Ronida Haji

Al‑Hasakah – The debate is escalating in Syrian circles over the necessity of establishing the Kurdish language in the constitution, as one of the historical languages of the country, amid increasing demands from teachers and students in Rojava.

After the Ba'ath regime ruled the country for decades based on one language, one culture, and one central administration, the Syrian components managed, after fifteen years of struggle, to overthrow it. Despite more than a year having passed since the interim Syrian government assumed its duties, its administration has not brought about any tangible change in Syria.

The issue of non‑recognition of the Kurdish language in Rojava remains the fundamental problem for every Kurdish citizen, as it is one of the most prominent demands that have not yet found a solution. In this context, professors and students of the Al‑Hasakah Teachers' College expressed their opinions and demands through our agency, affirming the need to address this issue as a fundamental right.

"Our revolution was for our language"

Kurdish language teacher Leyla Darwish affirmed that recognition of the Kurdish language constitutes the essential pillar of the Rojava revolution. "Afrin is Syrian land, but the Turkish state occupies it today. What drives the Damascus government to allow writing in Turkish on its institutions? We are also children of this land and have been waging a continuous struggle for fifteen years. Our revolution was for our language and our right to learn and use it. Therefore, we demand the inclusion of the Kurdish language in the Syrian constitution. We have made great sacrifices, and the blood of our martyrs was shed for every letter we learn."

She pointed out that the Kurdish language is not just a means of communication; it is the honor, history, and existence of the Kurdish people. "This language, which has lived on the land of Mesopotamia for thousands of years, has faced oppression and injustice. The Rojava revolution was launched against the system of one flag and one language, and the struggle continued for years. Therefore, the Ba'ath system must not be repeated in Syria, and all components of Syrian society must be recognized in the constitution with their identities and cultures."

"Acceptance of the Kurdish language is a guarantee for the future of an entire generation"

For her part, student Vivian Habou said that as Kurdish Language Day approaches, policies targeting the identity and language of the Kurdish people are being applied in Syria. "Today, a great generation has been born with its language, identity, and history. Enshrining the Kurdish language in the Syrian constitution is a crucial step for the future of this generation. Therefore, we call on every Kurd to protect their mother tongue from policies of denial, and to take to the streets to protest against these practices."

"We cannot live without a language"

Student Alaa Fawaz explained that language represents a person's identity and existence. "The Kurdish language has endured thanks to the sacrifices of martyrs. Ignoring it means ignoring an entire generation for years. We enrolled in schools with love and determination, reached a high level of competence, and we do not accept that years of our work and effort be neglected. Our language is the legacy of our martyrs, and we cannot live without it."