Research & Documentation
Academic research and fieldwork on Kurdish language and dialects.
For a language, for an identity, for the future
We work for the preservation and promotion of Kurdish languages, especially Zazaki, which is endangered.
Ma'z Êst is an academic and cultural organization committed to research, documentation and awareness about Kurdish language and dialects.
Endangered Languages
We focus on Zazaki, a dialect facing severe endangerment.
Publications
We publish books, articles, reports and academic papers.
Awareness & Education
We raise awareness and promote Kurdish linguistic heritage.
Language heritage
Zazaki is part of our heritage and identity
Zazaki is one of the Kurdish languages spoken by millions of people. Today, it is at risk of disappearance. Ma'z Êst works to document, preserve and promote it for future generations.
Learn more about Zazaki
Zimanê min, hebûna min, ayinda min. My language, my existence, my future.
About us
Who we are
Ma'z Êst is an independent, non-profit academic and cultural organization working for the documentation, preservation and promotion of Kurdish languages and dialects, with a special focus on Zazaki.
We conduct research, publish academic works, produce educational materials and raise awareness about the linguistic and cultural rights of Kurdish speakers.
A language is not just words. It is memory, culture, identity and existence.
Our work
What we do
We carry out academic and cultural activities to protect and promote Kurdish languages, especially Zazaki.
Discover our projects
Research
We conduct fieldwork and academic research on Kurdish language, dialects and sociolinguistics.
Documentation
We document oral traditions, folklore, vocabulary and grammar of endangered dialects.
Education
We develop educational materials and organize workshops, seminars and training programs.
Advocacy
We advocate for linguistic rights and recognition of Kurdish languages at national and international levels.
Publications
Our publications
We publish and curate academic books, reports, dictionaries, digital corpora and open-access resources on Kurdish languages, with a special focus on Zazakî / Kirmanckî documentation, transmission and revitalization.
Children’s Access to Zazaki (Kirmanjki)
Field report on children’s access to Zazaki, based on visits in Diyarbakır and interviews with institutions including Zarok TV, Ma Müzik and MED-DER.
- Author
- Cemile Turhalli Balsak
- Year
- 2024
- Source
- Minority Rights Group
Zaza Text Corpus
Digital corpus for Zaza research, documentation and revitalization, with texts and linguistic annotations for academic use.
- Author
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlyas Arslan
- Year
- 2025
- Source
- University of Zurich & Munzur University
Mother Tongue or Mother’s Language?
Research on intergenerational transmission of Zazaki in Bingöl families with children under 10, focusing on family language use and continuity.
- Author
- Ahmet Kesmez
- Year
- 2025
- Source
- Bingöl University Journal of Social Sciences Institute
Glottolog — Zaza
Technical language profile for Zaza with glottocode zaza1246, ISO 639-3 zza and country reference for Türkiye.
- Reference
- Glottolog
- Version
- Glottolog 5.3
- Code
- zaza1246 · zza
Magazine
Ma'z Êst Magazine
Our magazine features articles, interviews, research, cultural content and news related to Kurdish languages and issues.
Read latest issue
In-depth Articles
Academic and cultural articles on Kurdish language and society.
Interviews
Conversations with researchers, writers and activists.
Cultural Content
Literature, history, art and traditions of the Kurdish people.
News & Events
Updates on activities, projects and important events.
Resources
Resources for learners, researchers and communities
Contact
Contact Ma'z Êst
For any question, comment, idea or collaboration proposal about Ma'z Êst, please contact us. We will be happy to read your message and respond as soon as possible.
