Yahya Oğraş, HÜDA PAR's Vice President and Head of Education Affairs, has issued a poignant call to action for the preservation of cultural and linguistic heritage among Türkiye's citizens.

This year's campaign, themed "I speak my language, I live my faith," underscores the party's commitment to preserving and promoting linguistic diversity within the country.

Speaking on the profound significance of language, Oğraş described it as a nation's memory and cultural essence. Citing the Quranic verse from Surah Rum (30:22) about the diversity of languages and colors as a divine sign, he connected language to spiritual and cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from Turkish intellectual Cemil Meriç, Oğraş noted, “A nation that does not keep its language alive will begin to lose its values.”

He argued that a living language is a vessel for a nation’s collective wisdom, emotions, traditions, and aspirations. “The boundaries of our mental world are drawn by our mother tongue,” he said, stressing that preserving language is essential for ensuring a confident and prosperous future.

Oğraş also discussed the role of education in reconnecting individuals with their cultural and religious roots. He encouraged the selection of courses such as the Holy Quran, Siyer (Prophetic biography), and Basic Religious Knowledge, framing these choices as both a personal and communal responsibility.

Reflecting on historical challenges, he critiqued efforts by secular systems to distance people from their cultural and spiritual heritage. “Our people were pushed to be detached from their own land and values, to be foreignized and corrupted,” he said, urging a collective return to foundational principles rooted in faith and tradition.

Oğraş highlighted the availability of elective courses in mother tongues, such as Kurmanji and Zazaki, as a critical opportunity for students to reconnect with their linguistic heritage. He emphasized that learning one’s mother tongue fosters awareness and cultural pride while encouraging unity rather than division.

“Languages are not tools of separation; they are bridges that connect us,” he explained. Oğraş called on parents, educators, and community leaders to support mother tongue education and address issues such as the shortage of qualified teachers in this field.

To ensure the success of this initiative, Oğraş outlined plans for outreach efforts, including school visits, social media campaigns, and public events. He emphasized that this movement is not only about education but also about preserving the richness and diversity of the nation’s cultural tapestry.

In his closing remarks, Oğraş invited all citizens to join in protecting and celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity. “The more colorful and diverse our flowers are, the more beautiful our spring will be. Let us be rich in language and broad in mind together,” he said.

This call to action underscores a vision of unity and cultural revival, where language and faith are seen as the cornerstones of a thriving and harmonious society. Through collective effort, Oğraş believes, the nation can ensure a bright and vibrant future for generations to come. (ILKHA)