IRAQ: Baghdeda District responds to Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union’s call for enforcement of official languages law

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — In a significant step toward cultural preservation and inclusivity, the Mayor of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah), Issam Behnam, officially responded to the Bethn Nahrain Patriotic Union’s (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) request to enforce the Official Languages Law. This law, enacted in Iraq following the 2003 constitution, recognizes Syriac as an official language in areas with a significant Syriac-speaking population.

Official Communication to Nineveh Governor

Mayor Behnam has formally appealed to the Governor of Nineveh, urging the implementation of the Official Languages Law across the province. The initiative seeks to ensure that the Syriac language is used alongside Arabic in official correspondence and public signage throughout all administrative units in Nineveh Plains.

This move follows sustained efforts by the HBA, which has been advocating for the rights of Syriac-speaking communities in Iraq for decades. Despite the historical and cultural significance of Syriac in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia), Syriac-speaking Syriacs, Assyrians, and Chaldeans have long faced systemic challenges in achieving full recognition of their language in public institutions.

Language Under Threat

The Syriac language, a direct descendant of Aramaic — the lingua franca of the ancient Near East — has been spoken in Beth Nahrin for over 2,000 years. It holds deep historical significance, preserved by early Christian communities as both a liturgical and everyday language.

However, the 20th and 21st centuries have seen increasing marginalization of Syriac speakers due to Arabization policies, conflicts, and emigration. Under the Ba’athist regime (1968–2003), the use of Syriac was restricted, and its teaching in schools was discouraged. The rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014 further exacerbated the situation, forcing many Syriac-speaking Christians to flee their ancestral towns in Nineveh Plains, threatening the language’s survival.

The Official Languages Law was introduced as part of Iraq’s post-Saddam Hussein legal reforms to recognize the country’s ethnic and linguistic diversity. However, its inconsistent implementation has left many minority communities struggling to secure proper recognition for their languages.

السيد قائم مقام بغديدا يستجيب لطلب حزبنا ..

بتاريخ 13-3-2025صادر من قائمقامية بغديدا ذي العدد 4/993 ، قائمقام قضاء الحمدانية السيد ” عصام بهنام ” يطلع محافظ نينوى على طلب حزب اتحاد بيث نهرين الوطني فيما يخص تطبيق قانون اللغات الرسمية طالباً اجرائات من المحافظة . pic.twitter.com/ZiwsmxykRn

— اتحاد بيث نهرين الوطني-Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (@bethnahrinunion) March 13, 2025

HBA’s Advocacy

The HBA has been a steadfast advocate for the activation of the Official Languages Law, emphasizing the need to recognize Syriac as a second official language in official communications and public signage throughout Nineveh Plains.

In its latest statement, the party called for the mandatory inclusion of Syriac on commercial establishments and public buildings, public offices to issue forms and documents in Syriac where applicable, an expansion of Syriac-language curricula in schools within Syriac-majority areas, and the establishment of a formal government oversight body to ensure consistent implementation.

The HBA draws inspiration from the successful implementation of this law in Ankawa, a predominantly Christian district in Arbca’ilo (Erbil), Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

Legal Framework for Syriac Language Recognition

Under Iraqi law, Syriac holds official status in administrative units where Syriac-speaking communities make up a significant portion of the population. This legal recognition is crucial for preserving the linguistic heritage and cultural identity of the Syriac-speaking community.

The Iraqi Constitution, particularly Article 4, stipulates that, in addition to Arabic and Kurdish, Turkmen and Syriac are recognized as official languages in areas where their speakers constitute a demographic majority. However, enforcement mechanisms remain weak, often leaving implementation at the discretion of local authorities.

Regional Precedents and Cultural Preservation

Ankawa serves as a model for this initiative, where Syriac is prominently displayed alongside Arabic, reflecting the region’s cultural diversity and commitment to inclusivity. This success story has strengthened calls for the Nineveh Governorate to adopt similar practices, particularly in historically Assyrian areas such as Baghdede, Tel Keppe, and Alqosh.

Minority communities in Nineveh, including Yezidis, Turkmens, and Shabaks, have also expressed concerns about language rights, highlighting the broader need for Iraq to implement inclusive language policies.

Implications for Local Communities

The enforcement of the Official Languages Law is expected to strengthen the cultural identity of the Syriac-speaking population in Nineveh Plains. It also seeks to foster a sense of belonging and recognition, encouraging other regions with diverse linguistic communities to adopt similar inclusive practices.

For many Syriac-speakers, formal recognition of their language goes beyond mere signage — it represents a reclamation of their presence in their ancestral homeland. The ability to see, read, and use their language in daily life is both a symbolic and practical step toward reversing decades of marginalization.

Challenges Ahead

Despite recent progress, significant challenges remain in fully implementing the law. Previous enforcement efforts have been hindered by bureaucratic delays, resistance from local authorities, and ongoing security concerns.

Additionally, some business owners have hesitated to adopt Syriac signage, citing financial constraints or fears of backlash from nationalist groups. Proponents suggest that government incentives, such as tax reductions for compliant businesses, could encourage broader adoption.

Next Steps

The Governor of Nineveh is expected to review Mayor Behnam’s request and initiate the necessary procedures to implement the Official Languages Law. This development represents a progressive step toward acknowledging and preserving Iraq’s diverse tapestry of languages and cultures.

Local Syriac leaders and advocacy groups have pledged to continue monitoring the government’s actions to ensure that commitments lead to tangible change. The HBA has also hinted at the possibility of legal action if the law is not enforced within a reasonable timeframe.