Damascus, Syria – January 17, 2026 – In a landmark decree issued today, Syrian President Ahmed al-Shareh has declared Kurdish a national language of Syria, granting significant national rights to the country’s Kurdish population.
The decree, which comes after recent clashes between the Syrian Army and Kurdish forces in the north, recognizes the Kurdish community as an integral part of the Syrian people. It stipulates that all Syrian citizens of Kurdish origin residing within Syrian territory will be granted Syrian citizenship. Furthermore, the Kurdish New Year, Nowruz (March 21st), will be recognized as a national holiday.
This marks the first time since Syria’s independence in 1946 that the Kurdish language will be taught in schools. This decision signals a potential shift in government policy towards greater inclusivity and recognition of the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
Following the announcement, Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stated that Kurdish forces would withdraw from certain areas in northern Syria, following warnings from the Syrian Army to evacuate those regions. The decree has been met with cautious optimism, with many hoping it will pave the way for a more peaceful and inclusive future for all Syrians.
President al-Shareh emphasized the importance of Kurdish participation in nation-building, stating, “Whoever harms you is our enemy until the Day of Judgment.” The move is seen as an attempt to integrate the Kurdish population more fully into Syrian society.
This is a developing story and DZWatch will continue to provide updates as they become available.
