SyriaS School Curriculum Overhaul sparks International Concern
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Syria’s education system is undergoing a meaningful conversion, prompting widespread debate and international concern. The Syrian Ministry of Education recently announced sweeping changes to the national curriculum, sparking criticism from activists and religious leaders alike. These changes, unveiled in early January 2025, remove all references to former President Bashar al-Assad and his family, a move that some view as long overdue, while others see as potentially problematic.
The alterations extend beyond the removal of assad’s image from textbooks. The changes involve a significant shift in the portrayal of religion and history. Phrases such as “path of goodness” have been replaced with “Islamic path,” while the description of those considered “damned and astray” has been altered to specifically mention “Jews and Christians.” This shift has raised concerns about the potential marginalization of religious minorities.
Further changes redefine key terms. The definition of “martyr” has been narrowed to someone who sacrifices themselves “for the sake of God,” shifting the focus from national sacrifice. Similarly, “defending the nation” is now “defending Allah,” and ”God’s Sharia” has been replaced with “Law of Justice.” Even the concept of “human brotherhood” has been altered to “faith brotherhood.”
The revisions also extend to the historical narrative. References to the Ottoman Empire have been altered, replacing “Ottoman Occupation” with “Ottoman Administration,” and removing mentions of the 1916 mass execution of Arab nationalists. Additionally, the teaching of evolution has been removed from the science curriculum.
The Syrian Education Minister, Nazir al-Qadri, attempted to downplay the significance of the changes, stating, “The curricula in all Syrian schools will remain as is until specialized committees are formed to review” them. However, this statement has done little to quell the growing unease.
Mar Boutros Qassis, the archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Aleppo, offered a nuanced perspective. He commented, “There have been changes related to the Assad regime…which are understandable, though, there have also been amendments that interfere with the Islamic ideology of society and education.”
The implications of these curriculum changes extend beyond Syria’s borders.The shift in religious and historical narratives raises concerns about the potential for increased religious intolerance and the erosion of academic freedom. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging clarity and a commitment to inclusive education.
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Dr. Layla al-Amin, an expert on Syrian education and a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, discusses the recent curriculum changes in Syria and their implications.
World Today News Senior Editor: Dr. al-Amin, the Syrian education system has undergone a significant overhaul, removing references to Bashar al-Assad and his family, while also making changes to the portrayal of religion and history. could you elaborate on these changes and the reactions they have elicited?
Dr. Layla al-Amin: The new curriculum marks a radical departure from previous educational norms in Syria. While the removal of Assad’s image and references may be seen as a necessary step by some, the shift in religious and historical narratives has understandably raised concerns. Phrases like the “Islamic path,” the specific referencing of Jews and Christians as “damned and astray,” and the redefinition of key terms like martyr and “defending the nation,” point towards a more rigid and possibly exclusionary ideology being instilled.
World Today News Senior Editor:
Do these changes reflect a broader paradigm shift within syrian society, or are they specific to the education system?
Dr. layla al-Amin: It’s too early to definitively say if these changes reflect a wider societal shift. However, they certainly align with the rhetoric we’ve seen from certain factions within the Syrian goverment. The emphasis on a specific interpretation of Islam and a nationalist narrative that centers on religious identity is a worrying trend. It creates a climate of exclusivity and could potentially marginalize religious minorities within Syria.
World Today News Senior Editor: The international community has expressed concern over these curriculum changes. What are the broader implications of
these shifts, particularly for the future of religious tolerance and academic freedom in Syria?
Dr. Layla al-Amin: The international community is right to be concerned.These changes have the potential to institutionalize intolerance and stifle critical thinking. By presenting a sanitized and politically charged version of history, and by emphasizing a particular religious ideology, the Syrian government risks undermining the advancement of a tolerant and inclusive society.
World Today News Senior Editor: What steps can the international community take to address these concerns?
Dr. Layla al-Amin: Continued pressure on the Syrian government
to ensure inclusivity and academic freedom within its education system is crucial. This could involve diplomatic efforts, sanctions targeting those responsible for these changes, and support for independent educational initiatives within Syria. It’s also essential to provide educational resources and support to Syrian refugees and those affected by the conflict, ensuring they have access to a quality education that promotes critical thinking and tolerance.
World Today News Senior Editor: Thank you for sharing your expertise, Dr. al-Amin. This is clearly a complex and evolving situation that requires ongoing attention from the international community.
Dr. Layla al-Amin: It’s my pleasure to be here. The future of Syria’s children depends on ensuring access to a truly inclusive and enriching education.
