All Syrians know that Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin), who liberated Jerusalem from the Crusaders, and is buried near the Umayyad Mosque, was Kurdish—a source of pride for all Syrians. But not many Syrians know much about their Kurdish brethren.
The decree issued by President Ahmad al-Sharaa is a historic decree- similar in importance to the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. The Proclamation has the potential to end discrimination against the brave and dignified Kurdish people, who represent an essential component of the Syrian fabric. Kurds in Syria number approximately 2.5 to 3.5 million, constituting about 10-15% of the population.
I am proud that the Kurdish language has become a national language in Syria and that Nowruz has become a national holiday. Syria is the only Arab state where Kurdish is an official language, which will have long-term effects. I look forward to the teaching of Aramaic, Assyrian, Turkish, Circassian, Armenian, and other languages in Syrian schools.
Pluralism and diversity are strengths. Syria is one of the most diverse countries in the region, encompassing more than 35 ethnic and religious components, each with deep historical roots.
Most Syrian Kurds hold citizenship, but an estimated 200,000 people remain stateless. Most are descendants of individuals who came from Iraq or Turkey in the 1960s and 70s. Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims, but there are minorities of Shiites, Yazidis, Zoroastrians, Christians, and Jews.
An Important Distinction: One must distinguish between Syrian Kurds and the SDC/SDF (Syrian Democratic Council/Forces). The SDF is a military-political, ideological organization with a Maoist-communist foundation, mixed with a separatist project linked to Abdullah Öcalan in Turkey. Most of its adherents are indoctrinated in the militant communist ideology of Maoism. Abdullah Öcalan adopted Maoism in founding the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) in Turkey, blending Maoist-style armed struggle with radical democracy and feminism. The SDF is an extension of the PKK ideologically, politically, and militarily.
Syrian Kurds can be broadly classified into three categories:
- Fully Integrated: Those of Kurdish origin who are fully integrated into Arab society. They speak Arabic as their primary language, often do not speak Kurdish, and do not maintain distinct Kurdish customs. Their families have been part of Syrian cities and society for centuries.
- Bi-Cultural: Those who maintain a mix of Arabic and Kurdish language and customs. They may have both Arabic and Kurdish names. They typically live in cities, villages, and neighborhoods like Afrin, Sheikh Maqsoud, and Ashrafiyah in Aleppo, or Rukn al-Din in Damascus.
- Kurdish Nationalists: The group most attached to Kurdish identity. They typically have only Kurdish names, may or may not be proficient in Arabic, and politically sympathize with the SDF to varying degrees.
Dr Zaher Sahloul, January 2026