Aba said, noting they would discuss what to ask from the Kurds, what the state and international organizations should do and what a path toward the ultimate goal of making Kurdish an official language looks like.

The initiative received a message of support from Selahattin Demirtas, arguably the most popular Kurdish politician in Turkey today, who has been behind bars for two years. In a letter from prison, Demirtas lent support to “any effort for the free, unimpeded use of Kurdish in all spheres of life, including education, the economy and social and political realms.” He noted that he himself was continuing to study Kurmanji, the main Kurdish dialect in Turkey, in prison.

Ordinary Kurds have met the initiative with remarkable excitement. Sivan Vural, a shopkeeper in Diyarbakir, hailed theComposer’s Notes – September 2017

Autumn is in full flow, and gorgeous golden leaves decorate footpaths, creating extra crunch and pleasure when embarking upon a country walk! Some days we experience an Indian summer, and on the south coast of Cornwall, the sea has the deep shade of azure blue, giving a Mediterranean feel to our often blustery Cornish coast.

It is a joy to visit the exotic gardens, which we are lucky to have here in Cornwall, during this season. Many are owned by the National Trust, and it is equally exciting to visit some of the country houses and their estates. Lanhydrock is one such place, and as well as an impressive stately home, there is a pretty church, and many lovely woodland walks. It is a delight