Syria launches the new lira currency and announces the date for its circulation.

January 3, 2026
libyawire
Economy
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Syrian President (left) and the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria display a new banknote at the Conference Palace in Damascus, December 29, 2025.

Syrian President unveiled a new currency on Monday, replacing the currency that was in use during the era of Bashar al-Assad and his family, hoping that the national currency will regain some of the value it lost over years of war.

In its effort to strengthen the value of the lira, the Syrian authorities removed two zeros from the nominal value of the old currency.

Circulation of the new lira, which will be issued in denominations ranging from 10 to 500 lira, will begin on January 1. The new banknotes feature images of roses, wheat, olives, oranges, and other agricultural symbols for which Syria is known.

President: “Currency change marks the end of a previous phase”
After unveiling the new banknotes, the President said that “changing the currency marks the end of a previous phase that is not missed, and the beginning of a new phase that the Syrian people aspire to.” He confirmed that “the design of the new currency expresses the new national identity and moving away from the glorification of individuals.”

The new lira was launched with the aim of facilitating transactions, reducing reliance on the dollar, and boosting confidence in the Syrian lira, noting that the removal of the two zeros will not affect the currency’s value.

– The Central Bank of Syria reveals plan for issuing the new currency

The President said, “If someone wants to buy something simple, they need to carry bags to make a transaction, so people turn to the dollar,” adding that “today, the ease of this service strengthens the national currency.” He stated that “Syria deserves to have a strong economy and a stable currency.”

It is noted that the old Syrian banknotes were printed in Russia, which was a prominent supporter of Assad. The Governor of the Central Bank of Syria did not specify where the new lira will be printed in response to questions.

Syria

Syria is a country in the Middle East with a rich history as a cradle of ancient civilizations, including the influential city-states of Ebla and Ugarit and the later Roman city of Palmyra. Its cultural landscape is defined by historic sites like the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus and the Krak des Chevaliers castle, though many have suffered significant damage during the recent civil war.

Damascus

Damascus is the capital of Syria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of settlement dating back to the third millennium BCE. It served as a major cultural and commercial center, notably as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate in the 7th and 8th centuries, and is home to significant historical sites like the Umayyad Mosque.

Conference Palace

The Conference Palace, also known as the Palacio de las Convenciones, is a major convention center located in Havana, Cuba. It was inaugurated in 1979 and was originally built to host the 6th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, reflecting Cuba’s significant role in international politics during that era.

Central Bank of Syria

The Central Bank of Syria, established in 1953, serves as the country’s primary monetary authority and issuer of the Syrian pound. Its modern history has been heavily defined by its role in managing the economy through decades of state control, international sanctions, and the severe financial crisis following the Syrian civil war that began in 2011.

Russia

Russia is the world’s largest country by land area, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Its history is marked by the rise and fall of the Tsarist Empire, the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution which established the Soviet Union, and its re-emergence as the Russian Federation in 1991 following the USSR’s dissolution. It is renowned for its vast landscapes, rich literary and artistic traditions, and complex political history.