Damascus, Jan. 18 (SANA) The Kurds constitute one of the most important social and cultural components of Syrian society and are widely recognized as the country’s second-largest ethnic group after Arabs. Throughout history, they have played an active role in Syria’s national, economic and cultural life, forming an essential part of the human mosaic that has long defined the country as a land of diversity and coexistence.
Although no precise official statistics are available, most estimates place the number of Kurds in Syria at around two million people. They are concentrated mainly in the north and northeast of the country, while long-established Kurdish communities also live in neighborhoods of major cities, including Damascus and Aleppo.
Deep historical roots
The Kurdish presence in Syria extends back centuries. From the Middle Ages onward, Kurds settled in various regions of the country, particularly during the Ayyubid, Mamluk and Ottoman eras, when they played prominent military, administrative and social roles.
Among the most renowned historical Kurdish figures is Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin), whose name is inseparably linked to the defense of the Levant and the unity of the region in the face of the Crusades. His legacy continues to occupy a central place in Syria’s collective historical memory and the wider consciousness of the region.
Geographic distribution
Kurdish presence is concentrated mainly in northern and northeastern Syria, particularly in Hasaka governorate, including Qamishli, Amuda, Derbasiya and Malikiyah, Aleppo governorate, especially the Afrin area and neighborhoods such as Sheikh Maqsoud, and Raqqa governorate, in northern parts of the province
In addition, Kurdish communities are present in Damascus, notably in the Rukn al-Din neighborhood, as well as in other cities across the country. In these areas, Kurds have long lived side by side with Arab, Syriac, Assyrian and other communities, creating deep-rooted traditions of coexistence, social interaction and cultural exchange.
Language and cultural diversity
Kurds in Syria speak the Kurdish language in several dialects, with Kurmanji the most widely used. At the same time, Arabic, as the official language of the state, and the primary language of education and public life.
This widespread bilingualism has played a key role in strengthening communication and interaction between Kurds and other components of Syrian society, reinforcing shared national bonds while preserving cultural distinctiveness.
Integration into Syrian society
Historically, Kurds have been deeply integrated into Syrian society. They have taken part in state institutions and contributed to political, economic and social life, particularly in agriculture, trade, education, the military and cultural fields.
Despite challenges experienced during certain periods, Syrian national identity has remained a unifying framework for the vast majority of Kurds in the country, reflecting a shared sense of belonging and common destiny. Kurdish citizens have also had active participation in the Syrian Revolution since 2011.
Traditional clothing and cultural expression
Traditional Kurdish clothing remains a vivid expression of cultural identity. Men typically wear the traditional shal u shabak (Şal û Şepik) , while women wear long, colorful embroidered dresses adorned with traditional jewelry. These garments continue to appear prominently at weddings, social occasions, and national and cultural celebrations.
Nawroz: Renewal and hope
The celebration of Nawroz (Nowruz), meaning “new day,” marks the Kurdish New Year and coincides with the spring equinox on March 21. It is a symbol of renewal and hope and is shared by several peoples across the region, including in Iraq, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan.
In Syria, Kurds celebrate Nawroz in various regions, particularly in Hasaka, Raqqa, Aleppo and Damascus. Festivities are marked by torch lighting, traditional songs, folk dances and family gatherings, reflecting both cultural continuity and collective joy.
Presidential decree and constitutional recognition
In a highly significant step, President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a decree affirming that Kurdish citizens are an essential part of the Syrian people and that their cultural and linguistic identity is inseparable from the national identity.
The decree establishes state protection for cultural and linguistic diversity, guarantees the right of Kurds to preserve their heritage, and allows the promotion of their mother tongue within the framework of national sovereignty. Among its most notable provisions is the official recognition of the Kurdish language as a national language, permitting its teaching in public and private schools in areas with a significant Kurdish population.
The decree also repeals measures stemming from the 1962 census in Hasaka governorate, grants Syrian nationality to Kurds previously classified as unregistered, and officially recognizes March 21 as a national public holiday marking Nawroz a symbol of fraternity, renewal and shared belonging.
Kurds remain an active and deeply rooted component of Syria’s social fabric. Their history, culture and social presence form an integral part of Syria’s diverse identity, shaped over centuries by coexistence, exchange and a shared national journey.
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