A major step forward in Kurdish cultural preservation is taking place this weekend. Representatives from 25 countries are currently meeting in Germany to attend the first congress of the International Kurdish Language Federation. Organizers view this historic gathering as a critical milestone for Kurdish communities worldwide. Specifically, the event focuses on developing and preserving the Kurdish language among families living abroad.
The highly anticipated congress officially commenced at 11:00 a.m. Kurdistan Region time on Saturday. The federation began its official activities just two years ago, in 2024. Today, it operates under the umbrella of the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation. Furthermore, the confederation’s general supervisor, Shifa Barzani, directly oversees the federation’s daily initiatives.
President Barzani provided crucial foundational support for establishing this international language organization. Consequently, the group works tirelessly to promote the Kurdish mother tongue beyond its traditional homeland. Leaders believe this congress represents a major turning point for younger generations in the diaspora. It helps young people maintain their cultural identity while creating a strong model for Kurdish communities around the world.
The event brings together 120 federation members under one roof. This diverse group includes dedicated teachers, expert linguists, and respected academics. In addition, many prominent German politicians and representatives of Kurdish political parties traveled to attend the opening ceremony. Members of parliament and representatives from 35 international Kurdish-language schools are also participating.
Many European countries already provide strong support for such linguistic initiatives. For example, several Scandinavian nations have successfully established formal Kurdish-language schools for children. These institutions teach Kurdish as an officially recognized mother tongue within national education systems. Therefore, the congress will primarily focus on expanding these school networks globally. Attendees will also discuss new ways to strengthen partnerships among international academic institutions.