NEWS CENTER – In the face of war and regional isolation, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has constructed a network of universities on its territory in order to rival the knowledge-production institutions of the Syrian government. In its stead, it offers a tertiary education system on par with international standards, yet fundamentally influenced by its democratic values.
North and East Syria’s (NES) university system aims to provide the region’s youth with a better future, both politically and materially, as well as to seek recognition for and export the AANES’ political project by building bridges to international educational institutions. While the achievements in the seven years since NES’ first university opened its doors are remarkable, NES universities’ lack of broad international recognition is a stumbling block to the success of this project.
RIC immersed itself in NES’ 3 universities (in Qamishlo, Kobane, & Raqqa) for the past 8 months. It found a nascent tertiary education system offering quality education, underpinned by the AANES’ values of horizontal organization, women’s liberation, & mutual aid. This report, the first English-language guide to NES’ universities, provides readers with a sketch of the universities’ current situation, its aspirations, & upcoming challenges. It finds that one of the crucial aspects determining the success or failure of this young system will be its ability to connect with outside institutions. All 3 universities are committed to this goal, yet an absence of political recognition, war, & a lack of adequate funding holds NES’ universities back from achieving their full potential.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT IN PDF: NES-Universities-August-2022-1 –
