Qamishlo – Cultural institutions, writers, intellectuals, teachers, and activists in Rojava seek to strengthen the presence of the Kurdish language through a series of cultural events, affirming that protecting linguistic and cultural diversity constitutes the foundation for building a democratic system.

The Literature Council of Rojava opened an expanded Kurdish book fair today, Tuesday, May 12, in the city of Qamishlo, as part of cultural activities aimed at strengthening the presence of the Kurdish language and protecting its literary heritage.

The opening of the fair came under the slogan "Our language is our legitimate right" on the occasion of Kurdish Language Day, which falls on May 15. The fair, which displays about 1,000 books, is scheduled to continue for three consecutive days.

The fair is witnessing wide participation from publishing houses, cultural institutions, and writers, including Shiler Publishing House, the Kurdish Language Institution (SZK), the Union of Rojava Intellectuals (HRRK), Bandarouk Publishing House, Naqsh Publishing House, Amara Bookstore, the Writers' Union of the Culture Authority, the Union of Intellectuals of the Jazira Region, Aram Publishing House, Shermola Magazine, Soriyaz Magazine, and Rona Children's Library. These entities have displayed their latest publications in the fields of literature, language, culture, and children's literature.

The fair opened with a formal statement read by Botan Hoshi, a member of the administration of the Literature Council of Rojava, stating: "On the occasion of Kurdish Language Day on May 15, we greet this day with the Kurdish people everywhere, and with all writers, intellectuals, teachers, and activists who have preserved the Kurdish language despite all attempts at denial and erasure."

 

The statement stressed that the Kurdish language is not just a means of communication; it is the identity, memory, and existence of the Kurdish people, and represents a history rich in culture, literature, and struggle, pointing out that the Kurdish people are capable of protecting their mother tongue as a fundamental pillar of their national and human existence.

The statement noted that the right to speak, learn, and receive education in one's mother tongue is "a natural and internationally guaranteed right," affirming that protecting linguistic and cultural diversity constitutes the foundation for building a democratic state.

The council also called for the necessity of recognizing the Kurdish language as an official language in the new Syrian constitution, alongside Arabic, and ensuring its use in education, public life, and official institutions.

At the conclusion of the statement, the Literature Council renewed its congratulations on Kurdish Language Day, affirming: "Kurdish Language Day is an opportunity to strengthen efforts to protect language and diverse cultures in Syria. We greet this day once again, and call on the people of our nation to continue the struggle to protect their language, identity, and legitimate rights."