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Dirham facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Dirham is a unit of currency in several Arabic-speaking nations, including:

  • The Moroccan dirham
  • The United Arab Emirates dirham
  • 1/1000 of the Libyan dinar
  • 1/100 of the Qatari riyal
  • 1/10 of the Jordanian dinar
  • The dirham, spelt 'diram,' is 1/100 of the Tajikistani somoni.

Historically, the word "dirham" is comes from 'dirhem' which comes from the name of a Greek coin, the Drachm; the Byzantine Empire controlled the Levant and traded with Arabia, circulating the coin there in pre-Islamic times and afterward. It was this currency which was first used as an Arab word. Near the end of the 7th century, the coin became an Islamic currency. It had the name of the sovereign and a religious verse on it. The dirham was used by many Mediterranean countries, including Spain. It could be used as currency in Europe between the 10th and 12 centuries.

Similar currencies

The Armenian dram is a currency whose name bears a similar origin. The dinar is a currency used in the Muslim world but originating with the Romans.

Images for kids

  • Dirham of Umar II, 718-719

    Silver Dirham of Caliph Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz

  • Dirham of Marwan II ibn Muhammad, AH 127-132

    Silver Dirham of Marwan II ibn Muhammad 127-132 AH

  • Dirhem of Al-Hadi, AH 170

    Silver Dirham of Al-Hadi 170 AH minted in 786/787 in al-Haruniya

  • Arab-Sasanian Dirham in the name of al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf

    One of the first silver coins of the Umayyad Caliphate, still following Sassanid motifs, struck in the name of al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf

  • Silver hoard from Lublin-Czechów

    Silver hoard from Lublin-Czechów, comprising 214 silver dirhams issued between 711/712 and 882/883 AD, Lublin Museum.

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Dirham Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.