Syria’s Ministry of Education amends Kurdish language teaching regulations with official grading inclusion

What happened

SOHR Syria reports that on 27 August 2026, Syria’s Ministry of Education announced amendments to the regulations implementing Decree No. 13 of 2026 concerning Kurdish language instruction in both public and private schools. The decision institutes Kurdish language teaching at a rate of three classes per week and includes Kurdish language marks in students’ final grades.

These regulatory changes represent a progression in Kurdish language education within the Syrian school system, addressing longstanding calls for official recognition of Kurdish alongside Arabic. However, the source does not confirm whether Kurdish has been granted formal status equal to Arabic in the national curriculum beyond these measures.

The step may impact Kurdish populations’ cultural and linguistic representation in education, possibly influencing identity and rights discussions in Syria, where ethnic and language issues are deeply entwined with the ongoing conflict and displacement challenges.

Known from the source

• On 27 August 2026, Syria’s Ministry of Education amended implementing regulations of Decree No. 13 of 2026 concerning Kurdish language teaching.
• The amendments include three classes per week of Kurdish language instruction in public and private schools.
• Kurdish language marks will be included in students' final grades under the new regulations.

What remains unclear

The source material does not elaborate on the implementation timeline, regional scope, enforcement mechanisms, or any political reactions to this educational policy change. It also does not clarify how these amendments interact with broader sanctions, displacement, or aid access issues commonly monitored by the Syria desk.

What remains unclear: Whether Kurdish language has been granted official status alongside Arabic beyond teaching and grading provisions. Details on enforcement, regional implementation, and political responses to the amendments. Obtain official documentation or Ministry statements confirming regulatory changes. Check for independent reporting or government confirmation beyond SOHR Syria.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: SOHR Syria. Open the source.