On the occasion of Kurdish Language Day, commemorated each year on May 15 in memory of Celadet Eli Bedirxan and the launch of the Hawar magazine, Akademy Association organized a vibrant and meaningful celebration in Van.

The event aimed to highlight the significance of the Kurdish language and to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity. The program attracted strong interest from the community and opened with a performance by the Erbane group, setting a festive and cultural tone for the day.

Co-Chair of the Akademy Association, Ms. Gulseren Kiraz, welcomed the guests with an opening speech emphasizing the importance of preserving the Kurdish language. She spoke about the cultural richness of multilingual societies and underlined the Akademy’s dedication to language education and cultural awareness.

Certificates were awarded to participants who successfully completed the Kurdish and English language courses organized by the Association. The ceremony recognized their hard work and commitment to learning and personal growth.

In a keynote speech, Mr. Abdurrahim Orhan, Co-Chair of the Akademy Association, focused on the historical and cultural contributions of Ziryab, a lesser-known figure in Kurdish heritage. Tracing Ziryab’s journey from Mosul to Cordoba, Mr. Orhan spoke of his influential role in the early European Renaissance and his groundbreaking innovations—ranging from the creation of Flamenco music and the Spanish guitar to advancements in hygiene, fashion, and social customs.

He called on the Kurdish community and researchers to explore Ziryab’s legacy further and proposed the establishment of an institute in his name to ensure his contributions are acknowledged and preserved within Kurdish cultural history.

The program continued with documentary screenings about May 15 and the work of the Akademy Association. Cultural performances by Dengbej Taha Bozdemir, artist Neslihan Ediş and Reber Soyler enriched the celebration with traditional songs.

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