Education under ISIS: An analysis of the calligraphy and illustrations of the physical education curriculum

Abstract

This article presents an unprecedented analysis of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) primary school physical education curriculum focused on calligraphy and illustrations. Indeed, this research concentrated on describing, analyzing and understanding the context and the philosophy of the document, as well as its illustrations (Islamic calligraphy, pictures, among others). Semiotic and iconographic methods were used to conduct analyses of the data. Findings show several attempts to divert the meaning of the Muslim religion, notably through an ultra-rigorist vision and a total absence of girls or women. Our analyses lead us to believe that this curriculum, addressed mainly to the physical education teacher, was developed by ISIS as a preamble to the military preparation of future soldiers. Finally, the Islamic calligraphy used in the curriculum raises questions about the choice of type of calligraphy as well as its relevance within the context of an incomplete and rapidly developed document. This study provides a deeper understanding of the educational system set up by ISIS and its body of disciplinary texts.