Syrian Kurds in the city of Qamishli are seeking to preserve education in Kurdish, as Damascus is regaining control over Kurdish areas that had autonomy during the war years. In this context, a new decree from the Ministry of Education has permitted the teaching of certain subjects in Kurdish, but Kurds say this action does not meet their demands for a fully Kurdish-language educational program.
Background and New Developments
The issue of education in Kurdish has become a sensitive topic at the beginning of the new school year. Kurdish areas of Syria, which have been under the control of Kurdish groups since 2011, are facing new challenges with the Syrian government's re-entry into these regions. Students in these areas have held protests due to the introduction of a new educational program in Arabic.
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The Kurdish language was severely restricted under the Assad regimes, but during the Kurds' autonomy in northern Syria, it was able to flourish. However, following the recent attack by the government led by Ahmad al-Shara'a on Kurdish areas, the situation is rapidly changing, and Kurds are striving to maintain their achievements.
Reactions to the New Decree
The Syrian Ministry of Education has recognized the Kurdish language as a national language in areas where Kurds have a significant population through a decree. This action is seen as a long-standing demand of the Kurds, but it has faced significant criticism from them. Students who have primarily been educated in Kurdish since 2012 consider this decision insufficient. Sujan Ali, a 16-year-old student, said, "We must be educated in our own language, as we have been taught in Kurdish from the beginning and should continue this process through university."
Marwa Amu, an 18-year-old student, also emphasized the need to return to the previous educational program where all subjects were taught in Kurdish, stating that she will continue her protests.
The Minister of Education, Mohammad Abdulrahman Turko, announced in a parliamentary session that there are two viewpoints on this issue: one calls for teaching Kurdish alongside other subjects, and the other demands a complete translation of the educational program into Kurdish. He added, "A complete translation of the educational program into Kurdish is really difficult."
Ahmad, one of the teachers, also stressed the need for a transitional period of one or two years and hopes that these issues will progress smoothly and easily.
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