Turkish Becomes an Official Language in Salahaddin, Iraq

salahaddin, iraq - Turkish language is now officially recognized in Salahaddin city for official correspondence alongside Arabic, bringing joy to Turkmen residents.

Salahaddin City Adopts Turkish as an Official Language

In a significant move, Salahaddin city in Iraq has announced the use of Turkish in official correspondence alongside Arabic, as per Article 4 of the Iraqi Constitution. This decision, long awaited by the Turkmen community, marks a crucial step towards recognizing their rights.

Legal Basis and Implementation

Atif al-Najjar, a member of the Salahaddin Provincial Council, highlighted that according to Article 4 of the Iraqi Constitution, Turkish is now recognized as an official language in areas densely populated by Turkmen residents, granting them the right to use Turkish in official communications. He emphasized that this constitutional provision allows for the use of Turkish in all official correspondence within Salahaddin city, including urban centers, districts, towns, and villages.

Despite the existence of this legal right, al-Najjar pointed out that it had not been enforced until now. Notably, Turkish will not only be used in official correspondence but will also appear alongside Arabic on state institutions' signage.

Positive Reception among Turkmen Community

Ahmad Abbas, a resident of Tuz Khurmatu district in Salahaddin, expressed his happiness at the prospect of Turkish being used in official communications. He recalled the long-awaited implementation of this law and described seeing Turkish in official institutions in Salahaddin as a dream come true.

For Turkmen residents like Abbas, the inclusion of Turkish in official documents and institutional signage serves as a tangible symbol of their presence and influence in the region, especially considering the historical restrictions under the former Ba'ath Party regime.

Furthermore, Turkmen individuals like Turkesh Muhammet Tuzlu welcomed this development, highlighting the importance of recognizing Turkish as an official language in areas with a significant Turkmen population. Tuzlu mentioned the establishment of Turkish-language schools after the fall of the Ba'ath regime and expressed his support for the constitutional right to use Turkish in official contexts.

Overall, the decision to allow the use of Turkish in official communications in Salahaddin city signifies a significant milestone for Turkmen residents, affirming their right to use their mother tongue in official settings.