26.10.2026 10:21
In the new education curriculum prepared after the overthrow of the Baath regime in Syria, a historic step was taken: the phrases "Ottoman occupation" and the so-called "Turkish oppression" were removed from textbooks, and the account of the 400-year Ottoman period was revised.
In Syria, the process that began on November 27, 2024, after 13 years of civil war, and the rebirth steps initiated in the country following the overthrow of the 61-year Baath regime were also reflected in the field of education. The new Syrian administration made a radical and historic change in the education curriculum, cleansing all anti-Ottoman rhetoric left over from the Assad regime era from textbooks.
'OTTOMAN OCCUPATION' IS GONE, 'OTTOMAN RULE' HAS COME
The comprehensive curriculum reform launched after the overthrow of the Assad regime covered many textbooks, especially history, social studies, geography, and religious education. Within the framework of the arrangements made, the phrase "Ottoman occupation" used in textbooks for the Ottoman State was completely removed and replaced with the definition "Ottoman rule." In addition, biased texts that associated the Ottoman period with the so-called "Turkish oppression" and repressive policies, as well as sections containing regime propaganda, were removed from the curriculum.
A SECTION ON 'SHARIF HUSSEIN' AND BRITISH COOPERATION WAS ADDED TO HISTORY BOOKS
In the new curriculum, a striking change was also made in the narratives about World War I. Special sections were included in history books explaining the cooperation that Sharif Hussein of Mecca carried out with the British at that time and the historical facts behind this process. This move, in which nearly 400 years of Ottoman rule in the region was re-addressed objectively, was considered an extremely critical development in terms of the diplomatic and regional relations taking shape between Turkey and Syria in the new era.
THE TRACES OF WAR ARE BEING ERASED, LIFE IS STARTING AGAIN
In Syria, which is continuing its transition process after the opposition took control and the regime collapsed, roads, water networks, hospitals, and schools are being rapidly restored. In many cities, especially Aleppo, which was once the epicenter of the clashes, the normal rhythm of life and school bells are taking the place of war.