President Ahmad Al‑Sharaa issued on Friday Decree No. (13) of 2026 affirming that Syrian Kurdish citizens are an integral and authentic part of the Syrian people, and that their cultural and linguistic identity is an inseparable component of Syria’s unified and diverse national identity.
Text of the decree:
President of the Republic
Based on the provisions of the Constitutional Declaration and the requirements of the supreme national interest, and on the role and responsibility of the state in strengthening national unity and guaranteeing the cultural and civil rights of all Syrian citizens:
Article 1: Syrian Kurdish citizens are considered an essential and authentic part of the Syrian people, and their cultural and linguistic identity is an inseparable part of Syria’s unified and diverse national identity.
Article 2: The state is committed to protecting cultural and linguistic diversity and guarantees Kurdish citizens the right to preserve their heritage, arts, and to develop their mother tongue within the framework of national sovereignty.
Article 3: The Kurdish language is considered a national language and is permitted to be taught in public and private schools in areas where Kurds constitute a significant percentage of the population, as part of the elective curriculum or as a cultural and educational activity.
Article 4: All exceptional laws and measures resulting from the 1962 census in Al‑Hasakah province are annulled. Syrian citizenship is granted to all residents of Kurdish origin living in Syria, including those previously unregistered, with full equality in rights and duties.
Article 5: The “Nowruz” holiday (March 21) is declared an official paid holiday throughout the Syrian Arab Republic, as a national celebration symbolizing spring and fraternity.
Article 6: State media and educational institutions are required to adopt an inclusive national discourse. Any discrimination or exclusion based on ethnicity or language is legally prohibited, and incitement to ethnic strife will be punishable under existing laws.
Article 7: Relevant ministries and authorities shall issue the necessary executive instructions to implement the provisions of this decree.
Article 8: This decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall enter into force on the date of its issuance.
Ahmad Al‑Sharaa
President of the Syrian Arab Republic
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