Kobani residents condemn administrative appointments, marginalization of Kurdish language

The residents of Kobani issued a statement on Wednesday at the Free Woman Square in the city center, in the presence of dozens of Kobani residents, students, and professors from Kobani University, during which they condemned the recent administrative decisions, appointments, and formations, as well as the changing of the names of several areas in Kobani and its countryside into Arabic; Jalabiya, Serin, and Sheikhlar.

The statement included, "We, the residents of Kobani city, are following with great concern and dismay the implementation of the agreement reached on January 29th held between the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Interim Government. This agreement was supposed to establish a new phase based on genuine partnership and respect for the unique characteristics of each region, especially the Kurdish regions, and particularly Kobani, with its historical, cultural, and struggling significance."

The statement added, "However, what we have witnessed on the ground recently is clearly at odds with the spirit and substance of that agreement, as new administrative decisions, appointments, and formations are being issued without consulting the will of the people of the region or genuinely involving them in shaping their future. This approach cannot be interpreted as a step towards integration; rather, it represents the imposition of a fait accompli that disregards the voice of the local community and its legitimate rights."

It continued, "What exacerbates the concern and resentment is the move to change the names of villages and areas and impose names that do not reflect the identity of their original inhabitants, including the reuse of the name 'Ayn al-Arab' instead of 'Kobani.'"

The statement affirmed that "The name Kobani is not merely a geographical designation, but an integral part of our cultural and linguistic identity, and a symbol of a history of resilience and immense sacrifices made by the people of this city in defense of their dignity and existence. Any attempt to erase or replace this name constitutes a direct attack on this identity and cannot be accepted under any pretext."

The statement drew attention to "practices related to the marginalization of the Kurdish language in the public sphere, including writing the name of the Jalabiya district in Arabic only, without including it in Kurdish alongside it. The insistence on using only the Arabic name, even in predominantly Kurdish areas, cannot be considered a mere administrative detail, but is seen as a continuation of policies of Arabization and the marginalization of the Kurdish language and culture, which is clearly rejected by the people of the region."

It pointed out that what is happening cannot be separated from broader principles related to cultural and linguistic rights, which are fundamental rights guaranteed in any just and modern constitution. Constitutions based on pluralism recognize the diversity of society's components and guarantee each group the right to preserve its language, culture, and historical names, prohibiting the imposition of policies that lead to the forced erasure or assimilation of identity. Respecting these rights does not weaken the state; rather, it strengthens its unity on the basis of justice and partnership.

Regarding the issue of prisoners and detainees, the statement expressed "the profound anger and categorical rejection of the continued detention of hundreds of the region's residents to this day, despite months have passed since the agreement, without any serious steps being taken to release them or clarify their fate. This issue is no longer merely a postponed matter; it has become an open wound in the heart of every home in Kobani."

The statement noted, "Every day, mothers wait in hope of news, families endure the pain of separation, and hearts are worn down by waiting without any response. The continued detention of these individuals, or the delay in their release, is utterly unjustifiable and constitutes a blatant violation of the most basic human values. It directly contradicts any talk of partnership or understanding.

Furthermore, regarding our prisoners and hostages who have remained in the custody of the Interim Government for nearly four months, why have they not been fully released and their fate determined? We clearly affirm that any political or administrative process is meaningless while our sons remain behind bars, and that building trust begins with concrete steps. This issue raises numerous doubts and concerns, and exacerbates our anxiety about the situation. This matter is no longer merely a postponed issue; it has become a deep wound in the heart of every Kobani house. Until this profound pain we are suffering heals, no point in talking about building a new Syria."

The statement noted that the people of Kobani have made immense sacrifices, and their city's name is intertwined with a collective memory steeped in struggle. It is unacceptable that anything be imposed upon them that diminishes or ignores this symbolism, or that their families be left in a state of waiting and suffering without tangible solutions.

It emphasized that what is happening does not reflect integration based on consensus and mutual respect, but rather raises genuine concerns about marginalization, exclusion, and the erasure of cultural identity.

The statement declared, "We clearly and unequivocally reject these policies and measures taken without the consent of the people of the region. We affirm our commitment to preserving our cultural and linguistic identity, foremost among which is the name of our city, Kobani, which we consider an integral part of our being and our collective memory.”

It called upon the Interim Government and all relevant parties to review these steps, adhere to the spirit of the agreement based on genuine partnership, respect the will of the local population, and ensure their effective participation in any decisions concerning the administration of their region, in accordance with constitutional principles that guarantee justice, equality, and respect for cultural and linguistic diversity in Syria.

It appealed to public opinion and all national and international powers to uphold their moral responsibilities and work to ensure that the voice of the people of Kobani is heard, their rights and identity are protected without infringement, and that prisoners and their families receive justice without delay.

The statement emphasized that the dignity and identity of peoples are not subject to negotiation or imposition, but rather are an inherent right stemming from sound human nature that must be respected and preserved.

ANHA