TRDemand for elective Kurdish language courses in Turkey's middle schools reached a 15-year high during the 2025-2026 academic year, according to a report by the Memur-Sen civil servants union and Rawest Research, using data from the National Education Ministry. Over 35,000 students selected Kurdish dialect courses, with 30,441 enrolled in Kurmanji and 4,488 in Zazaki. Enrollments in Kurdish language courses accounted for over 90% of all selections, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. The course, introduced in 2011, saw enrollments rise by nearly 60% from the previous peak in 2015 and a 295% increase from the lowest point in 2020. The surge in interest was particularly notable in regions like Diyarbakır, Mardin, and Batman, which collectively accounted for about 60% of Kurmanji enrollments. However, some areas such as Urfa and Hakkari reported declines in enrollment. The trend reflects broader societal interest in preserving Kurdish language and culture, though challenges remain, as survey data indicates that 31% of Kurdish families do not speak to their children in Kurdish.
Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights increased demand for Kurdish language courses, which is seen as a positive development for cultural preservation and linguistic rights. While the focus is on educational trends, the implications relate to minority rights and government policies toward Kurdish communities. The
