seniorspectrumnewspaper – Syria’s new government has sparked significant backlash after announcing changes to the school curriculum that critics claim reflect an Islamist bias. The amendments, outlined in a list published on the education ministry’s official Facebook page. Provoked widespread debate and concern.
The proposed changes include altering key phrases in textbooks. For instance, “path of goodness” has been changed to “Islamic path,” and “those who have are damned and have gone astray” was revised to explicitly reference “Jews and Christians.” These changes align with an ultra-conservative interpretation of a verse in the Quran.
Additionally, the definition of “martyr” has been modified from someone who died for the homeland to someone who sacrificed themselves “for the sake of God.” Entire chapters have also been removed. Including a section on “the origins and evolution of life,” sparking further controversy.
The changes, which would apply to students aged 6 to 18. Have yet to be fully implemented, according to the education ministry. While some of the curriculum updates that renounce former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime were welcomed by critics, the religious modifications ignited outrage on social media platforms.
Online reactions included concerns about the erosion of secular values in education and the potential for divisive teachings. Critics accused the government of politicizing education and pushing a narrow religious agenda that excludes diverse perspectives.
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Syrian Interim Government Faces Criticism Over Controversial Changes
The newly appointed Syrian education ministry, formed after President Bashar al-Assad’s ousting by rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), is facing widespread criticism for proposed changes to the national curriculum. HTS, a group that evolved from a former al Qaeda affiliate, now governs under leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has emphasized tolerance and inclusivity in recent weeks.
The secular Baath Party, led by Assad since a 1963 coup, promoted a nationalist educational agenda. The interim government’s proposed curriculum changes. Have sparked debates over perceived Islamist influences. Critics argue that the amendments promote an ultra-conservative interpretation of Islam through changes to religious language.
Social media users have questioned the legitimacy of the interim government making such sweeping changes. “The current government is a caretaker government that does not have the right to make these amendments to the curricula,” one user wrote on the ministry’s Facebook post. Others expressed concern that the changes appeared to “erase” parts of Syria’s history and undermine its secular traditions.
Amid the backlash, the ministry sought to downplay the situation, issuing a statement that no changes had been implemented. “The curricula in all schools across Syria remain unchanged until specialized committees are formed to review and audit them,” the ministry clarified.
This controversy comes as Syria grapples with redefining its national identity post-Assad. Critics argue that amending educational content before establishing a new constitution undermines the principles of inclusivity and historical preservation. The curriculum debate highlights the tensions between Syria’s secular past and the emerging government’s efforts to reshape the nation’s future.
Syria’s Education Minister Defends Curriculum Changes Amid Public Scrutiny
Syria’s education minister, Nazir Mohammad al-Qadri, has addressed widespread criticism of recent curriculum changes, stating that the ministry’s primary adjustments involve removing content glorifying the deposed Assad regime. In a statement, al-Qadri clarified that the ministry replaced images of the Assad regime’s flag with those of the Syrian revolution’s flag across all textbooks.
Al-Qadri also explained that the changes aimed to correct inaccuracies in the Islamic education curriculum. Including what he described as “misinterpretations of some Quranic verses” that had been perpetuated during Assad’s rule. The education minister emphasized that beyond the removal of references to the former Baath Party. Syria’s school curricula would not undergo significant changes.
In an interview with Reuters, al-Qadri affirmed that both Islamic and Christian religious studies would remain part of the school syllabus. He added that primary schools would continue to be mixed-gender. Secondary education would remain segregated, as it was during the Assad era.
The HTS-led interim government, which assumed control following Assad’s ousting, has stated that it will oversee the country until elections can be organized. Questions remain about how and when the cabinet will transfer power. Especially after earlier commitments to step down by March 2025. De facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has indicated that elections could take up to four years to prepare.
Public reactions to the curriculum changes remain divided. While some welcome the removal of Assad-era content. Others view the amendments as politically motivated and question the interim government’s authority to make such sweeping decisions. Calls for greater transparency and a clear timeline for elections have intensified as the country navigates its post-Assad future.
The education ministry’s statements have done little to quell the debate. Leaving many Syrians uncertain about the direction of the country’s education system under the interim government.
