In Honor of Syrian Refugees:

Source images:

Front: (1) Syrian refugees at Turkish border, photograph by Halil Fidan, 2013. (2) Norias of Hama, historic waterwheels located along the Orontes River in Syria. (3) Syrian banknotes.

Back: (1) Aftermath of Khalid ibn al-Walid mosque destruction in Homs, Syria. The mosque served as a symbolic site for anti-government rebels. The centuries old mausoleum, a sacred pilgrimage site, was significantly damaged and burnt by the Syrian army’s operation against the rebels in 2013. (2) Syrian banknotes.

Drawing attention to the Syrian refugee crisis, this banknote stands in solidarity with more than 5 millions of Syrians who have been displaced and lost their homes since 2011 due to the Civil War. Many cities have been torn apart and suffered “collateral damage” during the Syrian Civil War. Irreplaceable architectural/cultural heritage and sacred sites were targeted by government forces, rebels, and ISIS.

 

This banknote is available for sale. Half of the proceeds goes to IRC organization supporting Syrian refugees, and the other half covers production costs. For more information please email: email@azinseraj.com

 

Mission Statement from IRC organization:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian aid, relief, and development nongovernmental organization. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers emergency aid and long-term assistance to refugees and those displaced by war, persecution, or natural disaster. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities where it resettles refugees and helps them become self-sufficient. It focuses mainly on health, education, economic wellbeing, power, and safety. The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.

 

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Foreign Exchange incorporates the emblems taken from banknotes and utilizes images from news media to highlight voices of resistance from countries that have been impacted by U.S. national interests. The banknotes feature influential figures and monumental events that draw attention to socio-political tensions existing both within a country’s borders and beyond. Foreign Exchange offers an alternative platform to archive and share cultural currencies.