Erbil, Kurdistan Region (July 4, 2023) - The Erbil Municipality has announced that it has converted a total of 1,187 storefront signs in Erbil from foreign languages into Kurdish.

The move is in line with a letter released by the Municipality on March 16, 2023, which instructed shopkeepers, business owners, and companies to change their signs to Kurdish.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Region has also issued decisions emphasizing the use of the Kurdish language. The ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Education, and all other government and non-governmental institutions, consulates, foreign organizations, companies, and private sector institutions are required to implement the necessary steps to use Kurdish as the official language. Additional languages, such as Arabic, Turkish, and English, may be used alongside Kurdish.

This initiative aims to promote and protect the Kurdish language in the Kurdistan Region, aligning with the Official Languages Law of 2014. While businesses have some flexibility in adopting other languages, the emphasis is on the use of Kurdish in signage, menus, and guides.

The Municipality has said that it will continue to monitor the implementation of this decision and take action against businesses that do not comply.

The move has been welcomed by Kurdish language activists, who say it is a positive step towards promoting the Kurdish language and culture. However, some businesses have expressed concerns about the cost of changing their signs and the impact it could have on their customers.

The Municipality has said that it will provide financial assistance to businesses that need help changing their signs. It has also said that it will work with businesses to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible.

The conversion of storefront signs to Kurdish is a significant step in the promotion and protection of the Kurdish language in the Kurdistan Region. It is a move that is likely to be welcomed by many Kurds, but it is also a move that could have some challenges. It will be interesting to see how businesses and customers react to the change, and how the Municipality plans to address any challenges that may arise.

By Kobin Ferhad