Syria Updates Regulations for Kurdish Language Instruction
The Syrian Ministry of Education has announced formal amendments to the executive instructions governing Decree No. 13 of 2026. The move establishes a regulatory framework for the inclusion of the Kurdish language in the curricula of public and private schools across the country, specifically in regions with significant Kurdish populations.
According to the revised guidelines, the Kurdish language will now be integrated as a national language within the formal school curriculum. The ministry’s decision mandates that the subject be taught across all grade levels to reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Syrian population.
Under the new directives, the curriculum for the Kurdish language will consist of two distinct components. The primary subject will be taught in three sessions per week, alongside existing Arabic and English language courses, with grades contributing to the student’s overall academic performance. A second component, titled ‘Activities,’ will consist of one weekly session.
To manage the transition, the ministry has introduced a temporary provision for the first academic year following the decree’s implementation. During this period, students will be permitted to choose between Arabic or Kurdish as the language of instruction for social studies, history, geography, and philosophy. This option is intended to facilitate the integration of the new curriculum and will remain limited to the initial year of implementation.
Responsibility for the development of the Kurdish language curriculum has been assigned to the National Center for Educational Development. The center is tasked with ensuring that all materials adhere to scientific and pedagogical standards while aligning with the national educational framework. Additionally, the center is responsible for translating the ‘Activities’ course material to match established educational guidelines.
Regarding the staffing requirements, the Ministry of Education has directed the Directorate of Education and the Directorate of Educational Supervision to secure the necessary teaching personnel. These educators may be drawn from existing staff or recruited externally, provided they meet specific criteria. Candidates must hold a university degree or a certificate from a teacher training institute and demonstrate proficiency in the Kurdish language. In cases of demonstrated necessity, holders of a high school diploma who are proficient in the language may also be considered for teaching roles.
To ensure quality control, all potential instructors are required to pass a rigorous evaluation process. The Directorate of Educational Supervision, in coordination with the National Center for Educational Development, will conduct objective written and oral examinations to verify linguistic competency.
In its official statement, the ministry emphasized that these measures are intended to fulfill the legislative objectives of Decree 13. The decree recognizes Kurdish citizens as an integral part of the Syrian population and affirms that their cultural and linguistic identity forms a core component of the broader national identity. By setting these executive mechanisms, the ministry aims to promote cultural diversity, guarantee equal educational opportunities, and ensure the orderly functioning of the national education system.
