Human Rights and the Laz People

Language Rights

The Laz language has never received official recognition in Turkey. Unlike Kurdish, which gained limited broadcast and educational rights in the 2000s, Lazuri remains excluded from formal education, government services, and official media. There are no Laz-language schools, and the language is not offered as an elective in Turkish public education, despite provisions in the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

The Ban Period (1980-1991)

Following the 1980 military coup in Turkey, a sweeping ban was imposed on the use of languages other than Turkish in public spaces. This ban, formalized in Law No. 2932 of 1983, particularly affected the Laz, Kurdish, and other minority language communities. For over a decade, speaking Laz in public could result in fines or social sanctions. The ban was lifted in 1991, but its effects on language transmission were devastating — an entire generation grew up without fully learning Lazuri.

Cultural Preservation Efforts

Despite these challenges, Laz cultural organizations have made significant strides. The Laz Institute (Lazuri Enstitu), founded in the early 2000s, has been instrumental in developing educational materials, publishing books in Lazuri, and advocating for language rights. Social media has also become an important platform for Laz cultural expression and community building.

Ongoing Challenges

The Laz community continues to face challenges including: the rapid decline of native speakers (most fluent speakers are over 40), the lack of institutional support for language education, economic pressures driving migration away from traditional Laz areas, and the absence of political representation specifically advocating for Laz cultural rights. International organizations, including UNESCO, have highlighted the critical situation of the Laz language and called for greater protection measures.