On the directive of the Kurdistan Region’s prime minister, a meeting was organized to pay attention to the mother tongue and adapt the signs in public places to Kurdish

On the 25th of February, 2023. On the direction of Mr. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, in order to pay attention to the Kurdish language as the mother tongue and instruct all ministries in accordance with the law on official languages in the Kurdistan Region and protecting the Kurdish language as the main language in the Kurdistan Region and carrying out the necessary work to write signs in Kurdish in all governmental, non-governmental, and private institutions and offices, In the governor’s office, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw presided over a special meeting attended by Hemin Qadir and Masoud Karash, Deputy Governors, Nabaz Abdulhamid, Erbil Central Mayor, Farhang Ghafoor, Director General of Culture and Arts, Abdulwahid Ahmad, Head of the Erbil Municipality, Deputy of Head of the Erbil Municipality, Erbil General Directorate of Tourism, Chamber of Commerce, and directors of all municipalities.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of implementing Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's two orders issued on World Mother Language Day, and instructed all official parties to launch a campaign to implement the orders. The following decisions were made at the meeting:

First, between February 25 and April 1, 2023, coinciding with national holidays, a national effort should be launched to convert the signage of public places and businesses to Kurdish, with the participation of proud citizens.

Second, all companies, public locations, and businesses should have the ability to alter their signs to their native language between February 25 and April 1, 2023.Those that do not alter their signs within the required time frame will be punished. The sign will be removed, and the establishment will be shut down.

Thirdly, the names of uncommon locations must be altered. Individuals who change their names will be accommodated, ignored, and assisted in resuming their licenses in whatever capacity.

Fourth, regarding foreign brand names, the brand name will remain the same, but the place must be indicated in Kurdish on their signage.

Fifth / Hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, and all tourist attractions must have a Kurdish menu and tourist guide between February 25 and April 1, 2023, or face legal action.

Sixth, the Ministries of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Education are expected to prepare an appropriate program for learning Kurdish language in collaboration with the Kurdish Academy and experts in this field, and then to take appropriate measures.

Seventh, through special programs, conferences, seminars, awareness, and cultural activities, the media, writers, journalists, and intellectuals should recognize the importance of the Kurdish language and assist us in this national campaign.