Kurdish language institutions have united to support Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and democracy, highlighting the urgent need for Kurdish to be recognized as an educational language. This statement was dramatically unveiled at the garden of the Mesopotamia Language and Culture Research Association (MED-DER) located in Diyarbakır, also known as Amed, where representatives called for the recognition of Kurdish identity and rights.
A banner unfurled at the event boldly proclaimed: "Status for Kurdish, Education in Kurdish." The crowd was addressed by Cahit Akıl of the Birca Belek Language and Culture Association, who read the statement in Kurmanji, followed by Şükran Yakut, Co-Chair of MED-DER, who delivered it in Kirmanjki.
"This historic step marks a new phase in the Kurdish people's struggle for freedom. Its purpose is to establish lasting and honorable peace and to build a democratic society based on freedom," declared Yakut, cementing the day’s sentiments.
Akıl echoed these sentiments, saying, “Mr. Öcalan emphasized...‘respect for identities, freedom of thought, democratic organization, and socio-economic and political development is only possible through the existence of democratic social and political space.’ The same applies to us Kurds.” This reflects the core of the Kurdish struggle to transcend oppression and survival.
Both speakers reiterated Öcalan's philosophy surrounding the Kurdish language, emphasizing it is foundational to cultural identity and self-determination. Öcalan stated, "The issue of the mother tongue is as as bread and water. If you do not learn your mother tongue, you cannot think correctly or beautifully... your mind is as if it has died.” His assertions resonate deeply within communities longing for recognition and empowerment.
Shifting to the broader themes, Yakut indicated, “The approach toward the Kurdish language reflects the broader relationship to peace, freedom, and democracy. The attitude toward Mr. Öcalan and his call for peace and democratic society mirrors our views on the Kurdish language.” She continued by insisting the eradication of oppressive practices against the Kurdish language is indispensable for any genuine peace initiative.
She called for the recognition of Kurdish's official status, both administratively and educationally, to enable richer and fuller expression of the Kurdish spirit.
The collection of signatures from several Kurdish language associations—such as the Amed Kurdish Institute, Istanbul Kurdish Institute, and others—reinforces the unity and determination within the community. The support reflects collective aspirations for self-governance and acknowledges Öcalan's incarcerated status.
Notably, an underlying thread of this advocacy is the immediate need to lift the isolation imposed on Mr. Öcalan, as called for by Yakut. This demand resonates not just among Kurdish groups but reflects their broader struggle for recognition in the Turkish state.
The high-stakes dialogue initiated at this meeting showcases the significant role language plays as both a tool for academic instruction and as the very instrument through which collective identity can be preserved. The recognition and establishment of Kurdish as integral to educational frameworks symbolizes progress toward bridging gaps historically formed by cultural suppression.
This moment seems to signal hope among Kurdish language institutions around the country. They stand firm firm on their commitment to this cause, confident it will lead to greater autonomy and recognition of social rights.
The advocacy is not merely theoretical; it actively challenges existing barriers and aims to forge new pathways through legislative reforms conducive to linguistic rights. It reflects the deep yearning for dignity among Kurdish people and insists on the recognition of their rightful place within the socio-political fabric of contemporary Turkey.
These sentiments encapsulate the determination felt by many Kurdish representatives who view the acknowledgment of their language and culture as non-negotiable components of their identity and freedom. The aspiration is clear: to invigorate the educational environment and instill respect and care for Kurdish heritage, nurtured fully through academic pursuits.
Integrally, the collaboration of various Kurdish institutions lays the groundwork for continuous advocacy and action moving forward. This partnership is pivotal as they collectively push for linguistic rights and insist on education in Kurdish, asserting it, above all, as the rightful demand of their people.
Öcalan’s messages, echoed by institutions across regions, call not just for political or cultural recognition, but for tangible progress toward the realization of democratic norms affirmatively shaping Kurdish futures.
Indeed, language isn't merely seen as communication but as a living acknowledgment of identity—a relevant aspect intricately linked to the future of Kurdish communities within Turkey and beyond.