Source images:

Front: (1) Aftermath of the earthquake in Sarpol-e Zahab, Kurdish town located in Kermanshah province near Iraq border, Iran, November 2017. Photography: Pouria Pakizeh. (2) Iranian banknotes.

Back: (1) Zagros Mountains in Sarpol-e Zahab, Kermanshah, Iran. (2) Anubanini petroglyph, located in a gorge at Sarpol-e Zahab, is believed to belong to the Lullubi culture. Anubanini was a king of the Lullabi people in the north of the Zagros Mountains, 3rd millennium BC. (3) Iranian banknotes.

The devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit the region of Kermanshah in November 2017. It killed more than 580 and injured at least 7,460 people. More than 12,000 houses were completely destroyed. 316 people were reported killed in Sarpol-e Zahab alone.

US sanctions have made it more difficult for organizations like the Iranian Red Crescent to receive donations and help earthquake survivors in Iran. Children of Persia has been fundraising to help survivors of the earthquake. Children of Persia partners with a number of groups who are in the field working on construction of temporary housing for the survivors until proper planning has been completed for the larger scale rebuilding.

 

This banknote is available for sale. Half of the proceeds goes to Children of Persia organization towards Children of Persia organization towards earthquake relief,, and the other half covers production costs. For more information please email: email@azinseraj.com

 

Mission Statement from Children of Persia organization:

Children of Persia (COP) established in 1999 with the objective of promoting the well-being of the disadvantaged Iranian children thru providing healthcare, education, and social services assistance. Since 2006, Children of Persia, through its generous donors, has been awarding scholarships to students with financial need to meet their goal of attaining higher education. Children of Persia believes that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Over the years, we have realized that those we help become strong advocates when it comes to helping others and as such, we hope to inspire the younger generation to help themselves and help others through their success. This year, as before, the Iranian American Medical Society (IAMS) of Washington Metropolitan Area will provide funds for one additional scholarship to student studying in the health related fields.

 

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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.