Latest news with #Kurmanji
Rudaw Net
03-07-2025
- General
- Rudaw Net
Sweden Kurdish magazine aims to promote Kurdish literature
A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A Kurdish children's magazine has been working in Sweden and publishing monthly content in the Sorani and Kurmanji dialects, with plans to include additional dialects to promote linguistic diversity and Kurdish literature among children. The Kurdish children's magazine Hano has been launched in Sweden by 49 Books, publishing monthly content in Kurdish. It publishes monthly content in Sorani and Kurmanji, with future plans to include Zazaki, Hawrami, Kalahari, Laki, Lori, and Gorani dialects. "It has been more than a year and a half since work has been done on this project and its foundation has been laid,' Dilsa Yusuf, editor-in-chief of Hano's Kurmanji section, told Rudaw on Wednesday. The magazine's goals include creating a broad literary network by connecting with writers from the Kurdish regions of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey, as well as the diaspora, to publish Kurdish children's literature in all dialects. 'We want to create a network... so that all those people who write children's literature among Kurds can take their place in Hano magazine with their works,' Yusuf added. Finding writers, designers, and illustrators for children's magazines remains a challenge among Kurds, but despite the difficulties, the effort has led to a successful outcome, according to Yusuf. 'Distinguished teachers can use the magazine as educational material for their students," she said. The editorial team of Hano magazine has issued a call for contributions from both adults and children, encouraging them to submit poems, stories, folk tales, proverbs, interviews with talented children, language exercises, and translations. 'We call on all of you (adults and children) to send us your topics,' the team stated, highlighting their commitment to enriching Kurdish children's literature and education.
Iraqi News
28-05-2025
- Health
- Iraqi News
The forgotten boys: ISIS's Yazidi child soldiers demand urgent global action and tailored healing
Washington D.C. ( – While the world rightly recoiled at the horrific enslavement of Yazidi women and girls by ISIS during its 2014 genocidal assault on Sinjar, Iraq, another profound atrocity has remained dangerously overlooked: the systematic militarization and indoctrination of Yazidi boys. A comprehensive report, 'They Who Have Seen Hell,' by Georgetown University's Center for Security Studies, now casts a stark light on these forgotten child soldiers, arguing that this neglect represents a failure to confront the full scope of ISIS's strategy to annihilate the Yazidi people and poses a ticking security and social time bomb. ISIS did not treat these boys as mere collateral damage. Instead, they were deliberately targeted, forcibly assimilated, and indoctrinated to perpetuate the genocide. Stripped of their names, language, and faith under threat of death, boys as young as seven were re-programmed through chanting ISIS slogans, and being taught that their Yazidi beliefs were devil worship. The aim was total identity erasure. As one 16-year-old survivor recounted being told: 'You are Yazidis and you are infidels. We want to convert you to the true religion so you can go to heaven.' The success of this brutal indoctrination is chillingly evident in accounts of rescued boys initially rejecting their families, unable to speak their native Kurmanji, or even viewing ISIS as their new family, as detailed in the report. The psychological and physical trauma inflicted is immense. Nearly 2,000 Yazidi children who escaped ISIS face an unprecedented health crisis. Clinical studies cited in the report found nearly half of former ISIS child soldiers (mostly Yazidi boys aged 8-14) met criteria for PTSD (48.3%), with similarly high rates for depression (45.6%) and anxiety disorders (45.8%). Many endured extreme violence, malnutrition, and war injuries, including lost limbs. Without robust, specialized support, experts like renowned clinical psychologist Jan Ilhan Kizilhan warn that untreated trauma can fuel future cycles of violence. Reintegration is a torturous path. These boys return as strangers to communities that may fear them as ticking time bombs. Compounding this, Iraq's 2021 Yazidi Survivors Law, while providing crucial reparations for female survivors, critically fails to meaningfully include boys in its eligibility or programming, leaving them largely excluded from state-sponsored psychological, educational, and reintegration aid. While girls faced horrific sexual slavery, boys were turned into instruments of violence, creating different but equally profound scars and distinct reintegration needs. The 'They Who Have Seen Hell' report issues urgent calls to action. Firstly, it demands the expansion of specialized, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed mental health services, like those provided by NGOs such as the Jiyan Foundation, to reach these children consistently. Secondly, deradicalization and identity restoration are presented as strategic imperatives, requiring tailored religious counseling by Yazidi leaders, community-led rituals, and an educational response that promotes critical thinking and reconnects them with their heritage. Most crucially, the report calls for legal recognition and justice through the amendment of the Yazidi Survivors Law. Its language must be changed to explicitly include male survivors, followed by creating mechanisms for their registration, assessment, and compensation via stipends, educational scholarships, or healthcare subsidies. Leaving this generation of deeply traumatized youth in an ideological limbo, alienated and unsupported, risks their permanent marginalization and could destabilize the fragile Yazidi community further. The international community and the Iraqi government must heed this call to transform these victims of terror into agents of recovery and resilience for a more stable future.
