Syria Unveils New Banknotes with Minimalist Design, No Images

Syria announced the launch of a new series of banknotes that will feature a minimalist design free of images, portraits, or historical symbols. 

The redesign aims to reflect a contemporary and transparent national identity while improving the quality and durability of physical currency in circulation.

The announcement was made by Abdelkader Al-Hassari, the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, who confirmed that the new currency will be issued in six denominations, ranging from small to large values to better meet the country’s everyday transactional needs. Full details on each note, including size, value, and security features, will be released in due course, following the completion of printing and technical preparations.

Al-Hassari emphasized that the decision to avoid using portraits of historical figures or national landmarks reflects a global shift toward cleaner, more abstract currency design. This trend focuses on visual clarity and ease of authentication, especially in a region often marked by political symbolism.

"The removal of traditional images is not just a design choice," he said. "It’s a reflection of modern monetary identity, one rooted in simplicity, functionality, and digital compatibility. The new design aims to build transparency and trust in our financial system."

The governor stressed that although the new notes will be devoid of iconic visuals, they are not "just numbers." Instead, they will carry a contemporary national identity that represents modernization and economic stability.

The launch of the new currency is part of a broader strategy to resolve Syria’s chronic cash shortages, particularly by replacing worn-out banknotes and injecting higher-quality, longer-lasting notes into circulation. According to Al-Hassari, the initiative does not represent an expansion of the money supply but rather a technical update aimed at improving cash flow efficiency.

"The new notes will enhance the smooth flow of cash in markets without leading to inflationary pressures," he explained. "This is a modernization process, not a monetary expansion."

To ensure price stability, the Central Bank will implement accompanying measures including tight oversight of money markets, stricter regulation of cash circulation, and enhanced use of monetary policy tools to prevent speculation or inflationary effects as the new denominations enter the economy.

Economists believe the redesign could have a psychological impact on public confidence in the national currency, especially after years of inflation, currency devaluation, and reliance on worn or counterfeit bills. The bank expects the changes to reduce future printing costs, improve commercial transaction efficiency, and potentially support the stability of the Syrian pound in the medium term.

By updating the look and feel of its currency, Syria joins a growing list of countries that have embraced minimalist or symbolic designs, aiming to project stability, modernization, and renewed economic identity in a post-crisis landscape.

The rollout of the new banknotes will be closely monitored, with further announcements expected from the Central Bank regarding release dates and implementation phases.