Syria has officially unveiled a redesigned set of banknotes that remove images of former president Bashar al Assad and his father Hafez al Assad, marking a symbolic shift away from decades of rule associated with the Assad family. The new currency was presented at a ceremony in Damascus on Monday interim President Ahmed al Sharaa and will enter circulation on January 1.
Speaking at the event, al Sharaa said the new banknotes represent a clear break with the past and reflect the aspirations of the Syrian people for a different future. According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, he described the move as the end of a previous phase that many Syrians associate with hardship and division, and the beginning of a new chapter focused on renewal and national identity.
The redesigned currency introduces notes in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Syrian pounds. As part of the overhaul, two zeros have been removed from the existing currency structure, a step officials say is intended to simplify transactions and reflect changes in the country’s monetary framework after years of inflation and economic strain.
Instead of political portraits, the new banknotes feature agricultural and natural symbols closely tied to Syria’s cultural and economic heritage. Images of roses, wheat, olives, oranges and mulberries now appear on the bills, highlighting crops that have long been central to rural life and national identity. Officials said the shift away from political imagery was deliberate, aiming to create currency that feels more inclusive and representative of everyday Syrian life.
The removal of Assad family images carries strong symbolic weight. Bashar al Assad, who ruled Syria for more than two decades, and his father Hafez al Assad, who led the country for nearly 30 years before him, were long fixtures on Syrian banknotes. Their presence on currency had come to represent the continuity of a political era that many Syrians now associate with conflict, repression and economic collapse.
Analysts say the currency redesign is part of a broader effort Syria’s interim authorities to signal political change and rebuild public trust. While largely symbolic, such moves can play an important role in shaping national narratives during periods of transition. Currency, which passes through the hands of citizens daily, is often used governments to project values and identity.
Economists caution that while the new banknotes may carry symbolic significance, deeper economic challenges remain. Syria continues to face severe financial pressure from years of war, sanctions and damaged infrastructure. Structural reforms and international engagement will be critical if the country hopes to stabilise its economy.
For many Syrians, however, the introduction of banknotes free from Assad imagery is a meaningful gesture. It reflects a desire to redefine the country’s image and focus on shared heritage rather than political power. As the new currency enters circulation at the start of the new year, it will stand as one of the most visible signs yet of Syria’s attempt to turn a page on its past.