Shafaq News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Kurdish diaspora milestone: University in Germany set to launch in 2026
Shafaq News/ A Kurdish university is set to open its doors in Germany in 2026, marking what organizers describe as a 'groundbreaking moment' for Kurdish-language higher education beyond Kurdistan's borders. Preparations are already underway, with founding teams forming expert committees, drafting budgets, and building the academic infrastructure. Full operations are expected to launch in 2026, pending final legal and administrative approvals. The university will primarily teach in Kurdish—offering courses in both Kurmanji and Sorani dialects—while German and English will serve as supplementary languages. Initial programs will focus on Kurdish language and literature, social sciences, and engineering. Admissions will target students from Rojava (northeastern Syria) and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, requiring a high school diploma and successful completion of an online entrance exam. Degrees will be accredited and aligned with European academic standards, enabling graduates to pursue further study or employment internationally. A central aim of the institution is to help standardize academic Kurdish across dialects, strengthening linguistic unity and cultural identity within the global Kurdish community. Organizers view this as both a 'pedagogical and symbolic step' toward preserving and advancing Kurdish heritage. Dr. Younes Bahram, who leads the Deutsch-Kurdisches Forum e.V.—the organization spearheading the project—underscored the long-term significance, stating, 'Years ago, when we introduced Kurdish in primary schools, families would ask, 'Where can our children continue this at the university level?' Now, we're building that answer.' Germany is home to roughly 1.2 million Kurds, one of the largest Kurdish communities in the diaspora, with roots in Turkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Many arrived as guest workers in the 1960s, while others sought refuge from war and repression. Over time, Kurds in Germany have cultivated a robust civic sphere, establishing hundreds of organizations focused on culture, education, and human rights. Despite enduring restrictions on Kurdish identity in parts of the Middle East, their contributions to German society—particularly in politics, media, and the arts—continue to expand.
Rudaw Net
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Kurdistan Region leaders commemorate Kurdish Journalism Day
Also in Kurdistan DEM Party urges Kurdish support for Turkey-PKK peace process Soran police arrest couple on suspicion of invalid marriage KDP reviews candidates for ministerial posts amid PUK talks Erbil hosts four-day art gallery by Iranian Kurdish artist A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdish leaders on Tuesday commemorated the 127th anniversary of the publication of the first Kurdistan newspaper and the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, emphasizing the vital role of the press in promoting public awareness, democracy, and freedom of speech. Tuesday marks the anniversary of the publication of the first issue of "Kurdistan," the first Kurdish-language newspaper in history. Issued in Cairo, Egypt by renowned literary figure Miqdad Medhat Baderkhan in 1898, the issue was written in the Kurmanji dialect. A total of 31 issues of the newspaper were published in the span of four years. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in a statement extended his congratulations to all journalists on the occasion, reaffirming the Region's commitment to press freedom. He highlighted the 'unwavering commitment to press freedom and the importance of protecting free expression, which are fundamental pillars of democracy, societal development, and a thriving community.' The Kurdish president added that the Kurdistan Region 'will continue our efforts to foster a supportive environment for journalists, ensuring their access to information remains free from restrictions or barriers, and that any violations of journalism laws are appropriately addressed.' Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also congratulated journalists on the occasion and reaffirmed the government's support for press freedom. 'We reaffirm the Kurdistan Regional Government's commitment to freedom of opinion, freedom of media and journalism work, and facilitating the work of media professionals,' the Kurdish prime minister said. He called for journalism to be practiced 'taking into account the law, ethics, and international standards.' Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani, in a statement marking the occasion, described journalism as 'an important factor in promoting national awareness and preserving and enriching the Kurdish language.' The KDP leader also emphasized journalism as an important tool for representing the Kurdish people's just cause and their peace-loving culture. Kurdish authorities have repeatedly faced criticism by international organizations and foreign missions for their treatment of journalists as well as for imposing restrictive measures on the press. In mid-January, a report from the Metro Center for Journalists' Rights and Advocacy emphasized that the number of press freedom violations committed in the Kurdistan Region in 2024 has declined. However, the Kurdish watchdog warned that journalists still face serious problems, especially in accessing information.
Shafaq News
28-03-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Kurdish language: How Kurdistan is bridging dialects to preserve a rich heritage?
