The announcement of curriculum changes by Syria’s transitional government has stirred debate over the country’s educational future. The new curriculum, unveiled on the Ministry of Education’s social media platform, reflects shifts that include a stronger emphasis on Islamic teachings and the removal of references to the Assad era. These alterations have sparked mixed reactions, with many questioning the broader implications for Syria’s diverse cultural identity.
One prominent change is the replacement of “Defending the nation” with “Defending Allah,” reflecting a shift toward integrating religious themes into education. Additionally, scientific concepts such as the Big Bang theory and evolution have been removed, while references to ancient Syrian deities and their statues have been excluded. Historical lessons on figures like Queen Zenobia, a celebrated leader of Palmyra, have been notably scaled back. Poems celebrating the Assad family have also been removed from Arabic literature lessons, and the revolutionary flag now features in textbooks instead of the previous regime’s symbols.
Education Minister Nazir al-Qadri has defended the revisions, emphasizing that the curriculum is still under review by specialized committees. He noted that recent changes were limited to eliminating content perceived as promoting the former Assad regime and correcting misinterpretations in religious education materials. Al-Qadri reassured the public that broader changes would only follow after a thorough review process.
While some citizens have expressed approval of the removal of Assad-era materials, concerns have been raised about the lack of consultation with the public on these changes. Many civil society activists, including those returning to Syria after years of conflict, view the lack of dialogue as contradictory to the government’s stated commitment to inclusivity. They worry that these decisions might marginalize the voices of various communities and disregard Syria’s secular traditions.
Activists have called for protests ahead of the upcoming school term, urging authorities to involve all segments of society in discussions about education. They argue that unilateral decisions could set a precedent that undermines the government’s promises of national dialogue and shared decision-making.
The transitional government, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has pledged to build a future where all Syrians have a stake in the country’s progress. Officials have held meetings with various communities, including religious minorities, artists, and intellectuals, to promote collaboration. However, critics argue that the curriculum changes send a conflicting message about the government’s approach to inclusivity.
As the school year approaches, debates over the new curriculum highlight the broader challenges of shaping Syria’s post-conflict identity. Activists are calling for transparency and collective input to ensure that educational reforms reflect the country’s diverse cultural and historical heritage. The outcome of these discussions will play a key role in determining how Syria navigates its path toward a more inclusive future.
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