A senior official from Syria’s transitional government in Damascus has described the Kurdish language as “foreign,” according to statements made to Rudaw, despite the significant presence of Kurdish citizens throughout the country.
The remark has sparked concern and criticism from both Kurdish representatives and analysts who argue that such an exclusionary stance undermines national unity and contradicts ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and inclusivity.
The official’s statement, which echoes years of marginalization facing the Kurdish community in Syria, is seen by many as a setback following recent moves to incorporate Kurdish education and media more visibly in society.
Kurdish activists and parliamentarians have called for the language to be officially recognized, emphasizing that millions of Syrians view Kurdish as integral to their identity and history.
“The decision to categorize Kurdish as foreign disregards both reality and the multiethnic fabric of Syrian society,” a Kurdish MP told Kurdistan24, noting that inclusion in the education system requires genuine political will and constitutional guarantees.
Critics also point out that this perspective risks deepening societal divisions, particularly in regions with strong Kurdish heritage, and could undermine hopes for peaceful coexistence under the new constitution.
Human rights organizations have urged Syrian authorities to move beyond exclusion, stressing that the path to stability and citizenship must include cultural and linguistic rights for all communities.
As Syria attempts to rebuild after years of war, observers warn that maintaining outdated, centralized policies on language and cultural diversity will only perpetuate distrust and hinder the country’s future.
This official stance stands in stark contrast with aspirations for an inclusive Syria, raising difficult questions about the government’s ability—and willingness—to reflect the nation’s full diversity moving forward.
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