HÜDA PAR’s Head of Education Affairs, Yahya Oğraş, released a written statement on February 21 to mark International Mother Language Day, highlighting the value of linguistic diversity and calling for equal rights for all mother tongues spoken in Türkiye.

In his message, Oğraş described language as an essential element of human identity and a reflection of divine wisdom in creation. He stressed that diversity in language, like diversity in color and culture, is part of humanity’s natural and spiritual makeup.

However, he warned that in many parts of the world, language is being used not as a bridge between people but as a means of pressure and assimilation. “Language is increasingly being turned into a tool of assimilation policies,” he said, arguing that it should instead serve as a foundation for mutual understanding and coexistence.

Oğraş also linked the issue of language rights to Islamic principles of justice and brotherhood. He said that everyone has the right to experience life — joy, sorrow, faith and culture — in their own mother tongue. According to him, the suppression or disappearance of a language represents not only the loss of a cultural heritage but also the erosion of collective memory and spiritual richness.

Reaffirming his party’s position, Oğraş stated that HÜDA PAR considers all mother tongues spoken in the country to be equal in value and deserving of equal rights. He emphasized that rights related to one’s mother tongue cannot be restricted or prohibited.

Concluding his statement, Oğraş expressed hope for a future in which all languages can be spoken freely and without limitation. He wished that International Mother Language Day would contribute to greater understanding and unity, and voiced his hope that in the near future, linguistic freedoms would be fully realized. (ILKHA)