Syria Grants Historical Recognition to Kurds, Restores National Language and Citizenship

International Desk: PNN

Amid the long civil war and recent conflicts, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a historic decision for the Kurdish population. Through an official decree, Kurdish has been recognized as a “national language,” and all Syrian citizens of Kurdish origin have had their citizenship restored.

The decree, issued on Friday, comes just days after intense fighting in Aleppo city, where clashes between Kurdish fighters and government forces left at least 23 dead and forced thousands to flee Kurdish-controlled areas.

Subsequently, Syrian forces regained full control of Deir Hafer in Aleppo after Kurdish-led forces withdrew. While violence temporarily subsided, the country’s political divisions became clearer.

The new decree constitutionally acknowledges the Kurdish population’s rights. It mandates Kurdish as a national language alongside Arabic and provides opportunities for Kurdish language education in schools. It also restores citizenship to Kurds rendered stateless in a controversial 1962 census in Hasakah province.

Additionally, the decree declares the traditional Kurdish New Year festival, Nowruz, as a public holiday, prohibits ethnic or linguistic discrimination, and mandates strict penalties for incitement of sectarian hatred. State institutions are instructed to use inclusive national messaging.

While the autonomous Kurdish administration in northern and northeastern Syria welcomed this decision as a “positive start,” they consider it insufficient, stating that genuine rights should be guaranteed through a permanent constitution rather than a temporary decree.

Meanwhile, Syrian forces confirmed full control of Deir Hafer on Saturday. They stated that military authority was established after the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew. SDF chief Mazlum Abdi said on social media that, following the calls of international mediators and allies, they returned east of the Euphrates.

Analysts note that reestablishing state control across Syria is a key objective of the current government after former President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. However, the influence of SDF in the oil-rich northern and northeastern regions, Turkey’s objections, and long-standing mistrust complicate this process.

Particularly, Turkey views the SDF and its political wing as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which it designates as a “terrorist organization,” adding regional political tension.

Overall, while recognition of Kurdish language and citizenship marks a significant milestone in Syrian history, analysts believe that the path to national stability and unity remains fraught with challenges.