After the closure of the Kurdish Language Research and Development Association (KURDİ-DER) in Izmir, Avesta Language and Culture Research Association, which was established last year, started its Kurdish education in the new term. Erdal Gezici, one of the language educators of the Association, stated that they are carrying out their activities in order to keep the language alive against the prohibitions.

 

 

Stating that the prohibitions on Kurdish language continuesi Gezici said: "They take the microphone from the people who sings in Kurdish. People are being prosecuted because they speak Kurdish.  In order to use our language freely, many segments of society, especially politicians, must struggle against these prohibitions."

 

Pointing out that the construction of peace will be shaped only through the freedom of language, Gezici said: "When language is free, both the Kurdish community and its culture will live on. Because people can't tolerate this, they see these prohibitions as a remedy while it definately is not. The freedom of Kurdish is essential for peace in Turkey. We, as the Kurdish people, continue to struggle for our language just like we have to struggle for everything else. We will not give up our language just because they are closing our asosiations or banning our language. This is a political stance."

 

Gezici stating that it is a positive move that İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is planning to open courses that teaches Kurdish, said the local governments should do the same in İzmir for the Kurdish people living in İzmir.