500 SYP #514

Front

Ancient Roman mosaic from Shahba (ancient Philippopolis), depicting a musical scene with figures playing the lyre and other instruments. This mosaic dates from the 3rd century CE and represents the rich cultural heritage of Roman Syria; Shahba was built as the birthplace of Roman Emperor Philip the Arab (r. 244–249 CE). The mosaic scene illustrates the Hellenistic-Roman cultural synthesis that characterized the region. The note features Islamic geometric patterns in blue and a holographic patch with star motif.

Back

The Citadel of Aleppo (Qal'at Halab), one of the oldest and largest castles in the world, sitting atop a tell (artificial mound) that has been occupied since at least the 3rd millennium BCE. The current structure dates primarily from the Ayyubid period (12th–13th centuries CE) under rulers including al-Malik al-Zahir Ghazi, son of Saladin. The citadel's massive glacis and monumental entrance gate are iconic features of medieval Islamic military architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site has suffered extensive damage during the Syrian Civil War but remains a powerful symbol of Syria's ancient and medieval history.

History

This 500 Syrian Pounds note belongs to the modernized series introduced by the Central Bank of Syria in 2013, bearing the printed year '2013' in both Western and Eastern Arabic numerals. The series was issued during the ongoing Syrian Civil War and reflects the government's attempt to maintain monetary stability amid conflict. The front features a Roman-era mosaic from Shahba (Philippopolis), honoring Syria's classical heritage, while the back depicts the Citadel of Aleppo, one of Syria's most iconic historical monuments. The Arabic text on the back includes 'مصرف سورية المركزي' (Central Bank of Syria) and signatures with titles. The note employs modern security features including holographic patches, geometric see-through register elements, and microprinting. Despite wartime economic challenges and hyperinflation, this denomination remains in circulation as legal tender.