By Abdulsalam Khoja
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) has launched a Kurdish-language service on its website, joining its existing Turkish, English, Spanish, and French content alongside Arabic, the agency’s primary language of publication.
Some observers hailed the move as a significant development in Syria’s media landscape, while others questioned the underlying motivations.
SANA Director General Ziad al-Mohamid said on Tuesday that the agency will provide content in multiple languages, noting that “the translation department will produce material tailored to each language audience, rather than mere literal translations.”
Kurdish journalist Abdelhalim Suleiman from Qamishli described the addition of Kurdish as a positive step toward official recognition of the Kurdish population in Syria.
“Kurds are an integral part of the country’s geographical and historical fabric,” Suleiman told North Press. “Compared to previous state policies, this is a notable development and signals a move toward formal acknowledgment of the Kurdish people.”
He added that while the inclusion of Kurdish in SANA’s broadcasts enhances communication among Syria’s diverse communities, it does not address broader Kurdish rights. “Full constitutional recognition of Kurdish rights is essential for any genuine resolution of the Kurdish issue,” he said.
Media activist Avin Youssef expressed a more cautious view, describing the move as “an attempt to appease public opinion and the Kurdish community rather than a substantive change.”
“While recognizing Kurdish in state media is positive in itself, there are concerns it may serve as a cover for policies that silence Kurdish demands without delivering real political or constitutional reforms,” She explained.
Youssef noted that the Syrian transitional government seeks to present an image of openness to cultural diversity, “but it continues to reject fundamental Kurdish rights on the ground.” She also criticized official media discourse for targeting northern and eastern Syrian regions, particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, accusing them of separatism — a stance she said reflects a clear inconsistency in government positions.