Qamishlo responds to policies of cultural assimilation with linguistic diversity

Over the past years, the institutions of the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria have adopted Kurdish, Arabic, and Syriac as official languages in their institutions, documents, and laws. This has been reflected in various aspects of public, cultural, and economic life in the region.

Within this context, the use of the three languages has expanded in markets and main streets, where multilingual commercial signs have become a familiar sight in many cities, especially in Qamishlo, which hosts diverse ethnic and cultural components.

Recently, the issue of linguistic plurality has resurfaced after the interim Syrian government placed Arabic-only signs on some public institutions, sparking widespread debate about the importance of protecting linguistic and cultural diversity in the region.

In the streets of Qamishlo, several shop and workshop owners continue to use Kurdish, Arabic, and Syriac in naming their businesses, stressing that language is an essential part of the cultural and social identity of local communities.

Among them is citizen Saleh Mohi al-Din Kashti, owner of a fuel station named “Media,” whose station sign is written in Kurdish, Arabic, and Syriac.

Kashti confirmed that he chose the Kurdish name because of his connection to his mother tongue, but since there are also Arab and Syriac communities, he included their languages on the station sign as well.

He said: “I am not alone. I wish everyone would do this. Our language is above everything. I am Kurdish, and if I do not speak my language, what remains of my Kurdish identity?”

Some citizens believe that the spread of multilingual signs in Qamishlo reflects the city’s multi-ethnic and multicultural nature, and strengthens the presence of community languages in daily life, while also helping preserve the cultural heritage of different groups.

ANHA