Amouda residents reject decision limiting Kurdish-Language education

The protest began at Martyr Jihad Square and proceeded to the Free Women’s Square, where participants carried banners reading, “Kurdish-language education is our legitimate right,” “Our language is our existence,” and “There is no life without language.” They also chanted slogans affirming their commitment to the right to education in Kurdish.

Upon reaching the square, the march turned into a protest rally that began with a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs, followed by the national anthem “Ey Reqîb.” A statement was then read in Kurdish, Arabic and English by teacher Arshak Baravi in Kurdish, Amouda People’s Council member Abdul Salam Qafour in Arabic, and student Avin Sherwan in English.

The statement said residents of the region welcomed decisions concerning the rights of Syria’s various communities following the fall of the Baath regime, including Decision No. 13, viewing them as signs of the beginning of a new phase in which the rights of all peoples and communities would be protected.

It said a decision issued by the Education Ministry about a month ago concerning the continuation of the education system for the 2026–2027 academic year had been welcomed by hundreds of thousands of students who have been receiving education in Kurdish for years.

However, the statement said participants were surprised when schools reopened by a new Education Ministry decision, No. 943/2068, stipulating that Kurdish be taught for three classes per week, while making literary subjects in three branches optional and subject to the national curriculum.

The statement questioned the basis for issuing the new decision and the future of the hundreds of thousands of students who receive their education in Kurdish. It noted that Kurdish-language education has continued for 15 years, covering students from first grade through university, alongside their study of Arabic and English.

The statement stressed that education in one’s mother tongue is a right for every people, describing Kurdish as an ancient and historic language that is rich and capable of serving as a language of science and literature. It added that the people of Amouda “are not against any language,” but “will not accept the cancellation of 15 years of efforts” in Kurdish-language education.

Residents, students and their families in Amouda reaffirmed their rejection of the decision, calling for the curricula and teaching system used in previous years to remain in place. They urged the relevant authorities to intervene, reconsider the decision and avoid jeopardizing students’ future.

The event concluded with participants chanting, “There is no life without language.”

ANHA