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3 clusters · 14 sources · 23 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: POLITICS · BUSINESS

Syria currency reform and banknote replacement

Entities: Ahmed Shah · Bashar al‑Assad · Syria · Syrian Central Bank

Overview

In early July 2026 the Central Bank of Syria reported that about 80 % of the old banknotes had been exchanged and outlined next steps such as electronic‑wallet regulation and an anti‑money‑laundering strategy. By the end of July the exchange deadline expired on 30 July; from 31 July the old notes lost legal‑tender status and entered a five‑year withdrawal programme managed solely by the Damascus central bank. Exchanges must involve a minimum of 100 notes, are credited to the holder’s account in the new Syrian pound without any fees, and the term “Syrian pound” in official documents now refers to the new currency. The bank urged the public to use official channels and warned against rumors.

Following the cut‑off, citizens publicly destroyed the obsolete notes, many burning banknotes bearing former President Bashar al‑Assad’s portrait, a symbolic farewell that spread on social media. The reform, completed under the transitional government of President Ahmed Shah, introduced new denominations (10‑500 lira) and removed two zeros from the currency.

Timeline

  1. 7 days ago

    [POLITICS] 7 sources
    Syria retires Assad-era banknotes as citizens burn old currency

    Syria’s new banknotes launched on 3 Jan, old Assad‑era notes lost legal tender on 31 July 2026; citizens burned the former currency, sparking social‑media attention.

  2. 14 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Syria's Central Bank Ends Currency Exchange Deadline, Starts Old Note Withdrawal

    Syria's central bank says old banknotes lose legal tender on 31 July 2026 and begins a five‑year exchange program, requiring a minimum of 100 notes and no fees.

  3. 30 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Syria's Central Bank Replaces 80% of Old Banknotes Under Governor Safwat Raslan

    Syria’s central bank, led by new governor Safwat Raslan, has replaced 80% of old banknotes and plans digital‑payment reforms and anti‑money‑laundering steps to regain international confidence.

Sources

alaraby.co.uk · alwakeelnews.com · ardahanhaber.com.tr · arknews.net · dietagespresse.com · finansgundem.com · gfmag.com · guvengazetesi.com.tr · haber7.com · karar.com · malatyaguncel.com · merhaba.net · okazalyoum.com · sana.sy

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history