By Kazhan Abdullah
The Kurdish Renaissance places great importance on the revitalization of language, literature, and education within the Kurdish community. This movement can be traced back to its historical origins, which started with the efforts of early Kurdish intellectuals to safeguard their identity through language and cultural manifestations.
In recent decades, there has been a heightened focus on promoting Kurdish as a means of instruction and cultural expression, despite past efforts to suppress it. The initiatives encompass the publication of literature and educational materials in the Kurdish language, as well as the cultivation of a new generation of writers and scholars who are committed to preserving Kurdish heritage.
The contribution of Kurdish intellectuals in the resurgence of the Kurdish language cannot be overstated, particularly in their advocacy for education and cultural expression. Throughout history, they placed great importance on the necessity of a standardized Kurdish alphabet, grammar books, and dictionaries in order to promote literacy and cultural consciousness among the Kurdish population.
During the 20th century, Kurdish intellectuals residing abroad founded institutes that fostered the advancement of Kurdish literature and language studies, thereby exerting a substantial impact on language development. Their dedicated efforts have led to notable progress in regions like Rojava, where the Kurdish language has been adopted as the primary medium of instruction in schools. This milestone signifies a substantial leap forward in the restoration of the language in everyday settings.
Despite this, trailblazers like Jaladat Badrkhan were instrumental in standardizing the Kurdish alphabet and grammar, resulting in improved accessibility for educational and literary pursuits. In the midst of authoritarian regimes, covert educational sessions were organized, allowing individuals to acquire the Kurdish language discreetly and avoid government surveillance.
The promotion of Kurdish literature and education was facilitated through the establishment of Kurdish language academies and cultural organizations, resulting in the fostering of a sense of community and identity. The Kurdish diaspora in Europe played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Kurdish language through the publication of works and the creation of educational resources that were disseminated back to Kurdish regions.
Additionally, the secret education sessions were instrumental in the resurgence of the Kurdish language by offering a platform for Kurds to acquire and safeguard their linguistic heritage amidst repressive regimes.
In periods of Kurdish language prohibition, these secretive gatherings facilitated the gathering of individuals in small units, typically in private residences, for the purpose of language study utilizing self-study materials smuggled from foreign countries.
The process of modernization was greatly influenced by publications such as Hawar magazine, which was established by Jaladat Ali Badirkhan in 1932. This magazine played a pivotal role in the standardization of the Kurdish language and the promotion of contemporary literary styles.
Consequently, it inspired younger generations to actively participate in their linguistic heritage. Kurdish intellectuals in exile have authored influential literary works that have rejuvenated interest in the language, fostering a thriving Kurdish literature scene that has inspired younger Kurds to acquire and employ their mother tongue.