E. Bolashenkova

Faces on Banknotes: Tajik Somoni as a Symbol of National Identity

Abstract: In 2000, a new currency — somoni — was introduced to Tajikistan instead of the former Tajik rouble. The new banknotes and coins show images of nine outstanding people who lived in different epochs and represented various areas of activity. We will try to find out why these particular images were chosen for designing the new national currency in the changing historical circumstances. It is crucial, therefore, not only to determine their roles in history of Tajikistan, but also to understand what they mean for Tajikistan today.

Key words: Post-soviet Tajikistan, national currency, somoni, banknotes, historical characters

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