Syria’s newly appointed government is facing significant backlash following the announcement of curriculum changes in schools, which some critics argue introduces an Islamist perspective into education.
The changes, detailed in a list of amendments posted on the education ministry’s official Facebook page, include altering terms such as “path of goodness” to “Islamic path,” and modifying references to “those who have gone astray” to specifically mention “Jews and Christians.” This rephrasing reflects a more conservative interpretation of Islamic teachings. Additionally, the term “martyr” has been redefined from someone who died for the country to someone who died “for the sake of God.” Some chapters, like one on the “origins and evolution of life,” have been removed.
Although it’s uncertain whether these changes have been implemented, they are intended to affect students aged 6 to 18. While some online commentators welcomed the removal of references to the former Assad regime, the religious modifications have ignited widespread criticism on social media.
This comes after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, overthrown by rebels under the command of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), which has distanced itself from its al Qaeda origins. The new government, with Ahmed al-Sharaa at the helm, has emphasized a policy of tolerance and inclusivity.
Critics on social media have questioned the legitimacy of such curriculum changes by an interim government, with some seeing it as an attempt to alter historical narratives. One user commented, “The current government is a caretaker government that does not have the right to make these amendments to the curricula.”
In response to the uproar, the education ministry has clarified that no broad changes have been made to the curricula, and that they are awaiting review by specialized committees. Education Minister Nazir Mohammad al-Qadri has stated that the ministry removed content glorifying the Assad regime and corrected what were described as “inaccuracies” in the Islamic education curriculum from Assad’s era.
Al-Qadri has also confirmed in recent media statements that both Islamic and Christian religious education will continue, and primary education will remain co-educational, with secondary schools maintaining gender segregation as under the previous regime.
The HTS-led interim government is expected to remain in place until elections can be organized, with previous statements suggesting this might take up to four years. However, the transition of power remains a point of contention and uncertainty, especially with the interim government’s earlier declaration of stepping down by March 2025.