New banknotes have arrived at money exchanges across Syria, replacing those depicting former President Bashar al-Assad and his family. The move, initiated by the fledgling government, is part of a broader effort to stabilize and revitalize the Syrian economy, which has been severely impacted by over a decade of war, and to rebrand the state.

The redesigned notes, months in the making, aim to restore some of the Syrian pound's lost value. The Syrian pound has suffered significant devaluation, with inflation reaching triple digits recently. An unnamed official told Reuters towards the end of 2025 that the Central Bank of Syria initiated the changes.

The removal of the al-Assad family's images from the currency is seen as a symbolic break from the past and a step towards a new national identity. Economists suggest the new banknotes are intended to inspire confidence in the currency and signal a fresh start for the Syrian economy.

The introduction of the new banknotes comes amid ongoing challenges to rebuild Syria's economy and infrastructure. The country faces significant hurdles, including international sanctions, widespread destruction, and a shortage of skilled labor. The government hopes that the currency redesign, coupled with other economic reforms, will help attract foreign investment and stimulate growth.

The impact of the new banknotes on the Syrian pound's value and the overall economy remains to be seen. Market analysts are closely monitoring the currency's performance in the coming weeks to assess the effectiveness of the government's efforts. The Central Bank of Syria is expected to release further details on its monetary policy and economic outlook in the near future.