The Kurdish population in Switzerland continues their struggle to preserve their culture and language even under exile conditions. Founded in 2021, the Kurdish Institute carries out activities that encompass every segment of society, from children to adults, women to youth. The Institute views the Kurdish language not merely as a means of communication, but as the foundation of the people’s identity and will for freedom.
The institute’s co-chair, poet Dîlber Hêma, summarized the ongoing work: “Our language is our future. We will reach every canton. Every child who embraces their mother tongue is defending the future of our people.”
The aim is to expand to all 26 cantons of Switzerland
The Institute, which has established committees in many centers, primarily in Zurich, Geneva, and Bern, aims to expand to all 26 cantons of Switzerland. Since its establishment, the institution has prioritized teaching Kurdish to children and organizes regular courses for different age groups.
To date, more than 150 children have participated in Kurdish language classes. The classes do not merely teach the language; they also bring to life the cultural dimension of the mother tongue by combining theater, music, and art. The Kurdish Culture and Arts Days and Children’s Festival, where children showcase what they have learned throughout the year, have now become a tradition.
Dîlber Hêma emphasized that the last festival in Winterthur witnessed great enthusiasm and said: “Our children take the stage in their native language and sing songs. This is not just a cultural activity; it is the most valuable investment in the future of our people.”
International initiatives
The Kurdish Institute in Switzerland is working to raise the status of the Kurdish language not only in its own country but also internationally.
A comprehensive dossier was submitted to UNESCO on February 21, International Mother Language Day.
Following discussions with official institutions in Bern, the use of Kurdish in certain correspondence was approved.
Dîlber Hêma highlighted the importance of these steps, stating: “We are fighting everywhere for the recognition and official status of the Kurdish language. Even under diaspora conditions, our people’s struggle for their language is a declaration of our existence.”
Publishing and research objectives
The Institute plans to focus on publishing and academic research in the coming period. Aiming to produce books, journals, and scientific studies in all dialects of Kurdish, the institution seeks to preserve the legacy that emerged under conditions of exile.
Dîlber Hêma expressed their determination on this matter with the following words: “The mother tongue lives not only through speech but also through writing. We want to build on the legacy that the Bedirxans started in exile with the efforts of our people.”
People’s support forms the basis of every activity
All activities of the Kurdish Institute are based on volunteerism. The material and moral support of the people forms the basis of every activity. Drawing attention to the sacrifice of the people in this regard, Hêma said: “Everything that has been achieved to date has been possible thanks to the efforts of our people. Celadet Ali Bedirxan and his comrades fought for the language while in exile. We are carrying on their legacy and adding further value to our people’s struggle.”
‘Our language is our future’
Having completed its preparations for the 2025-2026 academic year, the Institute began its courses in September. The message from the Institute’s Co-Chair, Dîlber Hêma, is clear: “Our language is the identity and future of our people. Every child and every family that embraces their mother tongue embraces the existence of our people. This struggle is our shared responsibility.”