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THE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE
On January 16, 2026, President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Decree No. 13, a landmark piece of legislation that formally recognizes the cultural, linguistic, and civil rights of the Syrian Kurdish population. For decades under the Assad regime, these citizens faced systemic marginalization, but this decree signals a new era of inclusivity and rights. The following are the provisions of Decree No. 13. They include citizenship restoration, and linguistic, cultural, and importantly legal protections:
• Article (1): Syrian Kurdish citizens are considered a fundamental and authentic part of the Syrian people. Their cultural and linguistic identity is an inseparable part of the unified, diverse Syrian national identity.
• Article (2): The state is committed to protecting cultural and linguistic diversity and guarantees the right of Kurdish citizens to revive their heritage and arts and to develop their mother tongue within the framework of national sovereignty.
• Article (3): The Kurdish language is considered a national language. Its teaching is permitted in public and private schools in areas where Kurds constitute a significant proportion of the population, as part of optional curricula or as a cultural educational activity.
• Article (4): All laws and exceptional measures resulting from the 1962 census in Al-Hasakah governorate are repealed. Syrian citizenship shall be granted to citizens of Kurdish origin residing on Syrian territory, including the “stateless” (Maktoum al-Qayd), with full equality in rights and duties.
• Article (5): “Nowruz” (March 21st) is considered an official paid holiday throughout the Syrian Arab Republic, as a national holiday expressing spring and brotherhood.
• Article (6): State media and educational institutions are committed to adopting an inclusive national discourse. Any discrimination or exclusion based on ethnic or linguistic grounds is legally prohibited, and anyone who incites national strife according to effective laws shall be punished.
• Article (7): Relevant ministries and authorities shall issue the executive instructions necessary to implement the provisions of this decree, each within its jurisdiction.
• Article (8): This decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and is considered effective from the date of its issuance.
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REFLECTIONS 