Writers, intellectuals: Language is identity, struggle that cannot be reduced to hours

The Syrian transitional government’s Ministry of Education recently decided to limit Kurdish language education to just three classes per week, sparking widespread condemnation and rejection among Kurdish cultural, academic and public circles. The decision has raised serious questions about the future of Kurdish identity and cultural rights, with writers and intellectuals warning against reversing gains secured through immense sacrifices. They have called for full official recognition of Kurdish as a fundamental and official language in education and the constitution.

In this context, writer Melvan Rasul from Dêrik stressed that the advancement of nations and the stability of countries depend primarily on solid foundations, including sound education, justice and institution-building. He noted that Syria is going through a pivotal stage that requires establishing a democratic, multicultural model that guarantees every component of society the freedom to practice its identity and use its language.

Rasul explained that recognizing the Kurdish people as an authentic and integral component of Syria must automatically entail recognition of all their political, cultural and linguistic rights at both administrative and constitutional levels.

He said, “Limiting Kurdish language instruction to just three classes per week is categorically unacceptable and falls far short of even the most basic aspirations of our people. This measure reflects a failure to grant people their legitimate rights. Our people have waged a long struggle and sacrificed thousands of their sons and daughters so they could learn in their mother tongue. Today, they have the right to have their language serve as the primary language of instruction.”

Rasul concluded his remarks by calling for continued civil and student mobilization. He said, “The political class must assume its historic responsibilities at this sensitive stage. Students and young people must also continue protesting and expressing their position until the Kurdish language receives official and constitutional recognition, providing a protective shield for our identity and the future of our children.”

For his part, short-story writer Mohammed Amin Saadoun, also from Dêrik, categorically rejected the transitional government’s Ministry of Education decision, stressing that reducing language instruction to a handful of hours constitutes a strategic mistake that cannot be accepted under any pretext.

Addressing the national and cultural significance of language, Saadoun said: “For peoples, language is not merely a daily means of communication; it is the vessel that carries their history, national identity and cultural heritage. Throughout history and over past decades, occupying powers have targeted the Kurdish language as a primary means of erasing the people’s identity and stripping them of their national belonging. Defending our language is a direct defense of our existence and culture.”

Saadoun also highlighted the educational and academic importance of mother-tongue instruction, citing practical examples. He added, “Educational and scientific research shows that children who receive education in their mother tongue develop stronger mental and cognitive abilities and become more creative and intelligent. We see the results of this education in the talents of young people and the new generation participating in cultural events and festivals. Students at Rojava universities produce remarkable research papers, articles and poems in Kurdish, heralding the emergence of a new generation of writers, historians and scholars who will enrich the cultural landscape.”

Saadoun concluded by reaffirming his commitment to cultural resistance. He said, “We will not accept this unjust decision and will continue our peaceful resistance and struggle until it is completely repealed and the Kurdish language is recognized as an official and primary language in all schools and universities. This right did not come out of nowhere; it is the result of immense sacrifices and thousands of martyrs. No one has the right to bargain it away.”

ANHA