50 SYP #515

Front

Yusuf al-Azma (1883–1920), Syrian Minister of War and military hero who died defending Damascus at the Battle of Maysalun against French colonial forces in 1920. The statue depicted stands in Damascus as a monument to Syrian independence. Al-Azma is revered as a martyr of Arab nationalism and Syrian sovereignty; his defiant stand against the French mandate remains a symbol of Syrian resistance and national pride.

Back

Al-Nouri Mosque (also known as the Great Nouri Mosque) in Hama, one of Syria's most significant historical mosques, alongside one of the famous Norias (waterwheels) of Hama. These ancient wooden waterwheels, some dating to the Byzantine era, were used for centuries to lift water from the Orontes River for irrigation. The Norias are iconic symbols of Hama and Syrian engineering heritage, representing the historical agricultural prosperity of the region.

History

This 50-pound note was issued by the Central Bank of Syria in 2021, as indicated by the printed date '1442 هـ – 2021 م' (Hijri and Gregorian calendars) on the reverse. The note is part of Syria's current currency series, continuing the Syrian pound (lira) which has been in circulation since 1919 with various reforms and redenominations. The 2021 series reflects modern security features while maintaining traditional Syrian cultural and historical imagery. Yusuf al-Azma's portrait reinforces themes of national sovereignty and resistance to foreign occupation, particularly significant given Syria's complex modern history. The Hama Norias on the reverse celebrate Syria's ancient technological achievements and agricultural heritage.