Welcome to The Kurdish Institute

In Rojava, the so-called ‘radical democracy‘ reigns. In other words, everyone is able participate!

In essence, it means that the involvement and participation of the entire population is central in the society. The basic democratic principle is translated from below through a stepped system. All Cantons in the autonomous regions are founded on the principle of local self-government. Cantons may freely elect their representatives and representative bodies. The cantons were later reorganized into regions with subordinate cantons/provinces, areas, districts and communes. It important to mention that – on all these levels – councils exist with representatives of the people.

During this third session we discuss the share and contribution of the minorities present in the system of self-government.

• How did minorities learn to use the system?
• Is there a minority quota, and what exactly is it?

Within the coming days we will communicate the invited speakers who have quite some expertise on this subject.

Practical
You can register via our webpage ‘Contact us’
After completing your name and mail adress, please write in the field ‘Bericht’: “Webinar Rojava / 29-04”.
You will afterwards receive the Zoom-link via which you will be able to reach the webinar on Thursday 29 April at 7 PM

‘Diversity and pluralism’ are key within the society of Rojava.

The Kurds, with their different languages and religions, are not a homogeneous people themselves. There is the enormous diversity living in Rojava. In addition to the approximately 65 percent Kurds and Yazidi, there are also Arabs, Armenians, Assyrians, Turkmen, Chechens, Circassians and the Dom (related to the Roma).

The concrete political, economic, cultural and ecological problems facing the population groups require a realistic approach in a very broad area of social life. Practical answers have been sought that respect the principle of pluralism as a counterbalance to the sectarianism that has been on the rise since the Syrian war.

This fourth session focusses on the dialogue between the the diverse cultural and religious communities. What is required, and how is it guaranteed?

The speakers that we invite for this topic will be communicated on this page within the comming weeks.

Practical
You can register via our webpage ‘Contact us’
After completing your name and mail adress, please write in the field ‘Bericht’: “Webinar Rojava / 13-05”.
You will afterwards receive the Zoom-link via which you will be able to reach the webinar on Thursday 13 May at 7 PM

Obviously, young people are crucial in the system of self-government. The youth has an essential role to play in the development towards independence, both for themselves and for others.

During this fifth session we will discuss the not to be underestimated share of the youth in Rojava.

• What is the current percentage of young people in the area?
• What support base does the Administration have in the field of education and capacity building for young people?
• What future for the youth does the Administration see in the community?

Within the coming days we will communicate the invited speakers who have quite some expertise on this subject.

Practical
You can register via our webpage ‘Contact us’
After completing your name and mail adress, please write in the field ‘Bericht’: “Webinar Rojava / 27-05”.
You will afterwards receive the Zoom-link via which you will be able to reach the webinar on Thursday 27 May at 7 PM

When it comes to international recognition, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (NES) has still a long way to go. While entertaining some foreign relations, the region is not officially recognized as autonomous by the government of Syria or any state or organization.

However, the immense relevance of Rojava should now be apparent. It is one of the most impressive examples of people building a society based on the kinds of principles and practices that must be adopted if we are to make a transition to a sustainable and just society.

In Rojava, people have dared not only to change the current rules of the game, but even to breakdown some ‘holy houses’: to name just a few, the pure male society, limiting religious tolerance, suppressing a (multi-) cultural experience, prohibiting the use of and native language education, and a capitalist mode of production.

How is the Western world dealing with this?

During this sixth and last session, we discuss how the relations with the international community are evolving, and how crucial these relations are for Rojava.

• What are the basic needs to strengthen the administrative institutions?
• How can these experiences and knowledge be better transferred abroad?
• Could there be any interest on the part of the international community for a democratic system in a war zone?
• What should the Kurdish community and all other communities living in Rojava do to strengthen self-government?

Within the coming days we will communicate the invited speakers who have quite some expertise on this subject.

Practical
You can register via our webpage ‘Contact us’
After completing your name and mail adress, please write in the field ‘Bericht’: “Webinar Rojava / 10-06”.
You will afterwards receive the Zoom-link via which you will be able to reach the webinar on Thursday 10 June at 7 PM