1 EGP #312

Front

The Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa in Cairo, a monumental Mamluk-era mosque completed in 1363 CE. One of the largest mosques in the world at the time of construction, it features massive stone walls, soaring minarets, and served as both a mosque and an Islamic school. The complex is considered one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture and a masterpiece of medieval Islamic art.

Back

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel, specifically the four colossal seated statues of Pharaoh Ramesses II that flank the entrance. Carved directly into the mountainside circa 1264 BCE in Nubian sandstone, the temple was relocated in its entirety between 1964–1968 to save it from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Egypt's most iconic ancient monuments.

History

This note is part of the Egyptian pound series issued in the early 2000s by the Central Bank of Egypt. The 1 pound denomination features iconic Islamic and ancient Egyptian monuments, reflecting Egypt's dual heritage. The Sultan Hassan Mosque represents the Islamic medieval period of Egyptian civilization, while the Abu Simbel temple represents the glory of Pharaonic Egypt under Ramesses II. Notes from this period were gradually replaced by newer series with enhanced security features.