A coalition of 62 conservative Syrian academics, Islamic scholars, and public officials—including MPs Ahmad Idris al-Taan and Kinan al-Nahas, as well as reinstated diplomat Hussam al-Hafiz—has issued a manifesto demanding a sweeping realignment of Syria’s public cultural sphere with traditional religious and moral norms.

The document, titled “Preserving Syria’s Identity in the Post-Liberation Era,” urges post-Assad authorities to overhaul licensing procedures for public events and to halt state patronage for activities the signatories say conflict with the country’s Islamic heritage. Liberation, they argue, is a divine trust that obliges Syrians to rebuild their nation in harmony with the identity, culture, and moral foundations of its majority population.

Although the authors insist they are not targeting private individual freedoms, they sharply criticize state institutions for granting official character, attendance, or venue access to public displays they deem socially or religiously objectionable. Their manifesto frames the issue around three principal warnings:

• Religious Responsibility: Neglecting moral standards invites divine anger and reflects ingratitude for the blessing of liberation. • Social Cohesion: Official endorsement of controversial practices weakens the nation’s “moral immunity” through gradual normalization. • Security and Stability: Ignoring societal values risks provoking youth, fuelling radicalization, and offering extremist groups new opportunities for recruitment and incitement.

The signatories caution against replacing political tyranny with what they describe as the “tyranny of an imposed cultural model” or uncritical imitation of foreign norms. They call for transparent criteria governing public events, an immediate halt to honoring figures associated with the former regime, and the launch of a broad national dialogue on Syria’s cultural identity in the post-liberation period.

A Manifesto Rooted in a Wider Cultural Struggle

The initiative comes amid intensifying debates over public morality and cultural representation in post-regime Syria. Recent controversies have highlighted the growing assertiveness of conservative voices seeking to shape the country’s emerging cultural landscape.

A concert by singer Shadi Jamil at the Damascus Opera House was cancelled after public backlash over his perceived ties to the former regime. In the aftermath, the Minister of Culture announced that artists who praised Bashar al-Assad would be barred from performing on state-owned stages unless they issued a public apology to the Syrian people.

Similarly, an official reception hosted by the Minister of Tourism for Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama last August triggered widespread criticism after past statements interpreted as supportive of the ousted president resurfaced online.

By addressing both public morality and the political backgrounds of invited figures, the manifesto reflects a coordinated effort among conservative elites to redefine the boundaries of public expression in Syria’s post-liberation era. It signals a broader push to ensure that cultural life in the new Syria is anchored in religious values, social conservatism, and a rejection of symbols associated with the former regime.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.