Mass Protests Erupt in Manbij Against New Educational Curriculum
Residents of Manbij, Syria, have taken to the streets in large numbers to protest against an educational curriculum imposed by the Autonomous Administration, affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The demonstrations, which began at the start of the new academic year, were marked by a general strike involving students and local residents. Activist Younis Al-Issa reported that the discontent arose immediately after the new school books were distributed, as they contained ideological content promoting SDF leaders and their philosophies, particularly that of Abdullah Ocalan.
Video footage circulating on social media showed students tearing up the new curriculum books and chanting, "The people want the old curriculum," referring to the educational materials used under the Syrian regime. This unrest is not new to Manbij, a city that has a history of resistance against imposed authorities since the days of the Islamic State and subsequent SDF control.
Reasons Behind the Rejection
The rejection of the new curriculum in Manbij can be attributed to several factors. The curriculum was previously enforced only in areas east of the Euphrates River, and its introduction to Manbij sparked swift backlash from the community, which has a strong sense of cultural identity. Al-Issa noted that the SDF's attempts to quell the protests through local dignitaries failed, leading to a crackdown that resulted in the arrest of approximately 50 students and young men involved in the demonstrations.
Despite threats from the SDF to withhold essential resources like bread and fuel, families in Manbij have remained steadfast in their refusal to send their children to school under the new curriculum. The strike has also seen a lack of participation from teachers, with many ignoring calls to resume classes.
The new educational materials introduced by the SDF include significant changes to subjects like history and geography, with a focus on Kurdish identity and culture. Critics argue that these changes are inconsistent with the local culture and religious beliefs, further fueling community dissent.
As protests continue, residents are not only demanding a return to the previous curriculum but are also voicing broader concerns regarding SDF policies, including taxation, job opportunities, and overall governance in the region.
