Kurdish Students in Istanbul have Founded an Independed Platform: “Chalak Events”

We interviewed them in Chalak Art Café, which they opened through their own means.

A group of Kurdish youngsters has founded an independent platform to make Kurdish language more visible among the society.

What is Chalak Events?

Chalak Events is an independent platform founded in 2017 by Kurdish students in İstanbul. “Chalak” means active in Kurdish.

We aim to make Kurdish language more visible in the civil arena. We hold various activities to help Kurdish youth to become closer to their mother language.

Can you tell us about your activities?

All of our activities and events are in Kurdish language. We organize film screenings, breakfasts, Dengbêj nights, seminars, genderless football matches, and talks with Kurdish writers and poets, theaters, concerts, workshops and monthly Spoken Word Kurdî events. Spoken Word Kur is an open microphone event. Everyone can come and talk about their opinions in Kurdish.

Who are your target group?

First, Kurdish people and second anyone who is interested in Kurdish language, culture and art. We aim to reach Kurdish university students because all of us went to public schools and faced assimilation there.

Do people from other nationalities participate in your activities?

Yes and that’s why we use both Kurdish and English in our promotional materials. We aim to reach not only Kurdish but also anyone who is interested in Kurdish culture. By this way, we hope to make Kurdish internationally known.