Syria's new currency removes al-Assad family images, seeks to boost economy

"Authorities remove two zeros from the pound, hoping to simplify transactions and regain trust in the battered currency. New banknotes have arrived at money exchanges across Syria, replacing those showing ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad and his family, as the fledgling government hopes the Syrian pound can regain some of the value lost over more than a decade of war. The redesigned notes have been months in the making and are part of a broader effort to stabilise and revitalise the economy and rebrand the state."

"The Syrian pound's value has been drained, and inflation recently reached triple digits. Towards the end of 2025, an unnamed official told the Reuters news agency that the Central Bank of Syria had just $200m in foreign exchange reserves. At the end of 2010, it had $17bn. Improving the standing of the Syrian pound is among the greatest challenges for Syria's new authorities, alongside recurrent internal and external security challenges."

"After unveiling the banknotes last week, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said the new currencies mark the end of a previous, unlamented phase and the beginning of a new phase that the Syrian people aspire to. The new currency design is an expression of the new national identity and a move away from the veneration of individuals. The new bills, which range from 10 to 500 Syrian pounds, entered circulation on January 1. They show images of roses, wheat, olives, oranges and other agricultural symbols for which Syria is famous."

Syria redenominated its currency by removing two zeros and released new banknotes to simplify transactions and restore confidence. The new notes replace images of the ousted leader and emphasize agricultural symbols such as roses, wheat, olives and oranges, aiming to express a renewed national identity and move away from veneration of individuals. Denominations run from 10 to 500 Syrian pounds and entered circulation on January 1. Inflation recently reached triple digits, and foreign exchange reserves fell to about $200 million by late 2025, down from $17 billion in 2010. Restoring the pound is a major economic challenge alongside security issues.

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