Islamic Curriculum Changes by New Syrian Authorities Raise Eyebrows

The Syrian transitional government’s decision to revise the school curriculum toward a more Islamic perspective, removing references to the Assad regime, has prompted anxiety among civil activists and calls for protests ahead of the new school year.

The transitional government in Syria, led by Islamist authorities, has raised alarms over proposed changes to the national school curriculum—set to begin at the start of a new term—without input from a broader societal context. The education ministry’s Facebook announcement outlines a curriculum that intertwines education with religious doctrine, reflecting a departure from the previous regime's narrative. Key alterations include replacing "Defending the nation" with "Defending Allah," effectively removing any mention of Syria's former leadership under Bashar al-Assad.

Education Minister Nazir al-Qadri attempted to minimize the shift by asserting that the curriculum would remain essentially unchanged until specialized revisions occur. However, significant shifts such as the exclusion of Evolution and the Big Bang theory from science lessons raise concerns about academic integrity. The proposed curriculum also omits references to pre-Islamic deities and cultural figures, including downplaying the historical significance of Queen Zenobia from Palmyra.

In a statement, al-Qadri emphasized that the removal of content glorifying the Assad regime was a primary directive, giving way to the Syrian revolutionary flag in all educational materials. Notably, protests have already been organized, emphasizing the demand for broader participation from all sectors of society in educational reforms.

While some segments of the populace have welcomed these changes, civil activists—largely those who have re-entered Syria from abroad—fear these unilateral educational reforms signal a disregard for the input of diverse communities. The intent of the new authorities appears to be fostering inclusivity through a National Dialogue Conference, appealing to various ethnic and ideological groups in the process.

Despite these assurances, activists are particularly alarmed by the lack of engagement in the educational sector, arguing that the changes betray the promised values of freedom and inclusion. Their stance reflects an overarching concern about the trajectory of governance in a post-Assad Syria and the extent to which societal voices will influence future decisions—an essential discussion as the nation edits its historical and cultural narratives.