One of the key topics in the debates surrounding the “Peace and Democratic Society” process initiated in Turkey under the leadership of Abdullah Öcalan is the issue of education in one’s mother tongue.
The spokesperson for the European Language Platform (PZK-E), Lezgin Botan, issued a written statement about the discussions on language rights and the right of Kurds in Turkey to education in their mother tongue, pointing to models from multilingual countries, suggesting that a similar approach is possible in Turkey.
Botan said: “The recognition of Kurdish in education and in the public sphere is not merely a linguistic matter; it is also a matter of peace, equality, and democracy.”
Multilingual countries protect collective rights and strengthen social unity
Lezgin Botan’s statement added: “The world is a mosaic where ethnic and cultural richness coexist. Multilingual countries embrace this diversity, protecting both individual and collective rights while strengthening national and social unity.
For example, in Canada, English and French are both official languages, and Quebec’s passion for French enriches the country. In Switzerland, German, French, Italian, and Romansh create a symphony—each canton plays its own melody and flows smoothly in its own sphere.”
The statement added: “Let’s look at Belgium: Flemish, French, and German are not only official languages but are also successfully used as languages of education. In India, English, Hindi, and 22 state languages are used. In addition, English is taught compulsorily, while local education is also provided in native languages.
The United Kingdom and the Russian Federation should also be examined in this context. In South Africa, there are 11 official languages—an example of how fascinating diversity can be. In Israel, Arabic, along with Hebrew, is both an official and an educational language.
In these countries, education in the mother tongue acts as a unifying bridge. In Canada, children grow up in bilingual programs in both French and English, which allows them to preserve their identities while finding a place in the global world.”
The statement continued: “In Switzerland, schools are structured around regional languages; students learn in their own language while also embracing others. In Finland, education in both Finnish and Swedish is compulsory, strengthening social cohesion.
In Mozambique, bilingual education increases learning success by 15 percent; as children study in their native languages, their self-confidence grows. In Luxembourg, Luxembourgish, German, and French merge in children’s minds from an early age, creating a true celebration of languages.
Multilingualism touches the very spirit of democracy. Recognizing minority and indigenous languages revitalizes political and democratic participation; studies show that language rights increase voter participation by 10 percent. Its contribution to national peace cannot be ignored: it reduces linguistic conflicts, heals social wounds, and reinforces stability. Multilingual policies embrace cultural differences, making politics more inclusive and creating a language and culture of democracy that unites rather than divides.”
The statement underlined that “in the public sphere, a common language becomes an art of balance. In Canada, English leads in federal communication; in Switzerland, although federal documents are published in four languages, German often takes prominence. In India, English serves as a bridge among state languages, ensuring unity in official matters. This approach blends equality with practicality, supporting social harmony.
Can this model be adapted to Turkey, particularly in the context of Kurdish? Absolutely. The Basque model in Spain is inspiring; education in Basque is provided in integration with Spanish.
In Iraq, Kurdish is recognized as an official language alongside Arabic. In the Kurdistan Federal Region, education is provided in five additional native languages besides Kurdish.”
Six languages are used in the education system of Rojava
The statement said: “The Turkish state, under the Lausanne Treaty, has also granted the right to education in Armenian and Greek.
Therefore, providing education in Kurdish in Turkey would both protect cultural rights and become one of the key ways to strengthen social peace.
Research shows that bilingual education improves students’ pedagogical and academic success, while reinforcing social peace and trust. Recognizing Kurdish in education and the public sphere will deepen democracy and promote social unity, not division. However, this requires strong political will and social consensus.”
The statement added: “By embracing a multilingual future, Turkey can preserve its own richness while presenting a more inclusive and progressive model to the world. The inclusion of Kurdish in education and public life is not just a linguistic matter—it is also a matter of peace, equality, and democracy.
This step could open the door to a progressive, scientific, and democratic understanding that views differences not as threats but as treasures—paving the way for a peaceful and harmonious Turkey.”