SYRIAN BANKNOTES TO FEATURE BRAILLE

Hasriyeh said on Wednesday, October 15, that "in a long-overdue humanitarian step, we decided to include raised (embossed) printing on the new Syrian currency so that blind and visually impaired individuals can recognize denominations easily and independently," adding that the issue has personally concerned him as a "citizen" who cares about inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities.

Qabawat: Braille on currency is a humanitarian demand

The governor explained that he contacted Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabawat, whom he described as "a dear friend and colleague," who relayed requests from people with visual impairments to add Braille to the new notes.

He told Qabawat the request was "entirely legitimate" and met a real need that should not be overlooked, noting that the new designs already account for enabling blind users to differentiate denominations independently.

Global experience with tactile banknotes

Syria is not the first country to adopt tactile features or Braille-based markings on national currency. Several countries have developed banknotes for blind and visually impaired users using Braille or other tactile techniques, including Egypt, Canada, Australia, Honduras, Mexico, India, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

In 2017, the UK"s £10 note added two clusters of raised dots in the upper-left corner to aid recognition.

Yemen also issued its first banknote with raised Braille printing in July 2025.

No portraits, symbols, or landmarks on the new series

Hasriyeh previously said the new Syrian series will comprise six denominations and will be free of portraits, symbols, or historical landmarks to make verification clearer and align with a global trend toward clean, minimalist design.

In an interview with the state news agency (SANA) on October 8, he indicated the denominations would range from small to large to better serve daily transactions, and that detailed information on each note"s value, size, and design would be announced once technical and security printing procedures are complete.

The governor added that the new currency would "carry a contemporary national identity reflecting modernity and economic stability," and that the Central Bank would roll out accompanying measures to control liquidity and maintain price stability.

To read the complete article, see:
Braille to feature on Syria"s new banknotes, Central Bank says (https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2025/10/braille-to-feature-on-syrias-new-banknotes-central-bank-says/)

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