Central Bank of Syria
The Central Bank of Syria (مصرف سورية المركزي) operates as the central monetary authority overseeing a currency system shaped by inflation and high-denomination issuance.
Quick Facts
Institutional Identity
The Central Bank of Syria functions as the country’s monetary authority, managing currency issuance within a system shaped by prolonged economic and structural challenges. Syrian banknotes reflect a combination of historical continuity and modern adaptation, linking long-standing cultural motifs with contemporary monetary realities.
Historical Evolution
The evolution of the Syrian pound is marked by distinct phases of political and economic change. Earlier issues emphasized historical and cultural themes, while modern series reflect inflation-driven denomination expansion, including the introduction of the 2000 Pound note in 2017 and the 5000 Pound note in 2021. Recent banknotes are produced by Goznak, creating a clear technical distinction from earlier series printed by European security firms.
Design Philosophy
Syrian banknote design is centered on archaeological and architectural heritage. Motifs include Queen Zenobia, the ruins of Palmyra, Roman theatres and Umayyad architecture, forming a consistent visual language rooted in historical identity. These elements are combined with structured layouts and traditional engraving techniques, maintaining continuity across different monetary periods.
For collectors
For collectors, Syrian pound banknotes offer a multi-layered collecting field defined by clear historical segmentation. French Mandate issues of the Banque de Syrie et du Liban form the earliest structured series, while later republic and modern high-denomination notes reflect successive monetary transitions. Differences in printing origin, denomination scale and design emphasis create a well-defined framework for both thematic and chronological collecting.