# Syrian pound

> currency

**Wikidata**: [Q240468](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q240468)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_pound)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/syrian-pound

## Summary
The Syrian pound (SYP) is the official currency of Syria, introduced in 1920 and also known as the Syrian lira (LS). It serves as the primary medium of exchange in the country and has been used under various political systems, including the United Arab Republic and the Second Syrian Republic.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases**: Syrian pound, SYP, LS, Syrian lira.  
- **Introduction**: Established in 1920 (exact month/day unspecified).  
- **Subdivision**: Divided into 100 qirsh (piastres).  
- **ISO Code**: SYP.  
- **Related Currencies**: Part of the "pound" and "lira" monetary traditions.  
- **Political Context**: Used during the United Arab Republic (1958–1961) and the Second Syrian Republic (1950–1963).  
- **Regional Use**: Circulates in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (established 2013).  
- **Historical Affiliations**: Linked to the short-lived United Arab States (1958–1961).  
- **Geographic Scope**: Primarily used in Syria, including towns like Azaz and historical regions like Hatay State (1938–1939).  

## FAQs
**Q: When was the Syrian pound introduced?**  
A: The Syrian pound was established in 1920, though the exact month and day are unspecified in historical records.  

**Q: What political unions has the Syrian pound been part of?**  
A: It was used during the United Arab Republic (1958–1961), a union of Egypt and Syria, and the broader United Arab States, which also included North Yemen.  

**Q: How is the Syrian pound subdivided?**  
A: The currency is divided into 100 qirsh (piastres), though these subunits are rarely used in modern transactions.  

**Q: Is the Syrian pound used in all regions of Syria?**  
A: While it is the national currency, autonomous regions like the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (established 2013) may use it alongside other currencies or systems.  

## Why It Matters  
The Syrian pound is central to Syria’s economy, reflecting the nation’s political evolution, including periods of republicanism and pan-Arab union. Its stability directly impacts the livelihoods of Syrians, particularly during conflicts and economic crises. As a symbol of sovereignty, it underscores Syria’s historical and cultural identity in West Asia.  

## Notable For  
- **Longstanding Currency**: In continuous use since 1920 despite political upheavals.  
- **Dual Naming**: Recognized as both a "pound" (SYP) and a "lira" (LS), reflecting historical Ottoman and French influences.  
- **Pan-Arab Legacy**: Symbolized economic integration during the United Arab Republic era.  
- **Regional Adaptation**: Functions in decentralized governance structures, such as North and East Syria’s autonomous administration.  

## Body  
### History  
The Syrian pound was introduced in 1920 under the French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon. It replaced the Ottoman lira and was initially pegged to the French franc. Key historical milestones include:  
- **1930**: Adoption of the Syrian Republic’s monetary policies.  
- **1958–1961**: Used alongside the Egyptian pound in the United Arab Republic.  
- **2013**: Continued use in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, a de facto autonomous region.  

### Related Political Entities  
- **United Arab Republic (1958–1961)**: The Syrian pound was integrated with the Egyptian pound during this union.  
- **Second Syrian Republic (1950–1963)**: The currency stabilized post-independence from France.  
- **Hatay State (1938–1939)**: A transitional territory that later joined Turkey, briefly using the Syrian pound.  

### Currency Details  
- **Subunits**: 1 Syrian pound = 100 qirsh (rarely circulated).  
- **Banknotes/Coins**: Issued by the Central Bank of Syria, with designs reflecting historical and cultural motifs.  
- **Aliases**: "LS" derives from the French "livre syrienne," while "SYP" is the ISO 4217 code.  

### Geopolitical Context  
The Syrian pound’s circulation is influenced by Syria’s membership in the League of Arab States (since 1945), facilitating regional trade. However, economic sanctions and conflict since 2011 have led to inflation and devaluation, affecting its value relative to foreign currencies like the U.S. dollar.  

### Regional Variations  
In autonomous regions like Rojava (North and East Syria), the Syrian pound coexists with alternative currencies and barter systems, reflecting decentralized governance structures established post-2013. This adaptability highlights its enduring role despite political fragmentation.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BBC Things
3. GF WordNet