In the shifting landscape of post-Assad Syria, the Kurdish population is fervently working to maintain cultural rights gained during years of conflict.
Syria’s Kurds have historically been marginalized, with many denied citizenship under Assad’s regime and mischaracterized as Arabs. The power vacuum left by the retreat of government forces during the civil unrest allowed the Kurds to establish a foothold in Syria’s northeast, an area referred to as Rojava Kurdistan. Here, they have introduced Kurdish language education and openly celebrate cultural events, like Nowruz.
Amira Ali, whose husband serves in the Kurdish police force ‘Asayish,’ emphasized the determination among Kurds to retain these gains, even amid ongoing clashes with Turkish-backed rebels. ‘We will not give up what we have achieved, even if it means sacrificing our lives,’ she declared.
The future of these cultural and administrative advancements is uncertain, hinging on negotiations with the new authorities in Damascus. The new Syrian leadership, allied with Turkish-backed groups, has launched offensives against Kurdish forces, displacing thousands and shaking the region’s stability. For many Kurds, the aim is decentralization rather than full autonomy, allowing them to manage local affairs independently within a unified Syria.
Mazloum Abdi of the Syrian Democratic Forces advocates for a secular and equal Syrian state. Meanwhile, Western nations urge the new Syrian leaders to uphold minority and women’s rights. Abdi recalls past persecution under laws that labeled all citizens as ‘Syrian Arab,’ advocating for inclusive recognition.
Throughout the civil war, Kurdish forces have played a pivotal role, notably in the defeat of the Islamic State. Their efforts against IS, which included the loss of numerous fighters, further underscore their importance in the region. However, Turkey views the Syrian Democratic Forces as an extension of the PKK, complicating the geopolitical landscape.
As tensions persist, stories like that of Amina Hussein, who visits her son’s grave in the SDF’s Martyrs Cemetery, remind us of the human cost involved. The struggle for Kurdish cultural preservation continues against the backdrop of broader regional instability.
In northeastern Syria, the situation remains volatile, with ongoing negotiations indicating a potential path toward resolution. Syrian authorities express a willingness to address past injustices, and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani recently underscored this intent with a statement of unity and equality on social media.
The Kurds in Syria are at a critical juncture, striving to protect the cultural and administrative freedoms achieved amid the chaos of civil war. Their future hangs on delicate negotiations and the broader geopolitical landscape, which carries hopes of stability with challenges that continue to test their resolve.
