UOD, May 21, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) —

Strengthening its commitment to culture, creativity, and community engagement, the University of Duhok (UOD) launched the 3rd Annual Festival of the College of Fine Arts on May 20, 2026under the prominent theme “Art is the Monument of Peace.”

Held in a grand ceremony, the event brought together high-level officials and academics, including Dr. Aram Mohammed Qadir, Minister of Higher Education and

Scientific Research; Dr. Ali Tatar, Governor of Duhok; Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok; Dr. Nawzad Abdulla, Head of the KDP's 1st Branch; and Dr. Ayoob Ramadhan Fattah, Dean of the College of Fine

Arts, alongside a large gathering of writers, artists, students, and university faculty.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the college's new official logo, which carries a rich historical narrative. The logo is inspired by an ancient mosaic discovered on the peak of "Daka" Mountain in the Duhok Governorate via satellite imagery in 1968. This initiative reflects UOD’s vision of connecting students' creativity with the authenticity of the region's history, serving as a lasting symbol of the college's academic identity.

During his opening remarks, Dr. Ayoob Ramadhan Fattah emphasized the humanitarian role of art, noting that amidst conflicts and turmoil, art is born as a message of peace. He stated that the festival reaffirms that art is not merely for decoration, but a solid foundation for peace and coexistence, and that the students' works will serve as a beacon for building a peaceful future.

As part of the opening agenda, UOD President Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi praised the university’s role as a pioneering center for imagination. He announced that the university is undergoing a major transformation by integrating new creative fields to ensure the nation's stories are told by its youth in a modern language.

This academic expansion reflects the University’s broader strategic priorities to introduce Kurdish history and identity to the world, particularly in the areas of:

- Cinema and Film Directing

- Digital Media and Animation

- Contemporary Artistic Expression

- Strengthening academic contributions to culture and history

In an impactful speech, Minister Dr. Aram Mohammed Qadir, who was presented with a plastic art painting by the UOD President, congratulated the university. He emphasized that for the Kurds, art is the strongest defense for identity, culture, and the love of life. He added that despite the oppression inflicted upon the Kurdish people, Kurdish art has always remained a language of peace, completely separated from violence.

The festival features a packed schedule of activities running until Saturday, May 23. The agenda includes a comprehensive exhibition by the Plastic Art Department, musical concerts gracing the college gardens, and the performance of theatrical plays such as "Modern Madmen" and "The Lost Sailor". Alongside these showcases, a three-day academic panel series is being held featuring experts from the universities of Sulaimani, Salahaddin, and Duhok to provide

professional evaluations of the students' projects.

Supported by the Governorate and various private sector sponsors, the University of Duhok continues to position itself as a regional academic leader, providing a vibrant platform for the youth to convey a message of peace and beauty to all.

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University Press Office (UNPO), May 21, 2026

Reported by: Ismat Mahmoud Mohammed
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahar

The News Keywords: College of Fine Arts Festival, University of Duhok

creativity, Art is the Monument of Peace, UOD Cinema and Digital Media, Kurdish

culture and art, UOD student projects.