The Alcatel magnetic card system was used in Azerbaijan since 1993. The first cards issued were a series of 6, with views of Baku, the capital: 3 with a value of 300 units and 3 with 600 units. These cards remained in use for many years, until 2002, when, on the occasion of Pope John Paul II’s visit to the country, three short-run cards were issued, which were the last Alcatel cards used.