The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) has embarked on a four-day initiative aimed at advocating for the recognition and promotion of the Kurdish language within Turkey. The campaign, launched on Sunday, encompasses various activities, notably including DEM Party Members of Parliament speaking Kurdish within the Turkish parliament, despite the lack of official translation services.

Sinan Ciftyurek, a DEM Party MP representing Van province, voiced strong sentiments regarding the importance of preserving the Kurdish language, denouncing past attempts at its eradication by what he referred to as the "colonizers" of Turkey. He emphasized the inseparable connection between the Kurdish language and Kurdish identity, history, and culture.

In a symbolic gesture, several DEM Party MPs opted to wear traditional Kurdish attire during parliamentary sessions. This initiative follows the precedent set by Beritan Gunes, an MP from Mardin province, who previously delivered a speech in Kurdish with Turkish subtitles, underscoring the significance of the language to Kurdish heritage.

The campaign coincides with International Mother Language Day, observed annually on February 21, with the DEM Party organizing public marches, concerts, and educational lectures to raise awareness about the Kurdish language. Their promotional materials emphasize the aspiration for Kurdish to be officially recognized and integrated into educational curricula.

Despite Kurdish being limited to an elective subject in Turkish schools, the DEM Party's initiative seeks to empower Kurdish speakers by encouraging social media posts in Kurdish, playing Kurdish music in public spaces, and advocating for broader linguistic rights.

Using the hashtag #ZimanJiyane, translating to "language is life" in Kurdish, the campaign has garnered significant support, with many participants expressing their commitment to preserving and celebrating the Kurdish language.

However, amidst these efforts, challenges persist, as evidenced by the recent banning of a Kurdish play in Istanbul. Organizers of the play lamented the authorities' refusal to permit the performance in Kurdish, highlighting ongoing obstacles faced by Kurdish cultural expression within Turkey.

As the DEM Party continues its advocacy for linguistic rights, their message resounds with a call to action: "Now is the time of the Kurdish language. Stand up for the Kurdish language."