Educational Shift in Post-Assad Syria: New Curriculum Stirs Controversy

The Syrian transitional government's revisions to school curricula, emphasizing Islamic values and removing references to the Assad era, have led to protests and fears of reduced civil society participation in shaping education. Activists argue that these unilateral changes threaten the inclusive vision the government claims to uphold.

The educational landscape in Syria is undergoing significant transformation as the new Islamist-led government modifies the curriculum ahead of the forthcoming school term. With the revised program now publicly available on the Facebook page of the education ministry, concerns are being raised regarding the changes, which appear to lack societal input.

Among the most notable amendments is the replacement of the phrase "Defending the nation" with "Defending Allah," signaling a shift toward a more Islamic educational focus. The Minister of Education, Nazir al-Qadri, has attempted to downplay the extent of the adjustments, asserting that the curriculum will essentially remain intact until specialized committees can analyze and potentially revise it.

The proposed revisions extend to the removal of subjects such as Evolution and the Big Bang theory from science classes. Additionally, references to pre-Islamic deities and their representations are being excised, while the historical significance of figures like Queen Zenobia is being diminished. Notably, the legacy of the Assad family has been largely erased from literature lessons, as poems celebrating Bashar al-Assad and Hafez al-Assad have been excluded.

In a statement, al-Qadri specified that the only directions provided focused on eliminating content glorifying the "defunct Assad regime" and mandating the inclusion of the Syrian revolutionary flag across textbooks. He also noted that perceived inaccuracies in Islamic education content had been reformed.

While some members of the public welcome these changes, alarm bells are ringing among civil society activists, particularly those newly returned to Syria after years away. They express concerns that their voices—and those of various communities—may potentially be marginalized as the nation forges ahead with its new governance.

Calls for protests have emerged as the school year approaches, with activists aiming to vocalize opposition to any alterations in the education system or other state institutions without the involvement of all segments of society. The leaders of the transitional government have proclaimed their commitment to inclusivity, aiming to create a new, pluralistic Syria through a National Dialogue Conference that engages various communities, including Christians, Kurds, and cultural figures.

Despite these assurances, activists assert that the recent unilateral alterations to the curriculum contradict the promise of a participatory approach. They seek to assert their stance on fundamental values of freedom and inclusivity as the nation embarks on this new chapter following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.