celebrates the Kingdom's Cultural Heritage

In a remarkable display of national pride, Morocco's central bank, Bank Al-Maghrib, has issued a new 20-dirham banknote that pays homage to the country's rich architectural legacy and socio-cultural development. The release of this note coincides with the celebration of Youth Day, a significant event in the Kingdom's history.

The new 20-dirham banknote is a captivating blend of regal and artistic elements. The obverse features a portrait of King Mohammed VI, the coat of arms of the Kingdom, an architectural detail inspired by Moroccan portals, and a stylized view of the renowned Al Quaraouiyine University in Fez. The reverse side showcases artistic renditions of the Grand Theatre of Rabat, the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, a grandstand of a sports complex, and a stylized depiction of the Kasbah of Ait-Ben-Haddou.

Bank Al-Maghrib has incorporated a range of cutting-edge security features into the new banknote, including a dynamic, color-shifting security thread, an iridescent stripe on the back side, tactile relief features for the visually impaired, and progressive numbering. The entire design and production process was carried out exclusively by Moroccan experts from Dar As-Sikkah, further solidifying the note's national significance.

The issuance of the new 20-dirham banknote on Youth Day holds deep symbolic meaning. Youth Day, celebrated on August 21, marks the birthday of King Mohammed VI and serves as a testament to the monarch's unwavering commitment to empowering the youth of Morocco and his visionary leadership over the past 25 years.

The history of Youth Day in Morocco can be traced back to July 1956, shortly after the country gained independence. The late King Mohammed V established the holiday in response to the desires of Moroccan youth, celebrating the birthday of his heir, Moulay Hassan, the future King Hassan II. Although the widespread celebrations of Youth Day were discontinued by King Mohammed VI in 2019, the holiday remains a cherished part of the Kingdom's history and a symbol of its enduring legacy.

The release of the new 20-dirham banknote follows the recent introductions of other denominations, each highlighting different aspects of Morocco's cultural and economic development. The 100-dirham note showcases the cultural heritage of the Moroccan Sahara, the 200-dirham note emphasizes the country's infrastructure and industrial advancements, and the 50-dirham note features illustrations of Morocco's sustainable development initiatives.

This latest addition to Morocco's currency collection serves as a testament to the nation's unwavering commitment to preserving its architectural and cultural heritage while embracing a future of progress and innovation. The new 20-dirham banknote is a captivating representation of the Kingdom's enduring spirit and a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.