Changes to Educational Curriculum Spark Protests in Syria

The new administration in Syria’s Ministry of Education has implemented significant changes to the national curriculum, affecting students from the first grade of primary school through the conclusion of secondary education. Among these revisions, the theory of evolution has been removed from science classes, and certain literary works, including the story of Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, have been excluded as “fantasy.” Minister Nazir al-Qadri explained that modifications were also made to the Islamic education syllabus to address what he described as “false information” propagated by the previous Assad regime. For instance, the description of a martyr as “a person who sacrifices his soul in defense of his homeland” has been altered to “a person who sacrifices his soul in the name of Allah.” Other changes include rephrasing “the path of goodness” to “the path of Islam” and replacing “those who are cursed and misguided” with “Jews and Christians,” reflecting an ultra-conservative interpretation of a Quranic verse.

Journalist and activist Shiar Khalil took to Facebook to denounce the amendments, warning that “education founded on extremist ideologies can lead to the emergence of individuals holding beliefs that endanger both regional and international security.” He also noted that “the curriculum changes under Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s supervision represent not only an educational risk but a long-term threat to Syria’s social fabric and future.” Other critics have argued that the current government, in the absence of full constitutional authority, lacks the legitimacy to implement such sweeping curricular changes.

Facing mounting criticism, the Ministry of Education has sought to temper the controversy, asserting that the existing curriculum remains intact until specialized committees can review it. Nazir al-Qadri stated via a Telegram announcement, “The curricula in all Syrian schools are still in effect until specialized committees are formed to review and audit them.” He added, “We have only instructed the removal of content glorifying the defunct Assad regime and replaced images in textbooks with the Syrian revolution flag rather than Assad’s.” In a recent interview with Reuters, al-Qadri emphasized that Islam and Christianity would continue as subjects in the school curriculum. He also noted that primary schools would remain coeducational, while middle-school classes would continue to be segregated by gender, as has been the practice. Additionally, he announced that religious studies, encompassing both Islam and Christianity, would be reinstated as part of the secondary school leaving certificate.

Illustrative Photo by Ivan Hassib: Pexels Link