Syria Decides to Include the Kurdish Language in School Curriculums and Considers it a “National Language”

Syria Decides to Include the Kurdish Language in School Curriculums and Considers it a “National Language”

The Ministry of Education in Syria issued a decision today, Thursday, August 27, 2026, to allow the study of the Kurdish language as a national language in both public and private schools, in areas where Kurdish citizens constitute a notable percentage of the population.

The decision, numbered 2068/943 and issued by the Minister of Education, stipulates the inclusion of the Kurdish language at all educational levels as part of the approved curricula. It will be taught at the rate of three sessions per week, and its grade will be recorded in the final grade total according to the established principles, in addition to a weekly activity session.

To facilitate the transitional phase, the decision grants students during the first academic year of its implementation the option to study subjects such as social studies, history, geography, and philosophy in either Arabic or Kurdish, according to the approved curriculums.

The decision also tasked the National Center for Curriculum Development with preparing the specific curriculums for the Kurdish language subject for all educational stages, in accordance with the national curriculum framework.

Regarding the teaching staff, the ministry instructed the provision of necessary staff to teach the subject by assigning individuals with a university degree or an institute diploma for teacher training, who are proficient in the Kurdish language. There is also the possibility of assigning holders of a high school diploma if necessary, provided they pass written and oral tests to ensure proficiency in the language.

This decision takes effect from the date of its issuance and will be enforced in the targeted educational institutions.