📍UOD | May 1, 2025 — University Press Office (UNPO) | In a powerful demonstration of academic leadership and cultural preservation, and under the patronage of KRG Prime Minister,  H. E. Mr. Masrour Barzani, the University of Duhok (UOD) successfully hosted the Third International Scientific Conference on Ezidis: Religion, Heritage, History, and Geography (ERHHG-2025) on April 29–30, 2025, at the UOD Convention Center.

The event brought together leading researchers, historians, policymakers, and cultural advocates from Iraq and across the globe to engage in deep discussions surrounding the identity, historical injustices, and cultural legacy of the Ezidi people. This pioneering initiative aligns with UOD’s Strategic Vision 2023–2038, which emphasizes inclusive research, community service, and cultural documentation as pillars of academic excellence.

Institutional Collaboration and Support

The event was co-organized by the Lalish Cultural and Social Center, under the supervision of the UOD Presidency and academic leadership.

Strategic Importance: Advancing UOD’s Vision of Cultural and Community Engagement

As a regional academic leader, UOD is committed to advancing social cohesion, cultural heritage preservation, and scholarly documentation of marginalized communities. ERHHG-2025 marks a significant milestone in that commitment. The conference served as an academic platform to:

• Highlight Ezidi history and religious philosophy, shedding light on centuries of spiritual and cultural continuity.
• Address contemporary challenges including genocide, forced displacement, and diaspora trauma, especially post-ISIS.
• Foster intercultural dialogue and policy advocacy for the recognition and protection of minority rights.
• Contribute to academic research outputs that support long-term cultural preservation and sustainable peacebuilding.
   

Opening Ceremony Highlights

ERHHG-2025 | April 29, 2025 | Convention Center, University of Duhok

The opening ceremony of the “Ezidis: Religion, Heritage, History, and Geography” Conference was marked by powerful addresses from academic leaders, government officials, and community representatives. Each speaker underscored the urgency of preserving Ezidi identity and the importance of academic research in advancing justice and recognition.

🎓 Dr. Saeed Khudeida Alo, Dean of the College of Humanities, University of Duhok

As head of the college hosting the conference, Dr. Saeed emphasized the significance of academic responsibility in confronting historical injustices and amplifying marginalized voices.

“This conference is not just about documentation—it is about dignity, justice, and cultural survival. As scholars, we are responsible for preserving the voices that history tried to silence.”

🏛️ Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok

Dr. Atrushi reinforced the university’s strategic commitment to inclusive education, cultural heritage preservation, and community engagement. He noted that UOD’s leadership in such initiatives reflects its long-term vision.

“The University of Duhok is proud to serve as an academic sanctuary for threatened identities. This event reflects our strategic vision—where education defends humanity, and research becomes a tool for healing.”

🛡️ Mr. Rebar Ahmed Khalid, Minister of Interior, Kurdistan Regional Government

Representing the KRG, Minister Ahmed reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting religious minorities and strengthening institutional mechanisms for justice and inclusion.

“The KRG stands firm in its duty to protect all communities. The Ezidis have faced unimaginable horrors, and now we must empower them through policy, recognition, and education. This conference leads us in that direction.”

👑 Mir Hazim Tahsin Beg, Spiritual Leader of the Ezidis

Representing the Ezidi religious leadership, Mir Hazim offered a deeply moving statement on the pain and resilience of his community. He called for continued collaboration between scholars and community leaders.

“For too long, our suffering has been ignored. Let this conference be a turning point—a space where knowledge becomes a bridge to truth, respect, and global recognition for the Ezidi people.”

🕊️ Mr.Saeed Jirdo Mito, Head of the Lalish Cultural and Social Center

As a co-organizing body, the Lalish Center played a vital role in convening this event. Mr. Shamo stressed the cultural importance of academic inquiry and expressed gratitude to UOD.

“This collaboration is historic. It is the first time our community’s full religious, historical, and cultural identity is given center stage in an international academic setting. We thank UOD for its leadership.”

Conference Themes and Global Participation

Organized around five central themes—Ezidi Religion, Historical and Political Identity, Geography, Economy, and Cultural Heritage—the conference featured 16 panel discussions, and over 70 peer-reviewed presentations. Scholars from universities across Iraq, Europe, and North America shared research on:

• Origins and foundations of the Ezidi religion
• Historical and political themes
• Geography and economy 
• Ezidi sacred texts and theological interpretations
• Demographic mapping of Ezidi settlements
• Post-conflict recovery, challenges and policy frameworks
• Ezidi folklore, music, and oral traditions as vehicles of resilience
   

The conference was conducted in Kurdish, Arabic, and English, reflecting UOD’s commitment to multilingual academic access and international collaboration.

Closing Ceremony and Acknowledgment of Contributions

The ERHHG-2025 Conference concluded on April 30 with a heartfelt closing ceremony that honored the collaborative spirit and academic excellence that shaped the two-day event. The ceremony was attended by public, governmental, parties, and community influencer figures. 

Conference Recommendations: 

Among the closing ceremony, the formal reading of the conference recommendations came,  by Dr. Nashwan Shawkat Mahmood, the chairman of the Scientific Committee, key recommendations were as follows:

• Increasing research on Ezidi religion and origin.
• Broadening identification of Ezidi history and culture.
• Encouraging the Ezidi community to engage in archiving Ezidi history.
• Analysing the impact of neighboring religions on Ezidi beliefs and values.
• Relying on certified translators for archiving and using Ezidi dialects in documenting Ezidi origins.
• Establishing a national museum on Ezidi culture, history, religion and genocide experiences in Kurdistan region and Iraq. 
• Enhancing the engagement of Ezidi figures in governmental roles. 
• Establishing an institute specialized in Ezidi religion and its effect on other religions.
• Reconstructing areas such as Shingal district and its neighbourhoods.
• Transforming Shingal district to be an independent governorate after witnessing genocides.
• Enhancing media coverage for Ezidi religion and genocide. 

Dr. Nashawn stated that it is planned that these recommendations accompanied by research papers presented during the conference, will be printed and distributed to concerned parties to contribute accordingly. 

In recognition of their pivotal roles, certificates of appreciation were distributed to distinguished figures, members of the scientific, and preparatory committees, whose dedication ensured the success of this landmark initiative. The University of Duhok extended special gratitude to academic contributors, cultural leaders, and institutional partners for their commitment to preserving Ezidi heritage and promoting inclusive scholarship. The event closed with a collective affirmation of continued collaboration, research, and advocacy to support marginalized communities and embed their histories within the global academic narrative.

Strengthening UOD’s Role in Research, Inclusion, and Digital Archiving

As outlined in its strategic goals, UOD continues to invest in digital transformation, inclusive academic discourse, and heritage documentation. ERHHG-2025 builds on these goals by:

• Supporting interdisciplinary research and publication on Ezidi studies
   
• Promoting UOD’s visibility as a hub for cultural and religious minority research
   
• Strengthening local and global partnerships for knowledge exchange and advocacy
   

Watch the media coverage of this event

UOD Media, May 1, 2025

Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali

Photography by: Mohammed Abdulkareem Tahir, Ali Habib Habib, Harman Jangeer Ahmed

Meta Keywords:

• Ezidi Conference Duhok 2025
• University of Duhok Events
• Ezidi Religion and History
• Cultural Heritage Kurdistan
• Minority Rights in Iraq