A significant gathering convened in Van, organized by HÜDA PAR, to address the critical issue of Kurdish language rights and promote the utilization of elective Kurdish language courses in schools.

The panel, titled "I Choose My Mother Tongue" and carrying the theme "I speak my language, I live my faith," brought together a diverse audience, including HÜDA PAR Batman MP Serkan Ramanlı, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nesim Sönmez, Educator Mir Muhammed Nuşirevan, HÜDA PAR Deputy Chairman and Head of Education Affairs Yahya Oğraş, HÜDA PAR Provincial Chairman Rasim Sayğın, representatives of various non-governmental organizations, esteemed scholars, respected opinion leaders, and concerned citizens.

The venue, the Van TSO Conference Hall, was adorned with poignant posters featuring iconic figures of Kurdish literature and thought, such as Feqiyê Teyran, Sheikh Said, Bediüzzaman Said Nursi, Ahmed-i Hânî, and Melayê Batê, along with their inspiring words, setting a powerful and culturally resonant backdrop for the discussions.

The panel commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by opening remarks from HÜDA PAR İpekyolu District Chairman Bedri Bor, who also served as the moderator.  Oğraş delivered a passionate opening speech, underscoring the fundamental importance of mother tongue rights. "Our activities across 17 provinces this year, under the banner 'I speak my language, I live my faith,' are designed to raise awareness about this crucial issue," he stated. He specifically highlighted the window between February 3rd and 17th, during which parents have the legal right to choose elective courses for their children.  "I urge all parents to actively exercise this right and enroll their children in Kurdish language classes," he emphasized.  Oğraş acknowledged the current limitation of just two hours per week for these courses, but stressed that this should be seen as an opportunity to demonstrate the demand for Kurdish language education and to build momentum for future expansion.  "We must show that there is a desire for this education, and we must use this opportunity to push for more hours and eventually compulsory Kurdish education," he asserted. He also advocated for the employment of qualified Kurdish language teachers currently studying at universities.

Oğraş then addressed what he termed the biggest obstacle to mother tongue education: Article 42 of the Turkish Constitution.  "This article, which restricts the teaching of languages other than Turkish as mother tongues in educational institutions, needs to be amended," he declared. He called upon political parties and stakeholders to recognize the urgency of this amendment and to work together to achieve it.  "This is not just a political issue; it is a fundamental human right," he argued.  "We must work together to change this." He emphasized the fundamental human right to education in one's mother tongue and positioned HÜDA PAR's activities as a crucial effort to educate the public on this matter.  "We must educate our people about their rights and empower them to demand change," he said. He also reminded attendees of the importance of choosing other religiously significant elective courses, like the Holy Quran, Siyer, and basic religious knowledge, alongside their mother tongue.  "Let us not forget our faith while we fight for our language," he added.

Oğraş passionately advocated for multilingual education. "Choosing one's mother tongue is also an act of preserving our history, culture, and faith," he proclaimed.  He described historical culture as a vital link to the future and affirmed that language is a core component of identity.  "Our language is who we are," he asserted. He lamented the politicization of language, arguing that it should be a matter of human rights and conscience rather than ideological debate.  "This should not be about politics; it should be about basic human dignity," he argued. He reiterated HÜDA PAR's commitment to championing multilingual education, citing Said Nursi's support for Arabic, Kurdish, and Turkish education.  "Said Nursi himself recognized the importance of multiple languages," he reminded the audience.  Oğraş argued that multilingualism unites people, while compulsory monolingualism creates divisions.  "We are stronger together, not divided," he insisted. He quoted Yaşar Kemal's powerful words about the world being a "thousand-coloured flower garden" where each color represents a language and culture.  "Each language is a treasure," he emphasized. He warned that a nation that loses its language risks losing its memory, identity, and even its faith.  "We cannot allow this to happen," he declared. He argued that societies that are cut off from their mother tongue become vulnerable to manipulation and colonization.

Oğraş asserted that the "greatest assassination" of the Kurdish nation was the declaration of the Republic, alluding to the subsequent suppression of Kurdish language and culture.  "This is a wound that still bleeds," he said. He argued that the pain of this historical injustice continues to be felt and that the wounds remain unhealed. He reiterated the call for mother tongue education at all levels, from primary school to high school.  "Our children deserve to learn in their own language," he insisted. He emphasized that the current regulation allowing classes with just 10 students should be utilized to its fullest potential.  "Even a small class is a victory," he said. He urged attendees to explain the value of their language, its words, concepts, and expressions, which carry centuries of accumulated experience, to their children.  "Our language is a bridge to our past and a foundation for our future," he concluded.

Following Oğraş's impactful speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nesim Sönmez delivered an academic presentation titled "The role of language in the construction of identity," exploring the complex relationship between language and individual and collective identities.  Mir Muhammed Nuşirevan then addressed the practical challenges and shortcomings in the current implementation of elective courses, particularly for the Kurdish language, in his presentation titled "Problems in the implementation of elective courses in the current system."

The final speaker, HÜDA PAR MP for Batman, Serkan Ramanlı, addressed the audience in both Kurdish and Turkish, reinforcing the importance of mother tongue rights and echoing the calls to action made by previous speakers.  "We must seize this opportunity to reclaim our language and our identity," he urged.  He emphasized the historical lack of opportunities for Kurdish language education and highlighted the assimilation that has occurred as a result. "Too many of us have forgotten our language, our culture," he lamented. He urged attendees to utilize the current opportunity offered by elective courses, even though he acknowledged their limitations.  "This is a start, and we must build on it," he said. He stressed that these courses are a vital first step towards achieving greater recognition and respect for the Kurdish language.  Ramanlı argued that Kurdish should be valued equally to Turkish and should have its rightful place in education, official institutions, and all aspects of social life. "Our language deserves the same respect as any other," he insisted. He directly addressed the fearmongering tactics used by proponents of a uniformist ideology, who claim that multilingualism will lead to division.  "This is simply not true," he countered. He cited research showing that multilingual societies are often more cohesive and prosperous.  "Look at the world around us; diversity is a strength, not a weakness," he argued. He argued that it is unnatural to force uniformity and that such an approach goes against the natural diversity that God created.  "God created us different for a reason," he reminded the audience. He argued that the forced assimilation policies of the past century have caused only unrest, conflict, and backwardness. "We have suffered enough because of these policies," he declared. He urged for mutual respect and appreciation between different linguistic and cultural groups.  "We are all brothers and sisters; we must live together in peace and harmony," he emphasized. He concluded with a powerful call to action, urging everyone present to choose Kurdish elective courses before the deadline and to spread awareness about this right within their communities. "Tell your family, tell your friends, tell everyone you know," he implored. He acknowledged that this is just one step in a long journey, but emphasized that "all great marches begin with a step." He urged attendees to not only enroll their children in these courses but also to actively teach and use the Kurdish language in their homes and personal lives. "Our language begins with us," he concluded.

The panel concluded with a strong message of hope and determination. The speakers collectively called for continued efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mother tongue education and to press for legislative changes that would facilitate the inclusion of Kurdish and other minority languages in the national curriculum. Organizers and participants alike expressed optimism that this event would spark a broader movement toward educational reform, cultural revitalization, and enhanced minority rights in Türkiye.

HÜDA PAR plans to build on the success of the panel by organizing additional events and initiatives aimed at promoting multilingualism and fostering a more inclusive educational environment. As the debate over language rights continues to gain momentum, the panel in Van stands as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle to preserve cultural heritage and ensure that every child in Türkiye has the opportunity to learn their mother tongue. (ILKHA)