- Minister Nazir Mohammad al-Qadri announces sweeping changes to Syria’s curriculum, removing Assad-era references and replacing National Education with Religious Studies.
- The reforms have ignited protests and criticism, with fears of an Islamist shift in education and a loss of Syria’s cultural identity.
- The Education Ministry clarifies that committees will review the changes before final implementation, and assurances are given regarding minority rights.
Syria’s education system is undergoing major reforms, with the newly appointed Minister Nazir Mohammad al-Qadri leading changes to textbooks across all levels. Among the significant amendments are the removal of references to the ousted Assad regime, including the national anthem and images linked to the family.
The National Education subject has been canceled for the year, and its focus will now shift to Islamic and Christian Religious Education, contributing to the General Secondary Certificate scores.
Syria’s Curriculum Reforms: A Controversial Shift from Nationalism to Religion
These changes have sparked outrage, with critics accusing the government of pushing a religious agenda and rewriting history to suit political narratives. While the Minister defended the reforms, claiming they are aimed at correcting “incorrect” interpretations of religious texts, the move has reignited fears about the safety of Syria’s minorities and the future of secular education. Protests and calls for the Minister’s resignation continue to intensify, reflecting the deep divisions in Syrian society.
In place of the canceled National Education subject, students will now study Islamic or Christian Religious Education, which will contribute to their final scores for the General Secondary Certificate. These changes have sparked debates on social media, with many accusing the government of attempting to replace nationalism with an Islamist narrative. Critics argue that this marks a dangerous precedent, leading to potential cultural erasure.
Minister al-Qadri defended the curriculum changes, claiming they were necessary to remove the “misleading” content introduced by the Assad regime. He further explained that revisions in religious studies would align with “correct” interpretations of Quranic verses, a move aimed at ensuring a more accurate representation of Islamic teachings in schools. Despite these clarifications, the public remains divided, with many fearing the social implications of such a shift.
The backlash continues to grow, with protests planned in response to the reforms. Critics argue that the changes may worsen the situation for Syria’s religious minorities, who already feel vulnerable under the new administration. Efforts by the government to reassure these groups, including recent meetings with Christian leaders, have done little to quell the rising tension.
As Syria reshapes its educational system, the decision to implement these reforms without broader consultation or compromise has sparked deep divisions, particularly concerning the role of religion in education.
Joshua Landis, a U.S. academic, remarked on social media: “These reforms appear to be moving Syria from a nationalist to an Islamist interpretation of its history.”
