From Secular to Religious: The Polarizing Shift in Syria's Schools
Syria has entered a new chapter of governance following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, but the transition is proving anything but smooth. One of the most contentious developments has been the sweeping changes announced to the national educational curriculum, igniting a firestorm of debate both within and outside the country. While the move to eliminate glorifications of the Assad regime has been widely welcomed, the religious undertones of other amendments have drawn significant criticism, raising questions about the new government’s vision for Syria’s future.
The Curriculum Reforms
The recently appointed Ministry of Education, under Nazir Mohammad al-Qadri, unveiled an extensive list of changes to Syria’s school curriculum. These amendments affect students across all age groups, from six to 18 years old, and span multiple subjects, including Religious Studies, History, Philosophy, and English Language.
Key changes include:
Removal of Assad Regime References: All content glorifying Bashar al-Assad and the Baath Party, which ruled Syria for over five decades, has been deleted. This includes replacing the national anthem, described by the ministry as "the regime’s anthem," with neutral material and substituting images of the Assad-era flag with the Syrian revolution’s flag.
Religious Revisions: Phrases such as “path of goodness” have been changed to “Islamic path,” and references to "those who have are damned and have gone astray" now explicitly mention “Jews and Christians.” The term “martyr” has been redefined to mean someone who sacrifices themselves “for the sake of God.” The ministry justifies these changes as corrections to "misinterpretations" of Quranic verses, though many view them as an Islamist tilt.
Deleted Content: Chapters on evolution, polytheistic gods in ancient history, and Chinese philosophical thought have been removed. These omissions, critics argue, erase essential elements of Syria’s cultural and historical identity.
Shift in Educational Priorities: The subject of National Education has been canceled for the academic year, with its grades replaced by those from Islamic or Christian Religious Education. Religious Education now contributes to the overall score for the General Secondary Certificate, signaling a significant shift in emphasis.
These changes follow a promise by the ministry to maintain mixed primary schools and largely segregated secondary schools, consistent with practices during Assad’s rule.
Public Backlash
The reforms have ignited fierce debate across Syria. Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for critics and supporters of the new curriculum. Some welcomed the removal of Assad-centric propaganda, but many expressed alarm over what they perceive as a religious slant that risks alienating minorities and undermining Syria’s diverse cultural fabric.
Prominent journalist Shiyar Khaleal labeled the changes as "extremist" and warned they could create a generation of individuals with ideologies that threaten regional and global security. Activists have decried the amendments as "educational executions," accusing the interim government of targeting specific religious groups and marginalizing non-Muslim minorities.
Criticism is not limited to secular and minority voices. Many Sunni Muslims—the majority demographic—have also voiced concerns about the curriculum’s overtly Islamist tone. The backlash has included calls for nationwide protests and demands for the dismissal of Nazir al-Qadri.
Government Response
In response to the controversy, the Ministry of Education has sought to downplay the changes. Al-Qadri issued a statement emphasizing that the reforms are temporary and subject to review by specialized committees. He insisted that the current government’s role is limited to eradicating Assad’s influence from the educational system while maintaining inclusivity and tolerance.
De facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has echoed these sentiments, meeting with Christian leaders to reassure them of their rights under the new administration. The government’s claim of fostering tolerance has been met with skepticism, given the curriculum’s religiously charged amendments.
Risks to Syria’s Development
The curriculum changes highlight a broader struggle within Syria’s interim government: balancing the need for reform with the risk of alienating its population. By prioritizing religious interpretations over secular and historical content, the new administration risks deepening divisions in a country already fractured by over a decade of civil war.
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping a nation’s future. An inclusive curriculum that embraces Syria’s rich history and diverse communities is essential for rebuilding trust and fostering unity. The current direction, critics warn, may entrench divisions and undermine efforts to create a stable, democratic society.
Hope for Progressive Improvements
Despite these concerns, there is still potential for progressive change. The interim government has repeatedly emphasized that its role is temporary, with elections planned within the next four years. This timeline offers an opportunity for Syrians to advocate for a more balanced and inclusive educational framework.
Civil society groups, educators, and international organizations can play a crucial role in this process. By working collaboratively with the interim government, they can ensure that curriculum reforms reflect Syria’s diverse heritage and prepare students for a future that values pluralism and critical thinking.
The fall of the Assad regime marked a turning point for Syria. While the path forward remains uncertain, the possibility of democratic governance and societal renewal offers a glimmer of hope. To realize this potential, Syria’s leaders must prioritize inclusivity and transparency in all aspects of governance, starting with education.
Conclusion
Syria’s curriculum reforms have sparked a necessary and overdue conversation about the role of education in shaping the nation’s identity and future. The interim government’s challenge lies in addressing the legitimate grievances of its citizens while fostering an environment of tolerance and understanding.
As Syrians navigate this critical juncture, the international community must remain engaged, supporting efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive society. Only through thoughtful reform and open dialogue can Syria move toward a brighter future.