Syria removes 'Ottoman occupation' from textbooks after Baas fall

The term "Ottoman occupation" has been officially removed from Syrian history textbooks, replaced by "Ottoman administration" in a sweeping educational reform. This change follows the overthrow of the 61-year Baas regime and marks a significant shift in how the country presents its historical relationship with Turkey.

Curriculum overhaul details

The new educational framework, prepared after the Baas government fell on November 27, 2024, targets multiple subjects including history, social studies, geography, and religious education. Authorities have stripped out content describing alleged Turkish oppression and pressure policies that were part of the previous regime’s propaganda. The narrative surrounding the approximately 400-year Ottoman rule has been restructured to eliminate biased texts.

World War I revisions

Significant alterations also appear in accounts of World War I. The updated history books now include specific sections detailing Sharif Hussein of Mecca’s collaboration with British forces during that period. These additions aim to present the historical realities behind such alliances, offering an objective reassessment of the region's past under Ottoman sovereignty.

Diplomatic implications

This curricular adjustment is viewed as a critical development for the evolving diplomatic and regional ties between Syria and Turkey. By removing antagonistic language regarding the Ottoman era, the new Syrian leadership signals a departure from the Esad-era stance, aligning educational content with broader political shifts in the post-conflict landscape.

Reconstruction efforts

Parallel to these academic changes, physical reconstruction continues across Syria. Roads, water networks, hospitals, and schools are being rapidly restored in areas previously controlled by opposition forces. In cities like Aleppo, which served as central hubs for conflict, the sounds of school bells are returning as daily life resumes its normal rhythm.