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Syria Recognizes Kurdish Language, Restores Citizenship Rights

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree on January 16, 2026, recognizing Kurdish as a national language.
The decree affirms Kurds are an integral part of Syria and permits Kurdish-language schooling.
It designates March 21, 2026, Nowruz, as a holiday and restores citizenship to Kurds stripped under 1962 census.
The move follows clashes in Aleppo.
It aims to integrate Kurdish forces into the state, though progress stalls.

History

Historical Context

In 1962, Syria's census stripped around 120,000 Kurds of their citizenship, exacerbating ethnic tensions rooted in earlier migrations and conflicts. Recently, President Ahmed al-Sharaa's recognition of Kurdish as a national language and the restoration of citizenship reflect a shift towards inclusivity. This change aims to address ongoing struggles for ethnic rights, particularly following recent clashes in Aleppo.

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Story summary

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree on January 16, 2026, recognizing Kurdish as a national language.
The decree affirms Kurds are an integral part of Syria and permits Kurdish-language schooling.
It designates March 21, 2026, Nowruz, as a holiday and restores citizenship to Kurds stripped under 1962 census.
The move follows clashes in Aleppo.
It aims to integrate Kurdish forces into the state, though progress stalls.

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