President Al-Sharia issues a decree affirming that the Kurds are an essential and authentic part of the Syrian people

President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Decree No. (13) of 2026, affirming that Syrian Kurdish citizens are an essential and integral part of the Syrian people, and that their cultural and linguistic identity is an inseparable part of the unified and diverse Syrian national identity.

The text of the decree is as follows:

President of the Republic

Based on the provisions of the Constitutional Declaration

And in accordance with the requirements of the supreme national interest

And in accordance with the role and responsibility of the state in strengthening national unity and guaranteeing the cultural and civil rights of all Syrian citizens

The following is decreed:

Article (1): Syrian Kurdish citizens are considered an essential and integral part of the Syrian people, and their cultural and linguistic identity is an inseparable part of the unified and diverse Syrian national identity.

Article (2): The state is committed to protecting cultural and linguistic diversity and guarantees the right of Kurdish citizens to revive their heritage and arts and develop their mother tongue within the framework of national sovereignty.

Article (3): The Kurdish language is a national language and may 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Article (4): All exceptional laws and measures resulting from the 1962 census in Al-Hasakah Governorate are hereby repealed. Syrian citizenship is granted to all citizens of Kurdish origin residing in Syria, including those whose births were not registered, with full equality in rights and duties.

Article (5): Nowruz (March 21) is a paid public holiday throughout the Syrian Arab Republic, as a national holiday that celebrates spring and fraternity.

Article (6): State media and educational institutions are obligated to adopt a comprehensive national discourse. Any discrimination or exclusion based on ethnicity or language is prohibited by law, and anyone who incites ethnic strife shall be punished according to applicable laws.

Article (7): The relevant ministries and authorities shall issue the necessary implementing regulations for the application of the provisions of this decree, each within its respective jurisdiction.

Article (8): This decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall enter into force on the date of its issuance.

Ahmed Al-Sharaa

President of the Syrian Arab Republic

Damascus, 27 Rajab 1447 AH – 16 January 2026 AD