In Idlib, Azaz, al-Bab, Afrin and large parts of northern Syria, if you ask the price of something the answer is usually in Turkish lira, not Syrian pounds. This shift didn't happen by chance — it has clear economic causes and a direct impact on the lives of millions. Here's the full picture.
Why did the north switch to the Turkish lira?
The main reason is escaping the collapse of the Syrian pound. As the pound lost value daily during the crisis years, holding or pricing in it became a major risk for traders and residents. In 2020 specifically, as the dollar hit record highs, local authorities in the north moved to the Turkish lira as a relatively more stable currency, readily available given the geographic proximity and trade with Turkey.
Is the Turkish lira actually more stable?
Relatively yes, but not perfect. The Turkish lira itself has seen notable inflation and decline against the dollar in recent years. The difference is that its fluctuations are slower and more predictable than the sharp collapse the Syrian pound went through. For a trader in Idlib, dealing in a currency that slowly loses some value beats one that collapses suddenly.
How does the Turkish lira's rate move in the north?
The Turkish lira's rate in northern Syria is affected by two factors: its global rate against the dollar (set in international markets), and local supply and demand in northern areas. When the lira weakens against the dollar globally, it directly affects purchasing power in the north. You can follow the Turkish lira against the Syrian pound live on our site.
What does this mean for northern residents?
The shift to the Turkish lira brought relative price stability, but tied people's livelihoods to the Turkish economy and its monetary decisions. Rising inflation in Turkey or central bank decisions now directly affect the price of bread in Idlib. Those receiving remittances in dollars or Syrian pounds now need to convert them to Turkish lira for daily spending.
The new Syrian pound and the north
With the launch of the new Syrian pound in 2026 and the start of a monetary stabilization path, the open question is whether northern areas will gradually return to the national currency. This depends on the new pound actually stabilizing in practice, and on political and administrative developments. We follow this shift and keep our readers updated.
For live rates: Turkish lira · US dollar · euro against the Syrian pound, in old and new currency.
