ISTANBUL – Drawing attention to the pressures on the Mesopotamians Language and Culture Research and Development Association, Cevdet Zilanlı stated that the association was fined 520 thousand Turkish Lira under the “Misdemeanors Law,” adding, “We will continue to fight against these pressures.”
The Mesopotamians Language and Culture Research and Development Association was established on May 18, 2024, in Çerkezköy, Tekirdağ. The association conducts research and workshops on Kurdish language and also provides training in various musical instruments.
Since its opening, the association has been targeted online, police and armoured vehicles have frequently been stationed outside its doors. Following the targeting, the Çerkezköy Municipality, the District Governor’s Office, and the District Directorate of Education, under the pressure of the Tekirdağ Provincial Police Department, imposed threats of fines, obstruction, and potential closure.
FINE AND DISSOLUTION REQUEST
During and inspection by the Çerkezköy District Governor’s Office on October 1, the association was fined 11 thousand 977 TL on October 3 for allegedly failing to hold its regular general assembly withing the legal period. The association paid the fine.
The Governor’s Office also filed a request at Çerkezköy 1st Criminal Court of Peace on the same day, asking for the “dissolution” of the association. The case is ongoing and scheduled for March 24, 2026.
520 THOUSAND TL FINE
On October 17, the Tekirdağ Directorate of Education requested a 520 thousand TL administrative fine from the Tekirdağ Governorship under the “Misdemeanors Law,” claiming that the association conducted educational activities without a proper permit. The Governorship confirmed the fine on October 23, and the association received the payment demand. The association plans to appeal.
Cevdet Zilanlı, a staff member of the association, commented on the matter. He stressed Kurdish language pressures are unacceptable and added: “Kurdish is a red line for us. Language is a part of human culture. The existence of Kurdish means the existence of the Kurdish people. We strongly condemn attacks on Kurdish. A few friends wanted to establish an association in Tekirdağ, Thrace, for Kurdish research and workshops, and we continue our work with these activities.”
THE CASE CONTINUED DESPITE PAYMENT
Recalling that the association has been active for one year, Zilanlı said: “When we first opened, we were targeted by racist and chauvinist individuals on social media. Later, several municipal officers visited us. They said, ‘There are complaints about you; you are disturbing people.’ We explained that we only conduct language workshops. Afterwards, civil police also arrived. Then the Governor’s Office filed a case, claiming we held our congress late. Despite paying the 11 thousand 977 TL fine, the case continued, and they said ‘we do not accept it.’”
‘THEY ARE THE REAL OFFENDERS’
Two weeks after the Governor’s Office fine, officials from the Ministry of Education visited the association. “They questioned our language training, but we clarified we only conduct workshops and research on Kurdish and provide music lessons. Two weeks later, we received a letter about a 520,000 TL fine under the Misdemeanors Law. But the greatest offense is theirs,” Zilanlı said.
COMMITMENT TO STRUGGLE
Zilanlı highlighted the importance of the Peace and Democratic Society Process and criticized fines imposed on a Kurdish language association. He concluded: “We will resist this fascist approach. We will continue our work on Kurdish and fight. We will appeal through lawyers. In the 21st century, such actions against Kurdish are unacceptable. Everyone should see these pressures and reconsider. They must respect Kurdish. Kurds must protect their language, existence, and culture wherever they live. Our existence, language, and culture are our red lines.”
MA / Omer Ibrahimoglu