Syrian curriculum changes spark debate over removal of images and historical figures

Recent changes to school textbooks in Syria have sparked controversy and debate on social media platforms. These alterations involved modifying images, illustrations, and educational content across various grades, from early years to seventh grade. The modifications included adding the hijab to female figures, deleting images of women and children, covering statues and replacing paintings and artworks.

The curriculum changes have reignited discussions about the Ministry of Education's approach to reviewing textbooks and their ability to account for Syria's social and cultural diversity. Critics question whether the amendments solely address content related to the former regime or if they aim to reshape society's representation in school books.

Some textbook revisions led to the removal of historical figures and symbols, such as the Phoenician princess Elissar and Sultan Pasha al-Atrash. Others involved the modification of visual elements, like adding a hijab to drawn female characters, deleting entire images of women, and covering statues. The alterations caused outrage, with accusations of "falsifying history" and the imposition of contemporary ideological standards on ancient historical eras.

A particularly contentious example involved replacing a pharaonic statue with a version wearing a striped shirt, likened by some to prison uniforms. Parents were concerned about the consequences of these changes, especially how they could shape children's perceptions of social diversity and harmony. Alia, a mother of a lower-secondary pupil, expressed her doubts about the motives behind these modifications, arguing that replacing the original illustrations would have been a more suitable approach than tampering with the original works.