Qamishlo – The decision of the Syrian interim government issued on 27 August, limiting Kurdish language classes to three sessions per week, sparked a wave of widespread discontent among teachers, students, and residents of Rojava. Several areas witnessed protests rejecting the decision, amid rising demands to protect the right to education in the Kurdish language.

Residents of Al-Jazira flocked to Qamishlo city today, Tuesday, 22 September, to express their rejection of the decision limiting Kurdish language education to only three classes, within a march organized by the People's Initiative led by Kongra Star, with the participation of students, teachers, and civil society organizations.

Kolestan Kalo, spokesperson for Kongra Star, confirmed that the Kurdish language is considered one of the most prominent gains of the Rojava Revolution, in which women played a pivotal role. She pointed out that this language was preserved and organized through strenuous efforts and a long struggle. "During this revolution, the children of this people grew up on the basis of education in the Kurdish language. The decision of the Syrian interim government is an authoritarian decision that seeks to impose a single color and language on society."

Students and teachers also expressed their unanimous rejection of the decision to restrict the Kurdish language, stressing that education in Kurdish is their right, and that they do not wish to receive their education in Arabic.

"The Goal Is to Unify the Kurdish People"

Teacher Rojin Moussa confirmed that the decision of the Syrian interim government aims to marginalize the Kurdish people, stressing that reducing Kurdish language classes means erasing Kurdish history and culture. "Education in Kurdish flourished thanks to the Rojava Revolution. They want to use our language to diminish the existence of our people, but that will never happen."

Bahar Dougan, representative of the Armenian component, said in her speech: "For years, the Kurdish people struggled to protect their people and components, and it is the right of every component to learn and receive education in its mother tongue."