President al-Sharaa’s decree grants citizenship, language recognition and cultural guarantees, but Kurdish leaders seek deeper constitutional protections
Damascus — Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has issued a landmark presidential decree granting the country’s Kurdish minority a suite of long-denied rights, including formal recognition of the Kurdish language as a national language and restoration of citizenship to previously stateless Kurds, in a move that reflects an effort to promote national inclusion and unity.
The decree, signed on January 16, 2026 and published in the official gazette, marks the first time Kurdish Syrians have been legally recognised as an essential and integral part of the nation’s fabric. In addition to designating Kurdish alongside Arabic as a national language that may be taught in schools, the decree abolishes discriminatory measures stemming from a controversial 1962 census in Hasakah province that stripped many Kurds of citizenship.
Under the new law, Nowruz — the Kurdish spring and new year festival celebrated on March 21 — is declared a paid national holiday. The decree also bans ethnic and linguistic discrimination, mandates inclusive messaging across state institutions, and sets penalties for incitement to ethnic strife.
The decree, signed on January 16, 2026 and published in the official gazette, marks the first time Kurdish Syrians have been legally recognised as an essential and integral part of the nation’s fabric. In addition to designating Kurdish alongside Arabic as a national language that may be taught in schools, the decree abolishes discriminatory measures stemming from a controversial 1962 census in Hasakah province that stripped many Kurds of citizenship.
Under the new law, Nowruz — the Kurdish spring and new year festival celebrated on March 21 — is declared a paid national holiday. The decree also bans ethnic and linguistic discrimination, mandates inclusive messaging across state institutions, and sets penalties for incitement to ethnic strife.
Syrian officials, including Foreign Minister Asaad Shaibani, have reiterated that the move underscores the Kurds’ central place in Syria’s pluralistic identity and commitment to cultural diversity. Shaibani, speaking in Kurdish, called for unity and a shared future.
However, leaders of the Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria have described the decree as a “first step,” emphasising that rights cannot rest on executive orders alone and must be enshrined in Syria’s forthcoming constitution to ensure lasting protection.
The decree comes amid ongoing tensions between Damascus and Kurdish authorities following military developments in northern Syria, highlighting the complex backdrop against which these reforms are being implemented.
However, leaders of the Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria have described the decree as a “first step,” emphasising that rights cannot rest on executive orders alone and must be enshrined in Syria’s forthcoming constitution to ensure lasting protection.
The decree comes amid ongoing tensions between Damascus and Kurdish authorities following military developments in northern Syria, highlighting the complex backdrop against which these reforms are being implemented.
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