Tag Archives: Syria

According to collegesanduniversitiesinusa, the educational history of Syria dates back to the ancient times when education was primarily provided in the form of apprenticeships and informal education. During the Ottoman Empire, education was seen as a privilege for the wealthy and privileged classes and was not available to all. The Ottoman Empire established several schools, which were mainly oriented towards religious studies. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Syria came under French rule in 1920 and a new education system was introduced by the French government. This system focused on language teaching and aimed to prepare students for professional occupations such as engineering, medicine, law and commerce. In 1946, Syria gained independence from France and established its own Ministry of Education. The Ministry developed a national curriculum that focused on teaching Arabic language, history, geography and religion as well as science subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology. It also encouraged physical education through sports activities in schools. In 1958, Syria joined Egypt in forming the United Arab Republic (UAR) which led to an expansion of educational opportunities available in both countries. Schools were established throughout Syria offering primary level school up until grade 12 with an emphasis on vocational training. The UAR also introduced higher education opportunities with universities being established in Damascus (University of Damascus) as well as other cities such as Aleppo (University of Aleppo), Homs (University of Homs) and Hama (University of Hama). Since 1980s there has been an increased focus on providing higher educational opportunities to Syrians with more universities being founded including the University of Tartous (1982), University of Deir ez-Zor (1983), International University for Science & Technology (1993) among others. Additionally, there have been numerous reforms implemented in order to improve quality of higher education including introduction of student exchange programs with other countries such as Germany, France & United States among others; introducing new academic disciplines; developing research centers; encouraging international collaboration; introducing student loan programs etc.. Overall, then, Syrian educational history has gone through many changes over time from informal learning during ancient times to establishing formal educational institutions during French rule followed by establishment & expansion during UAR period up until modern day reforms focusing on improving quality & access to higher educational opportunities. Syria is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel and Lebanon to the west. It was one of the most important centers of civilization in antiquity, and has been home to many great empires throughout its history. In 2009, Syria was ruled by President Bashar al-Assad who had been in power since 2000. In 2009, Syria was an authoritarian regime with a complex political system. The Syrian government was dominated by members of the Alawite sect which is an offshoot of Shia Islam. The Alawites held key positions within the government and military which allowed them to maintain power despite being a minority group in Syria. The majority Sunni population was largely excluded from politics as well as access to economic opportunities and services provided by the state. Syria’s foreign policy at this time was heavily influenced by its relationship with Iran which had been an ally since 1979 when both countries signed a mutual defense pact. Iran provided financial support as well as military assistance in order for Syria to maintain its regional influence. This close relationship also led to increased tensions between Syria and Israel due to Iran’s support for militant groups operating within Israel’s borders such as Hezbollah. Syria also maintained close ties with Russia during this period despite having strained relations with other Western powers such as United States and European Union (EU). Russia provided economic assistance through trade agreements and investments while also supporting Syrian government policies on various international issues such as Middle East peace process or nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). In 2009, Syria had become increasingly isolated from other countries due to its involvement in Lebanon’s internal affairs as well as its support for militant groups operating within Israeli borders. This had caused increased tensions between Syria and both EU countries such as France or United States which imposed economic sanctions on Syrian government in order to pressure it into changing its policies towards these states. Check naturegnosis for Syria in 2001.