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New Understandings in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh… Organizing the Situation in Aleppo's Kurdish
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Neighborhoods The terms of the agreement reflect an attempt to balance the Kurdish community's distinct identity with integration into state institutions, while ensuring protections for residents agai
An agreement regarding Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods was reached between the neighborhood councils and Damascus authorities. It includes 14 key points, focusing on fostering coexistence, protecting residents, preventing armed manifestations, and regulating internal security. Implementing this agreement requires practical steps, such as removing barriers and facilitating movement.
Efforts to reach a consensus among the residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh led to an agreement with Damascus authorities, aiming to solidify communal living and enhance civil peace in Aleppo. This agreement marks a significant step in the path of peaceful solutions needed for the region.
The agreement was formulated through coordination between the neighborhoods' civil council and the committee authorized by the Damascus leadership, intending to implement the understanding reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the government. It is considered part of a broader roadmap for achieving stability.
The text of the agreement, of which we obtained a copy, states:
"Agreement text between the Civil Council of Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods and the committee assigned by the Presidential Office to implement the agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces. Based on the commitment to strengthening coexistence, maintaining civil peace, and achieving the Syrian revolution's objectives of freedom and dignity, and with the belief that consensus among Syria's diverse components is the best way to face current challenges, the following agreement has been reached:
Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods, are administratively part of Aleppo city. Protecting and respecting the social and cultural identity of their residents is essential for fostering peaceful coexistence.
This interim agreement remains in effect until central joint committees agree on a permanent solution.
The Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with internal security forces, is responsible for protecting the neighborhoods' residents and preventing any assaults against them.
To preserve civil peace and civilian safety, armed appearances are banned in the neighborhoods, with weapons restricted to the internal security forces under the Ministry of Interior.
Earth barriers will be removed from public roads while maintaining main checkpoints under the supervision of internal security forces until stability is ensured.
Military forces will withdraw with their weapons to the eastern Euphrates region.
Two internal security centers will be established, one in Ashrafieh and the other in Sheikh Maqsoud.
Freedom of movement is guaranteed for neighborhood residents, and no individual pursued before the agreement—except those involved in bloodshed—shall be persecuted.
A coordination committee will be formed to facilitate movement between Aleppo and areas in northern and eastern Syria.
Committees will be established in the neighborhoods to implement the agreement on the ground.
Civil institutions in the neighborhoods will coordinate with other civil institutions, and services will be provided without discrimination through the two municipal branches in the neighborhoods.
Both parties will release detainees in Aleppo province and exchange all prisoners captured after the liberation.
The neighborhoods will be granted full and fair representation in Aleppo’s provincial council, as well as in chambers of commerce and industry and other fields, in accordance with governing laws.
The existing service, administrative, educational, municipal, and local council institutions in the neighborhoods will remain in place until the central joint committees agree on a lasting solution.
Dated 01/04/2025 Committee representatives: 1. Lt. Col. Mohammed Abdul Ghani 2. Masoud Batal Joint Council Presidency: 1. Nouri Sheikho 2. Hevin Suleiman"
This agreement serves as a positive signal fostering trust between various parties and paving the way for similar dialogues in other regions.
Its provisions indicate a genuine desire to move beyond past conflicts and establish a new phase based on mutual respect and cooperation.
The agreement is a crucial step toward enhancing calm and stability in Aleppo and contributing to the aspirations of the Syrian revolution.
