Syria's New Curriculum Divide

January 13th, 2025

Dhruv Arun

Syria’s politics have always influenced their education system, but recent curriculum changes introduced by the new government have brought that influence into sharper focus. Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, changes in the curriculum seek to modernize education and remove the traces of the past regime. However, critics argue they could harm Syria’s diversity and weaken the integrity of the education system.

In September 2024, the Ministry of Education announced updates to the curriculum. The most debated changes include the removal of historical references to pre-Islamic events and figures, and changes in phrasing, such as replacing "path of goodness" with "Islamic path." The government says that such edits are necessary in order to break away from the Assad regime's legacy; however, many worry it reflects an embedded ideological bias.

Moreover, critics are concerned that such changes are being declared unilaterally, without input from educators and civil society groups. Transparency regarding the nature of such changes' implantation has only served to heighten suspicion of an Islamist agenda through emphasis in historical and cultural narratives.

One of the most controversial areas of curriculum change involves the removal of scientific topics regarding evolution and the Big Bang theory. Activists argue that by not including these subjects, it limits students' exposure to critical ideas, holding Syria back from being able to compete globally in areas of science and technology. Without such important concepts, students would be at a loss for foundational knowledge needed for higher education and innovation in medicine, engineering, and research.

Syria has historically been a melting pot of several different people, and lack of representation of different groups in these changes in the curriculum is another huge point of contention. Some say the reforms do not reflect the views of minorities or other diversified outlooks on the different perspectives across Syrian society. The risk, they charge, is not cohesion, but that the changes will alienate large segments of the population.

The government also insists that the changes are being misinterpreted. Education Minister Nazir al-Qadri says the updates focus mainly on removing pro-Assad propaganda and are not as far-reaching as critics allege. He claimed that specialized committees would go through the curriculum in the future to ensure a wider societal input. But in absence of a clear, transparent plan of these revisions, trust in the government's motive remains fragile.

These changes also reflect more profound setbacks. Removing historical and scientific content could widen the gap between Syria and other nations when it comes to innovation and global progress. Additionally, this approach raises critical questions about how the government intends to balance tradition with the urgent need for a modern and inclusive education system.

Despite the controversy, the curriculum reforms present an opportunity that is important for growth. By involving teachers, parents, and civil society groups in the process, Syria’s government could create an education system that reflects the nation’s history and diversity while preparing students for the future. Open dialogue and collaboration would help rebuild trust and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

Syria’s education reforms are not just about textbooks. They symbolize the country’s efforts to rebuild its identity after years of conflict. How the government handles these changes will impact not just schools, but the future of a nation striving to find unity in its diversity. Only time will tell if these reforms lead to progress or deepen divisions.