Syria Approves Kurdish as National Language in Schools

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Syria’s Ministry of Education has officially approved the teaching of Kurdish as a national language in public and private schools in areas with a significant Kurdish population, according to an official decision issued Thursday.

Education Minister Mohammad Abdulrahman Tarkou issued Decision No. 2068/943, setting out regulations governing the teaching of Kurdish in schools across Syria.

The ministry said the decision aims to protect cultural and linguistic rights, strengthen national unity, and reinforce Syria’s civilizational identity.

The decision amends executive guidelines related to Decree No. 13 of 2026 and provides for Kurdish to be incorporated into the approved curriculum at all educational levels in areas with a significant Kurdish population.

Under the new regulations, students will receive an average of three Kurdish-language classes per week, alongside Arabic and English. Kurdish grades will also be included in students’ overall end-of-year grades in accordance with official regulations.

An additional one class per week will be allocated for activities. During the first year of implementation, students will be allowed to study social studies, history, geography and philosophy in either Arabic or Kurdish to facilitate the transition.

The National Center for Curriculum Development has been tasked with preparing Kurdish-language curricula for all educational levels in line with approved scientific and educational standards.

The ministry has also instructed education directorates and supervision departments to provide the necessary Kurdish-speaking teachers, whether from within or outside the official staffing structure.

Candidates must hold a university degree or a diploma from a teacher-training institute and demonstrate full proficiency in Kurdish. Where necessary, individuals with a general secondary-school certificate who are proficient in Kurdish may also be employed based on staffing needs.

Teachers will be required to pass written and oral examinations administered by education supervision departments in coordination with the National Center for Curriculum Development, using unified standards.

The decision takes effect immediately and has been circulated to all relevant authorities for implementation.

The move marks a significant policy shift in Syria’s approach to Kurdish-language education, particularly in areas where Kurdish communities form a substantial part of the population.