The Civil Enlightenment movement was established by a group of young people from different backgrounds in the city of Aleppo on Oct. 18, 2011. It is a cultural and a social project, not subject to a specific ideology.
On August 2012, the movement joined the Syrian Secular Democratic Coalition movement.
The Civil Enlightenment movement´s first civil project was the magazine Rebel, which was launched in March 2012, as a significant tool to express the movement’s cultural ideas. The magazine started with just 400 copies and was printed and distributed in many Syrian cities and towns, including Aleppo, Daraa, Salamiya, Zabadani, and Idlib. Due to a lack of funding, the group was able to produce only three issues of the magazine.
The movement is also responsible for the creation of a music band called Rebel in May 2012. Despite lack of funding, the band managed to record and release four songs, “In the name of freedom,” “We’re still here,” “Our revolution,” and “The adorer,” which reflect on the movement’s tireless attempts to be productive and creative. One of the composers said to Syria Untold: “I know that the sounds and even the music distribution aren’t ideal, but we’re learning from our mistakes, to work harder and develop the band’s performance.”
The Civil Enlightenment is in the process of launching a radio station. The movement is especially active in demonstrations, such as the ones in support for the Palestinian people, a sit-in near the citadel of Aleppo to honor the martyr Bassel Shahade, and a protest to demand “Stop the execution of Muhannad” in Bustan al-Qasr. They have also engaged in several humanitarian aid activities.
Their goals, as summarized by the activists, are:
- Build a pluralistic civil society based on the values of freedom and equality
- Launch a religious reform campaign built on the foundations of enlightenment and modernity
- Consolidate the values of modernity and democracy in Syrian society
- Contribute to Syrian identity-building
- Contribute to establishing the concept of non-governmental organizations, and help social forces get organized
- Contribute to a revolution in the fields of knowledge and culture
- Channel and support youth creativity
- Support the rights of women
- Fight against all forms of poverty and homelessness.
- Help children and young students to continue their education
Find out more on the Civil Enlightenment movement´s Facebook page.