The fragile peace established in Syria following the end of the civil war is seeing a renewed focus on cultural and linguistic rights, particularly for the Kurdish population. Recent developments indicate a shift towards officially recognizing the Kurdish language, a move that could have significant implications for education, governance, and the broader political landscape of the country.
On , the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a new agreement with the Syrian central government in Damascus aimed at stabilizing a ceasefire and integrating institutions. This agreement, coupled with a decree issued by the transitional government, marks the first time the Kurdish language has been officially recognized as a national language in Syria. This represents a significant departure from the policies of the previous Ba’athist regime, where the Kurdish language was actively suppressed.
Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the SDF, highlighted the importance of this recognition during a speech at the Institute of Kurdish Language (SZK) on , coinciding with International Mother Language Day. Abdi stated the SDF’s ambition to establish Kurdish as a language of education and pledged to take firmer steps to promote its use. He acknowledged the historical challenges faced by the Kurdish language under the Ba’athist regime, where it was prohibited and lacked state support, requiring a “great struggle” to overcome these obstacles.
The government’s Decree No. 13, stemming from the Rojava Revolution, is the formal mechanism for this recognition. While hailed as a positive step, Abdi cautioned that the decree is “very insufficient” given the progress already made in Kurdish language education within Rojava (Western Kurdistan). In recent years, schools have been operating in Kurdish, with thousands of students receiving education in the language up to the university level. Abdi emphasized the need to formally recognize this existing level of linguistic proficiency.
Discussions regarding the language issue have been a central focus of recent meetings between the SDF and the transitional government. The approach will be to build upon Decree No. 13, with a detailed meeting planned with the Ministry of Education of the transitional government to further refine the implementation of Kurdish language education. This suggests a phased approach, leveraging the existing framework while addressing the need for greater recognition of established Kurdish-language institutions.
The implications of officially recognizing Kurdish extend beyond symbolic gestures. A key area of focus is education. Abdi urged citizens to enroll their children in Kurdish-language schools, emphasizing the importance of preserving and expanding Kurdish cultural institutions. This push for increased enrollment signals a desire to solidify the language’s presence in future generations and counter decades of suppression.
However, the situation remains complex. According to web search results, the SDF’s agreement with the Syrian government, signed on , involved the SDF handing over control of border posts, airports, and vital oil and gas fields to the Syrian state. This transfer of control, while intended to foster stability, could potentially impact the resources available to support Kurdish language and cultural initiatives. The agreement also aims to de-escalate the SDF’s conflict with Turkey and Turkish-backed Syrian factions, which have historically opposed Kurdish autonomy.
The broader geopolitical context is also crucial. The Associated Press reported in January 2026 that Syrian government forces have been intensifying their push against Kurdish-led forces, potentially threatening the autonomy Kurds had forged during the civil war. This military pressure underscores the delicate balance between the SDF’s cooperation with Damascus and the need to safeguard Kurdish rights and cultural identity.
The recognition of Kurdish as a national language is a significant development, but its long-term success will depend on sustained commitment from the Syrian government and continued efforts from Kurdish cultural institutions and educators. Abdi’s call for intensified efforts in linguistic and cultural spheres highlights the understanding that formal recognition is only the first step. The future of the Kurdish language in Syria hinges on translating this recognition into tangible support for education, cultural preservation, and the broader participation of the Kurdish community in Syrian society.
The situation also carries potential economic implications. A more inclusive linguistic and cultural policy could foster greater social cohesion and stability, potentially attracting investment and supporting economic recovery in the region. However, the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the control of key resources by the central government could also create challenges for economic development in Kurdish-majority areas.
