Founded

2013
The Laz Institute (Laz Enstitusu)

Founded in 2013, the Laz Institute has emerged as a leading force in preserving and revitalizing the Laz language, culture, and history. Our journey began with creating a comprehensive Laz language curriculum and has since expanded to include etymological research, cultural revitalization projects, and digital innovations within the Laz community; podcasts, YouTube videos, pdf versions of the textbook, a comprehensive online dictionary with an accurate depiction of our alphabet. Notable achievements include our work on Laz language textbooks, voiced dictionaries, and the development of a comprehensive keyboard for digital conversations in Laz. Our podcast series, 'Our Laz Story', has become a cornerstone in showcasing individual stories of cultural survival and rediscovery. Additionally, our collaboration extends to civil societies and activists focusing on endangered languages, united under "TADNET," a network established as part of an EU-funded project by the Laz Institute and the Istanbul Caucasian Culture Centre from 2020 to 2023. Our annual 'Fairytale Festival' and youth camps further underscore our dedication to cultural education and community involvement. As we aim to broaden our collaborations with other European indigenous and ethnic minority communities, our continuous projects blend traditional practices with modern methodologies, ensuring the preservation of the Laz heritage.

Description

Founded in 2013, the Laz Institute has emerged as a leading force in preserving and revitalizing the Laz language, culture, and history. Our journey began with creating a comprehensive Laz language curriculum and has since expanded to include etymological research, cultural revitalization projects, and digital innovations within the Laz community; podcasts, YouTube videos, pdf versions of the textbook, a comprehensive online dictionary with an accurate depiction of our alphabet. Notable achievements include our work on Laz language textbooks, voiced dictionaries, and the development of a comprehensive keyboard for digital conversations in Laz. Our podcast series, 'Our Laz Story', has become a cornerstone in showcasing individual stories of cultural survival and rediscovery. Additionally, our collaboration extends to civil societies and activists focusing on endangered languages, united under "TADNET," a network established as part of an EU-funded project by the Laz Institute and the Istanbul Caucasian Culture Centre from 2020 to 2023. Our annual 'Fairytale Festival' and youth camps further underscore our dedication to cultural education and community involvement. As we aim to broaden our collaborations with other European indigenous and ethnic minority communities, our continuous projects blend traditional practices with modern methodologies, ensuring the preservation of the Laz heritage.

Location

The Laz Institute (Laz Enstitusu)

The Laz Institute (Laz Enstitusu)

Istanbul/İstanbul
Turkey

Istanbul / İstanbul / Turkey

Program Activities

Mother tongue education

Language classes

Language camps

Teacher training

Educational materials

Technology and cyberspace

Documentation

Cultural events

Media

Languages


Laz

Community Members