Amendment of education curriculum by HTS-led government in Syria raises controversy and condemnation

DARAMSUQ — Recently changes to the educational curriculum by the Ministry of Education of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led (HTS) caretaker government in Syria have ignited widespread controversy and condemnation across the country.

Among the most contentious amendments is the interpretation of Surah al-Fatiha in Islamic religious education books, which labels Christians and Jews as “angry against them and misguided.” This change has drawn significant criticism for promoting intolerance.

Additionally, the term “Ottoman rule” has replaced “Ottoman occupation,” a move widely interpreted as an attempt to appease the Turkish government which has close ties with HTS. The changes also designate Zenobia, the renowned Queen of Palmyra (Tadmur), as an “imaginary character,” while erasing key historical narratives related to the Arameans, Canaanites, and ancient deities.

The curriculum for philosophy has undergone extensive revisions, with numerous sections removed, and major alterations have been made to Islamic education texts. Other controversial changes include the omission of references to the martyrs of 6 May — which commemorates the execution of Muslim and Christian Syrian nationalists by the Ottoman Empire in 1916, the removal of content related to the development of law under Hammurabi’s Code, and the replacement of the word “law” with “Sharia” or “law of God (Sharia of Allah).”

The study of brain development and evolution has also been excluded, sparking criticism for undermining scientific education.

Many Syrians argue that these amendments contradict established scientific knowledge and historical facts, undermining Syria’s cultural and historical identity. Critics assert that such changes should not fall under the authority of a caretaker government, particularly when they appear to serve political or ideological agendas rather than educational progress.