University Director Quits Over Under the Seventh Earth Filming

University Director Quits Over Under the Seventh Earth Filming
In a surprising turn, Dr. Marwan Al-Ra’i, head of the classification office at Damascus University, resigned after scenes from the Syrian series Under the Seventh Earth were filmed in his office without permission. The office houses sensitive university documents, sparking outrage over the breach.

What Happened and Why He Resigned

Dr. Al-Ra’i detailed the incident on Facebook, revealing that his office lock was broken to shoot a scene from the drama. The space contains over 157,550 critical documents, including student exam records awaiting results, amplifying the gravity of the situation.
In his resignation letter, he criticized the prioritization of a TV scene over the university’s credibility. “A year and a half of work lost its value,” he wrote, arguing that compromising these records damages the institution’s reputation and could affect graduate degree recognition. He called the act unprofessional and indefensible.

Public Reaction and Missing Responses

The incident stirred widespread discussion online, especially given the popularity of Under the Seventh Earth, starring Syrian icons like Tim Hassan and Karis Bashar. Yet, neither Damascus University nor the production company has issued an official statement, fueling debate about accountability in academic and artistic settings.