Calls to constitutionalize Kurdish language, reject marginalization

In the regions of Rojava, calls for the official recognition of the Kurdish language in the upcoming Syrian constitution are increasing, along with demands to end previous marginalization policies and ensure the rights of national components within a comprehensive national framework.

In this context, members of the Culture and Art Movement in Derik City spoke to ANHA's agency, where Shivan Jaziri said that the Kurdish language is an essential part of the Kurdish people's identity and existence, affirming that language reflects a person's nationality and belonging, and that no people can maintain their existence without their mother tongue.

Jaziri added that the Kurdish people have waged a significant struggle over the past years to preserve their language and culture, pointing out that thousands of martyrs have sacrificed their lives and mothers have shed tears in the name of protecting Kurdish identity. He affirmed that attempts to suppress the Kurdish language will not succeed, and that generations continue to learn their mother tongue as it is the foundation of their national existence.

Jaziri demanded the full recognition of Kurdish language rights within the Syrian constitution, calling for unity and solidarity to protect national rights and preserve the mother tongue.

For her part, Fatima Mohammed said that the mother tongue "represents history, culture, and national identity," pointing out that it is impossible to talk about the existence of a nation without its own language. She added that the Kurdish people have sacrificed thousands of martyrs in defense of their rights and language, and that any Syrian constitution that does not recognize the Kurdish language will be incomplete.

Fatima Mohammed called on the interim government in Damascus to respect the reality of ethnic diversity in Syria and to ensure the rights of all peoples to preserve their languages and cultures.

For his part, Muhammad Mahmoud said, "Marginalizing the Kurdish language is tantamount to marginalizing the existence of the Kurdish people themselves," emphasizing the necessity of respecting the Kurdish language and not excluding it from the Syrian constitution. He pointed out that future generations will continue to learn and hold onto the Kurdish language, concluding his remarks by affirming that the struggle will continue to protect national rights and preserve the mother tongue.

ANHA