Rojava University ready to translate curricula into Kurdish

The Kurdish Language Studies Center at Rojava University issued a statement today regarding the decision of the Ministry of Education in the Syrian transitional government on teaching the Kurdish language in schools. The statement said:

“To the officials of the Ministry of Education in the Syrian government and the respected members of the Syrian People’s Assembly,

As is well known, a comprehensive education system has been operated in our areas entirely in the Kurdish language under the Autonomous Administration for more than 12 years. This educational experience, which has covered all levels from first grade through higher education, has graduated thousands of students and produced hundreds of graduates in scientific and literary disciplines from universities in the region, namely Rojava University and Kobani University.

Within this education system, instruction in all literary disciplines — including language, history, geography, social sciences, philosophy, and women’s studies (Jineology) — as well as scientific disciplines — including mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology — has been conducted in Kurdish. These curricula, developed under exceptional circumstances and updated step by step, represent a living and successful experience. The experience of Kurdish-language education in the Kurdistan Region and Armenia also demonstrates that Kurdish is a rich language for education and science. This has been demonstrated in practice in Syria through drawing on those experiences.

The recognition of the Kurds as an indigenous people and of Kurdish as a national language in Decree No. 13 issued by the President of the Republic represents an important step. We view this step positively and believe that the Kurdish language should receive its due recognition by being granted official status in Syria.

During the meeting of the Syrian People’s Assembly held on 14 September 2026 with Minister of Education Mr. Mohammed Turko, the issue of the Kurdish language received considerable attention and consideration. To address the concerns and questions raised by the minister — whether regarding the provision of translators for the national curricula or the future and educational pathway of students studying in Kurdish after secondary school — we present the following practical proposals and solutions:

- We can provide a scientific and academic strategy for continuing education in Kurdish at the higher-education level (universities), ensuring that opportunities for further study remain open to all students after obtaining their secondary-school certificate.

- The Kurdish Language Studies Center and the Kurdish Language and Literature Department at Rojava University declare their readiness to cooperate with the ministry’s team to organize and implement the translation of all national educational materials, curricula, and teaching methods into Kurdish.

With the support and resources of Rojava University, we are ready to work as partners and collaborators under the auspices of the two ministries in building a safe, pluralistic, and democratic Syria.”

ANHA