Syria Recognizes Kurdish Language for the First Time

The decree was issued one week after fierce clashes in the northern city of Aleppo. According to the Syrian Ministry of Health, at least 23 people were killed in those clashes. Additionally, more than 150,000 people were forced to flee two Kurdish-controlled areas due to insecurity. The situation eventually calmed after Kurdish fighters vacated the area.

The recent violence in Aleppo has further highlighted Syria's long-standing ethnic and political divisions. After nearly 14 years of civil war, the mistrust of Kurdish forces remains a major challenge to President Shara's promise to unite the country under one leadership. Doubts among Kurdish groups toward the Islamist-led government have not yet been fully resolved.

Under the new decree, the Kurdish identity is recognized as part of the Syrian national identity. Alongside Arabic, the Kurdish language has been granted the status of a national language, and authorization has been given to teach the Kurdish language in educational institutions.

Furthermore, the decision to revoke the citizenship of Kurds during the 1962 census in Hasaka province has been overturned. As a result, all affected Kurdish residents, including those registered as stateless, will regain their citizenship.

The decree prohibits ethnic and linguistic discrimination and includes provisions for strict punishment against inciting ethnic hatred.