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Syrian education curriculum reforms

Overview

Following the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, the Shara administration has implemented comprehensive changes to Syria’s national education curriculum. These reforms involve significant shifts in historical narratives, national identity, and ideological focus.

Historical revisions include reclassifying the Ottoman era, changing the terminology regarding the 1916 movement led by Sharif Hussein, and updating maps to depict Hatay within Turkish borders. The curriculum has transitioned from Arab nationalism toward a focus on ‘pride in Islamic civilization,’ replacing concepts like ‘democracy’ with ‘shura’ and emphasizing ‘serving religion and the ummah.’

More recent developments have seen the Ministry of Education defend controversial revisions to textbooks for the 2026–2027 academic year. These updates have drawn criticism for the removal of lessons on democracy, political participation, and citizenship, as well as changes to the depiction of women and the deletion of certain historical artworks. While the Ministry maintains these changes aim to protect social and religious diversity and remove symbols of the former government, observers have noted that the modifications reflect an increasingly conservative ideological shift.

Entities

Syria · Syrian Ministry of Education · Mohammed al-Salloum · Shara administration · Ta'akkad

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 17 sources
    Syria implements major education curriculum reforms

    Syria's new Shara administration has overhauled its school curriculum, revising Ottoman history, shifting from Arab nationalism to Islamic identity, and updating maps to show Hatay within Turkey.

  2. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Syria defends controversial school textbook revisions

    Syria's Ministry of Education defended textbook revisions that removed lessons on democracy and altered depictions of women and art, sparking debate over ideological shifts in the curriculum.

Sources

aksam.com.tr · alaraby.co.uk · alnilin.com · haber7.com · haberkibris.com · habervitrini.com · haksozhaber.net · ininsubria.it · kamuajans.com · karar.com · newarab.com · sana.sy · sarabic.ae · sol.org.tr · sondakika.com · sondakikakibris.com · turkgun.com · wwj.co.jp · yenisafak.com