EBÎR MUHEMED

Qamishlo- After the revolution in Rojava, all racist systems were destroyed. People from all nations and religions have practiced their language and culture since then. Schools, courses and academies were opened across North and East Syria.  These institutions allow people to receive education in their mother language. 60-year-old Behiya Murad is one of the women attending Kurdish courses. Living in the city of Qamishlo, she has learned how to read and write in Kurdish by attending one of these courses.

‘We were forced to learn Arabic’

Stating that the Syrian regime forced them to learn only Arabic, Behiya Murad said, “We were taught Arabic when we were children. Receiving Kurdish education was a dream for us because we did not have the right to learn how to read and write in our mother language. We were forbidden from speaking Kurdish outside. We wanted to learn reading and writing in our mother language; however, we did not have this opportunity.”

‘The Rojava Revolution gives us an opportunity’

Indicating that they had the opportunity to learn reading and writing in their mother language after the Rojava Revolution, Behiya Murad said, “We have a rich language. Despite my age, I wanted to learn how to read and write in my mother language. Now, all my family members speak Kurdish at home. Since the Rojava Revolution, our children have received their education in their mother language. Many schools, academies and courses have been opened to teach Kurdish language in North and East Syria. The Rojava Revolution gives older people like me an opportunity to learn how to read and write in our mother language.”

‘Learn Kurdish’

Underlining that language is important for human beings, she said, “People all around the world receive education in their mother language. People are known for their language and culture. When people cannot speak their mother language, they remain without identity. The enemy carries out an assimilation policy against the Kurds in order to leave the Kurds without identity. Kurds in Northern Kurdistan are forced to learn Turkish. My age did not prevent me from learning my language. I have realized my dream of being able to read and write in Kurdish. I call on all Kurds to learn their mother language. Kurdish women should learn how to read and write in Kurdish.”