Shafaq News/ The Kurdish language, a vital pillar of Kurdish identity with a rich cultural heritage, grapples with the challenge of a fragmented dialect landscape. Unlike Classical Arabic or standardized English, no single dialect unites all Kurdish speakers across fields. Yet, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has taken a leading role in advancing the language, striving to harmonize its dialects while preserving their unique essence. About Kurds? The Kurds, an ethnic group with a deep-rooted history, are spread across four main countries—Turkiye, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Their global population is estimated to range between 30 and over 40 million, though figures vary due to different methodologies and national policies. Political turmoil and regional conflicts have driven large Kurdish communities to Europe and the United States, where they have preserved their cultural and linguistic heritage despite living in exile. Kurdish literature, a testament to resilience and creativity, has played a pivotal role in shaping Kurdish identity. From classical to modern times, writers and poets have captured the spirit of their people, leaving an enduring mark on Kurdish history. Among the most influential figures is Ahmad Khani, known for his 17th-century epic Mem and Zin (Mem û Zîn), a foundational work in Kurdish literature. Other prominent names include Nali, Mawlawi, Goran, Mele Perîşan, Ghulamrezakhan Arkawazi, and Sherko Bekas, all of whom have contributed to the cultural and artistic legacy of the Kurds. One Language, Multiple Dialects In recent decades, the Kurdish language has experienced significant growth across various fields, especially in media and communication. Kurdish-language media outlets, along with social media platforms, have become essential tools for connecting with the public. This widespread use has not only raised awareness about Kurdish identity but also revealed the distinct differences among the region's various dialects. The Soranî dialect is one of the most widely spoken in the KRI and extends into Iran. Commonly used in media and education, it is also the official dialect in several regions and is closely associated with the works of prominent Kurdish poets and writers. In contrast, the Kurmanji dialect is prevalent in areas stretching from KRI's Duhok through Turkiye, Syria, and parts of Iran. With its own unique linguistic features, Kurmanji stands apart from Soranî, adding to the rich diversity of the Kurdish language. Kurdish Language Struggle For decades, the Kurdish language has faced marginalization in countries where Kurds reside, with policies restricting its use in official institutions and media. This, according to experts, has forced many Kurds to assimilate into Arabic, Turkish, and Persian, creating a linguistic identity gap among younger generations, who learn the official language without reinforcement of their native one. Kamran Rahimi, a language expert and head of the Zanist Institute in Iran's Ilam, viewed institutions dedicated to the Kurdish language as essential indicators of cultural progress. However, he noted that efforts to develop a standardized Kurdish language have fallen short. 'Since the establishment of the Kurdish Information Complex in Baghdad in 1970, experts have failed to create a unified official language. Instead, efforts have remained focused on specific dialects separately rather than collectively," Rahimi told Shafaq News. For speakers of dialects beyond the dominant Kurmanji and Soranî, the challenges are even greater. "Their struggle lies in prioritizing poetry and literature over language structure and grammar," Rahimi said. "Another issue is that language development institutions have given less attention to these dialects—either due to unfamiliarity or the belief that their own dialects are more authentic and accurate." A further complication is the division in Kurdish writing systems between the Latin alphabet and the modified Arabic script. Experts argue this is not just a technical issue but one that impacts cultural identity and linguistic unity, making reading, writing, and communication across political and geographical divides more difficult. This fragmentation reportedly deepens the educational and cultural divide between Kurdish-speaking regions, hindering the unified dissemination of Kurdish literature and heritage. Advancing Kurdish Language In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the Kurdish language has long been a symbol of cultural identity, with efforts to develop and standardize it taking center stage. Central to these efforts is the Kurdish Academy, established by the Regional Government to oversee language development and the introduction of new terminology. The academy has made significant strides, executing a range of scientific initiatives and strategic programs to support the Kurdish language. Among its most noteworthy achievements is the creation of a specialized committee, comprising 29 members, mostly from the Soranî dialect, tasked with addressing the Region's rich dialectal diversity, including Southern Feyli, Kalhori, Zaza, and Hawrami. Yet, challenges remain. Some social institutions have not fully adhered to the academy's guidelines, according to Dr. Mohsen Ahmed Omar, head of the Academy's Dictionary and Dialects Committee. "Media outlets and other entities should consult the academy before adopting new terms in news and publications," he stressed to our agency. The quest for a unified dialect is a central focus of the academy's work. "There is one Kurdish language spoken by all Kurds, and dialectal differences are not too significant," Dr. Mohsen explained. "Our initial goal is to standardize spelling rules and prepare a dictionary that is accessible to all Kurds, both online and in print." The Soranî dialect, he noted, has largely become a model, merging with other dialects over time. However, the academy is committed to ensuring that no dialect is overlooked in the process of language unification. "We want to maintain linguistic unity," he added, expressing his hope that Soranî would eventually become the standardized form that embraces all Kurdish dialects. The academy's goal, according to Dr. Muayyad Tayeb, is clear, "We aim to serve the Kurdish language in all its dialects, not to impose one dialect over another." While the standardization of a unified dialect would undoubtedly aid in reading and writing, he emphasized to Shafaq News the importance of respecting the linguistic diversity found in the media, literature, and education across the Kurdistan Region and other Kurdish-speaking areas.
