Qamishlo March Calls for Constitutional Recognition of Kurdish Language on Kurdish Language Day

ANHA

Qamishlo citizens demand recognition of Kurdish Language.

Teachers, students, political groups and residents of Qamishlo in western Kurdistan (Rojava) staged a march calling for official recognition of the Kurdish language and its enshrinement in the constitution.

Participants, many dressed in traditional clothing, carried banners declaring: “The Kurdish language is our political identity and our constitutional right”, “Our language is our identity”, and “Our rights must be guaranteed in the constitution.” They chanted in support of linguistic rights and Kurdish national identity.

Ahead of the procession, which set off from Soni roundabout in the city centre, artist Mazkin Tahir and a group of students performed the song “Şîrîn û Xweş e Zimanê Kurdî” (Sweet and beautiful is the Kurdish language). Demonstrators also repeated the slogan, “There is no life without language.” The march then moved towards Martyrs’ Square, where it developed into a large rally. Proceedings began with a minute’s silence for the martyrs, followed by students singing the national anthem, “Ey Reqîb”.

Speaking at the rally, Samira Haj Ali, co-chair of the Education Authority of the Autonomous Administration, extended her congratulations to students, teachers and the wider public. She underscored efforts to advance Kurdish-language education, stating: “Our martyrs wrote the letters of the Kurdish language with their blood and made immense sacrifices. As a result, we have achieved significant progress. Today, our children are educated in their mother tongue at schools and universities and conduct their daily affairs in it, which is a major achievement.”

Addressing ongoing discussions over language rights, she added: “We will continue working collectively to ensure our language is recognised in the country’s constitution, and we will not accept limiting it to just two lessons per week.”

The rally concluded with chants of “No life without language.”


PUKMEDIA