Biji Kurdistan
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Biji Kurdistan (Kurdish: بژی کوردستان, romanized: Bijî Kurdistan, Kurdish pronunciation: [ˈbɪʒɪ kuɾdɪsˈtɑn]; English: Long live Kurdistan)[1][2][3] is a popular slogan expressing Kurdish patriotism and support for the independence of Kurdistan. The phrase is widely used in Kurdish nationalist and cultural movements.
Despite its Kurdish nationalist nature, the president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, shouted the phrase during his trip to Sanandaj in 2022.[4] In Turkey, Its use has led to legal repercussions; in 2024, a Kurdish academic was detained for posting it online,[5] and another was warned by a university for similar actions.[6] Critics argue that criminalizing the slogan violates freedom of speech and stifles peaceful dialogue.[5][6]
Usage and significance
"Biji Kurdistan" is chanted during political rallies, festivals, and activism, symbolizing Kurdish unity and resistance. It is prominent in diaspora activism, such as weekly vigils in abroad demanding freedom for Abdullah Öcalan.[7] The phrase gained additional significance during celebrations of Kurdish resistance against the Islamic State in 2014.[8]
See also
- Kurdish nationalism
- Bijî Serok Apo
- Woman, Life, Freedom
- Freedom of speech in Turkey
- Mothers of Diyarbakır
Notes
- ^ lit. 'Long live the Kurds and Kurdistan'
References
- ^ Gunes, Cengiz (2013-01-11). The Kurdish National Movement in Turkey: From Protest to Resistance. Routledge. p. 111. ISBN 978-1-136-58798-6.
- ^ Bariş (in Kurdish). Kūltūr Bāqānlığı. 2005. p. 120.
- ^ FBIS Daily Report: West Europe. The Service. 1990.
- ^ "İran Cumhurbaşkanı Reisi 'Yaşasın Kürdistan' dedi". www.rudaw.net. July 9, 2022. Retrieved 2025-02-19.
- ^ a b "Turkish police detain Kurdish academic for 'Long Live Kurdistan' social media posts". Kurdistan24. 2024-03-11. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ^ a b "Academic warned by Turkish university for saying 'Long Live Kurdistan' on social media". Duvar English. 2024-03-10. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ^ "Kurdish patriots from Darmstadt take over Freedom for Öcalan vigil in Strasbourg in its 545th week". ANF News. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ^ "Kurds unite in celebrations across the world". Rudaw. 2014-07-20. Retrieved 2024-12-24.