# Turkey-Syria educational cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-syria-educational-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-09-09T17:16:21.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Turkey and Syria have initiated several educational cooperation programs following a period of conflict. In August 2026, the Turkish Ministry of National Education and the Syrian Ministry of Endowments conducted a joint Arabic language and character education camp in Damascus. The program, which included university students from Istanbul Medeniyet and Kocaeli universities, focused on practical linguistic application and cultural engagement.

By September 2026, educational ties expanded to include the graduation of Syrian students from the Turkish open education program. Following the fall of the Ba’ath regime, Turkish Ambassador Noah Yilmaz noted that these graduates maintain the right to pursue further studies in either country. 

Turkey has announced plans to increase its educational presence in Syria, including the opening of a new K-12 school in Damascus and future schools in Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, and Homs. Additionally, efforts are underway to reopen the Turkish language department at Aleppo University and establish a new department at Damascus University.

## Claims

- The certificates awarded to students will help strengthen bilateral relations between Turkey and Syria. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Students who studied in Turkey for long periods have not lost any of their educational rights. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A Turkish school covering kindergarten through high school will open in Damascus within one to two weeks. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Turkey plans to open similar schools in Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, and Homs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Turkish language department at Aleppo University is being reopened. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The first Turkish language department is being established at Damascus University. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Turkish open education program is implemented in more than 25 countries. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Maarif schools under the Turkish Ministry of Education will begin operations next year. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Turkey announces new educational initiatives and school openings in Syria

The Turkish Embassy in Damascus celebrated the graduation of 28 Syrian students and announced plans to open a new Turkish school in Damascus and expand educational programs across Syria.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-announces-new-educational-initiatives-and-school-openings-in-syria

### 2026-08-13: Turkey and Syria hold joint Arabic language training program in Damascus

Students completed a joint Turkish-Syrian Arabic language and character education program in Damascus, receiving certificates at a ceremony held at the Sheikh Hasan Bedrettin Hasaneyn Education Center.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-and-syria-hold-joint-arabic-language-training-program-in-damascus

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Cite as: Turkey-Syria educational cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-syria-educational-cooperation