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Turkish parliament attack on Kurdish member of Turkey's parliament - Leyla Zana

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Uploaded by on Sep 24, 2009

Speaking Kurdish language is a criminal offense in Turkish parliament.
Leyla Zana 1991 she became the first Kurdish woman to win a seat in the Turkish parliament. She created a scandal when she spoke the Kurdish language on the floor of the parliament after being sworn in, as speaking Kurdish in the public arena is a criminal offense in Turkey.[1] The Kurdish language, even when spoken in private, had been illegal for decades in Turkey.[1] Only in that year, 1991, was the Kurdish language finally legalized, though speaking Kurdish remained illegal in public spaces, as Zana was sworn in.[1] Her remarks ended,
I swear by my honor and my dignity before the great Turkish people to protect the integrity and independence of the State, the indivisible unity of people and homeland, and the unquestionable and unconditional sovereignty of the people. I swear loyalty to the Constitution. I take this oath for the brotherhood between the Turkish people and the Kurdish people.[2]
Only the final sentence of the oath was spoken in Kurdish: "I take this oath for the brotherhood between the Turkish people and the Kurdish people."[2]

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  • i love that long live leyla zana long live kurdistan .... leyla zana its a kurdish hero ... viva kurdistann

    kurdishkk 2 years ago 12

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