The Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) held a press conference in front of Istanbul Çağlayan Courthouse as part of its campaign demanding Kurdish be recognized as an official and educational language.
At the demonstration, a banner reading “Divê zimanê Kurdî bibe zimanê fermî û perwerdeyê” (“Kurdish must be an official and educational language”) was opened. Lawyer Aslı Gülseren read the Kurdish version of the statement, and lawyer Samet Yavuz read the Turkish version.
The statement emphasized that the state has pursued assimilation policies against ancient languages for centuries, with Kurdish being the most heavily targeted.
It noted that resolving the Kurdish question depends on the recognition of Kurdish identity and language, adding: “The recognition of Kurdish identity depends on Kurdish gaining official status and the provision of mother-tongue education so that Kurds can freely use and develop their language in all areas of life.”
The ÖHD pointed out that language rights are a fundamental human right, citing international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights, the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Parliament must take responsibility
The statement stressed that mother-tongue education is a fundamental right for building peace and a democratic society, and called on the Turkish Grand National Assembly: “I invite the Turkish Grand National Assembly to take the necessary constitutional and legal steps to grant Kurdish official status and to guarantee the right of Kurds to education in their mother tongue.”