1984 Turkey 10,000 Lira – Atatürk, Mimar Sinan & Selimiye Mosque | P‑199b
The 1984 Turkey 10,000 Lira banknote (P‑199b) is part of the early high‑denomination issues of the Turkish old‑lira era. Featuring Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic, and Mimar Sinan alongside his architectural masterpiece, the Selimiye Mosque, this note captures the cultural and historical identity of modern Turkey during a period of economic transition and currency inflation.
Key Features
Country: Turkey
Issuing Bank: Central Bank of Turkey (Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası)
Year: 1984
Denomination: 10,000 Lira (TRL)
Series: 1982–1989
Reference: P‑199b
Material: Paper
Size: 146 × 72 mm
Demonetized: 15 December 2005
Historical Context
The 10,000 Lira series was introduced during a period of rapid economic change in Turkey. High inflation throughout the 1980s led to increasingly larger denominations, making this note one of the early steps toward the multi‑zero currency that would eventually be replaced in 2005.
The design reflects Turkey’s national pride:
Atatürk symbolises the founding of the Republic and its reforms.
Mimar Sinan, the empire’s most celebrated architect, represents Ottoman artistic achievement.
The Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlights Turkey’s architectural heritage.
This combination makes the P‑199b a culturally rich and historically significant collectible.
Obverse
Portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Bank title and denomination in Latin script
Legal reference to the 1970 banking law
Warm brown and multicolour engraving typical of early‑1980s Turkish design
Reverse
Portrait of Mimar Sinan
Detailed engraving of the Selimiye Mosque, one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture
Denomination and issuing authority in Latin script
Watermark
Portrait of Atatürk, matching the obverse engraving
Why Collect This Note
Early high‑denomination old‑lira issue
Strong cultural and architectural themes
Features two of Turkey’s most important historical figures
Attractive engraving and classic 1980s design
Fully demonetized and increasingly collectible
