The Palmyra District Administration has issued a decree renaming several schools and educational institutions in the city. This move signifies a notable shift in the official recognition of historical figures within the region's educational landscape. The changes are part of a broader effort to remove symbols associated with the former regime, according to the Ministry of Education. Among the institutions affected by this directive, the Khaled al-Asaad School now operates under the new designation of Palmyra Secondary School. Similarly, the Abdul Salam al-Ujayli School has also been renamed, and will henceforth be known as Al-Sawwana. The decree was formally communicated by the Palmyra District Administration, impacting multiple educational sites within the ancient city of Palmyra.
Honoring Khaled al-Asaad
The renaming of the Khaled al-Asaad School draws attention to the legacy of the distinguished archaeologist it once honored. Khaled al-Asaad served as Director of Antiquities and Museums in his native Palmyra for four decades, dedicating a significant portion of his life to the preservation of its invaluable heritage. In 2015, as ISIS advanced on the city, al-Asaad demonstrated immense courage by refusing to flee, choosing instead to remain in Palmyra to protect its historical treasures. His defiance came at a tragic cost. He was subsequently arrested, brutally tortured for information he steadfastly refused to provide, and ultimately executed on August 18, 2015, by the militant group. At the time of his death, ISIS accused Khaled al-Asaad of "protecting idols," a charge reflecting their destructive ideology. Despite the removal of his name from a local school, his legacy continues to be honored internationally, with a park in Milan and an archaeological award in Italy bearing his name, recognizing his profound contributions to archaeology and his ultimate sacrifice.
Legacy of Abdul Salam al-Ujayli
The Abdul Salam al-Ujayli School has also undergone a name change, now known as Al-Sawwana, prompting a reflection on the life and contributions of the prominent Syrian intellectual and politician. Abdul Salam al-Ujayli was born in Raqqa at the dawn of the 20th century, specifically in 1910. He embarked on his political career as a young man, quickly rising to prominence. He entered parliament in 1947, notably becoming its youngest member at the time, marking the beginning of a distinguished public service career. Throughout his extensive career, al-Ujayli held significant ministerial positions within the Syrian government, including the vital portfolios of Foreign Affairs, Information, and Culture. His contributions spanned various sectors of public life, reflecting a diverse range of responsibilities and a deep engagement with national affairs. Beyond his political roles, al-Ujayli was also a renowned novelist, physician, and journalist, leaving a rich cultural and intellectual legacy. Abdul Salam al-Ujayli passed away on April 5, 2006, at the age of 96.
Broader Renaming Efforts
The Palmyra District Administration's decision to rename schools aligns with a wider trend of name changes impacting educational institutions across multiple Syrian provinces. This broader wave of renaming efforts has been observed in various regions, indicating a coordinated approach by authorities to reshape public symbolism. The changes extend beyond Palmyra, affecting schools in different administrative divisions throughout the country. Such initiatives typically involve replacing names associated with past political figures or historical periods with designations deemed more appropriate by current governing bodies. These renaming projects are often framed as part of a national effort to re-evaluate historical narratives and public memory. The precise scope and criteria for these widespread renaming projects have not been fully detailed by official sources, leading to ongoing public discussion regarding the implications of these significant changes.
