Controversy erupts as Syria considers removing Queen Zenobia from curriculum

A controversial decision in Syria has sparked an outcry: the Ministry of Education is considering removing the legendary Queen Zenobia from the school curriculum. 

Euronews features in a new article that Syria’s Ministry of Education has unveiled sweeping changes to the national school curriculum, which include removing references to symbols of the former regime, such as the national anthem. Among the most controversial suggestions is the potential erasure of Queen Zenobia, one of Syria’s most iconic historical figures, from history books.

The Education Ministry is considering eliminating Queen Zenobia and Khawla bint al-Azour from the curriculum, claiming that they are "not real figures." This move has generated significant backlash, with critics questioning the credibility of such an assertion.

In an effort to calm the growing public uproar, Syrian Education Minister Nazir al-Qadiri assured citizens that the curriculum would remain unchanged for now. He stated that specialized committees would be formed to review and make necessary amendments. However, the very possibility of removing such historical figures has ignited fierce debate on social media, with many accusing the government of attempting to erase and distort history.

One of the most contentious proposals is the removal of the chapter on Queen Zenobia, prompting the question: can Zenobia truly be dismissed as a fictional character?

Born around 240 AD in Palmyra, Syria, Zenobia was raised in an environment rich in culture and education. She studied in Alexandria, where she learned about the histories of Greece and Rome. At the time, Syria was a Roman province, which significantly shaped Zenobia’s later political ambitions.

Historical records describe Zenobia as a brilliant and powerful queen who transformed Palmyra into a dominant power in the Near East. Known for her beauty and intellect, she is celebrated as a symbol of leadership and resilience. Zenobia's accomplishments are hard to ignore: by 258 AD, she had married Lucius Septimius Odaenathus, the Roman governor of Syria. Together, they ruled Palmyra, and Zenobia actively participated in the governance, demonstrating her political prowess.

After Odaenathus and his son were assassinated in 266/267 AD, Zenobia assumed the role of regent. With the Roman Empire distracted by invasions in Europe, Zenobia expanded her influence, gaining control over Syria and northern Mesopotamia. Some historical accounts even claim that she conquered Egypt in 270 AD, adding it to her growing kingdom.

However, Zenobia's rise to power was met with resistance from the Roman Empire. Emperor Aurelian led a military campaign against her, eventually defeating Zenobia. She was captured and paraded in Rome as part of the emperor’s triumph, although some sources suggest that she attempted to flee to Persia with her son.

Given the substantial historical evidence, it is difficult to dispute Zenobia’s existence as a real figure who left an indelible mark on the region’s history. Her leadership, political intelligence, and accomplishments as the queen of Palmyra make her a symbol of strength, and her erasure from school curricula would be a controversial revision of history.

As the debate continues, many Syrians and historians alike are questioning whether the proposed changes to the curriculum are an attempt to rewrite history, or whether the government is simply seeking to distance itself from the past. Regardless, Queen Zenobia’s legacy remains a significant chapter in the history of Syria and the ancient world.

By Naila Huseynova