Yesterday, Thursday, May 7, 2026, the cities of Hasakah, Qamishlo, Tel Tamr, Zirgan, Chil Agha, and Kobani in Rojava (Western Kurdistan) witnessed popular protests and demonstrations. The residents rallied against the removal of the Kurdish language from the identification signs of official institutions, following actions by personnel affiliated with the Interim Government who replaced the Justice Palace signs—previously written in both Kurdish and Arabic—with new ones featuring only Arabic and English.
The move sparked widespread anger and resentment among the local population, who viewed the deletion of the Kurdish language as a targeted assault on the identity and cultural rights of the Kurdish people. Hundreds gathered in front of the Justice Palace in Hasakah and the court in Qamishlo. A statement delivered during the protests emphasized that the Kurdish language is “a fundamental part of the identity and existence of the Kurdish people, and any interference with it is considered a violation of cultural and national rights.”
The statement further noted that protesters view these measures as an attempt to pressure the Kurds, asserting that “language and prisoners represent the dignity of the Kurdish people.” It called on the Interim Government not to repeat such steps and to respect linguistic and cultural pluralism.
Mohammad Hajo, a Kurdish language teacher, spoke during the protest in Hasakah, stating: “We hold those who respect the Kurdish language in high regard, but removing the Kurdish language from the Justice Palace sign while keeping only Arabic and English is unacceptable.”
Regional Demonstrations
Tel Tamr: Hundreds joined a mass demonstration that marched from Qandil Roundabout to the Khabur Bridge. Ayhan al-Younes, the Co-chair of the Tel Tamr Schools Administration, stressed that the Kurdish language is “an essential part of the identity and culture of the region,” highlighting that any attempt to marginalize it represents a target against the existence and culture of an entire people.
Chil Agha (al-Jawadiya) and Zirgan (Abu Rasin): Both towns held protest vigils reflecting the same grievances.
Kobani: Hundreds of residents and students took part in a march under the slogan “Our Language is Our Existence, and Kobani is Our Dignity,” rejecting the changing of Kurdish regional names and the marginalization of the language.
Tensions and Official Response
According to activists from the Syrian Observatory, the government delegation departed Hasakah for al-Shaddadi following rising tensions in front of the Justice Palace, which occurred after protesters removed the banner that displayed the building’s name only in Arabic and English. Reports also indicated that relevant authorities within the Transitional Government have agreed to re-include the Kurdish language on identification signs in Hasakah and Qamishlo.
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