Syrian president makes Kurdish 'national language', declares Nowruz a public holiday

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has issued a decree making Kurdish a 'national language'. The decree affirms that Syrian Kurdish citizens are considered an essential and integral part of the Syrian people, and their cultural and linguistic identity is an inseparable component of the unified and diverse Syrian national identity.

According to the decree, the state commits to protecting cultural and linguistic diversity and guarantees the right of Kurdish citizens to revive their heritage and arts and to develop their mother tongue, within the framework of national sovereignty.

Recommended For You

Nestle recalls more Guigoz baby formula as France tightens toxin level

X Open Hub returns to iFX EXPO Dubai with new liquidity solution

Voyah UAE brings design-led flair to Taste of Dubai as official automotive sponsor

Ramadan 2026: 10 words and phrases you’ll hear all month in the UAE

Pardoned January 6 rioter pleads guilty to threatening US Democratic leader Jeffries

 

The Kurdish language is recognized as a national language. Its teaching is permitted in public and private schools in areas where Kurds constitute a significant proportion of the population, as part of optional curricula or as an educational cultural activity.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Additionally, all laws and exceptional measures resulting from the 1962 census in Al-Hasakah Governorate are repealed. Syrian nationality shall be granted to all citizens of Kurdish origin residing on Syrian territory, including those registered as unrecorded (maktoumeen al-qayd), with full equality in rights and duties.

The feast of "Nowruz" (21 March) is designated an official paid public holiday throughout the Syrian Arab Republic, as a national celebration symbolizing spring and fraternity.