UOD, April 22, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) —
Advancing its role in heritage preservation and sustainable urban development, the University of Duhok (UOD) hosted a student-led exhibition as part of its extended World Heritage Day 2026 celebrations. Organized by the Department of City Planning at the College of City and Regional Planning, the exhibition highlighted how academic learning is being transformed into real-world conservation solutions.

The event was attended by UOD President Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, Dean Dr. Layla Mohammed Raswol, and members of the University Council, who engaged directly with students and reviewed their projects. The exhibition showcased the work of third-stage students enrolled in the Planning and Design in Context course, reflecting UOD’s commitment to student-centered, practice-based education.

Working in six collaborative groups, and supervised by 4 academic members: Dr. Shareen Younus Ismael, Dr. Ismail Ibrahim Suliman, Mrs. Hilbeen Yaseen Younus, and Mr. Rawand Farsat Safar; students presented analytical studies of key heritage sites across Duhok Governorate, including Dlip Palace, Alqosh Historic City, Akre Historic City, and the Jewish and Shahidan neighborhoods. These projects represent the first phase of a multi-stage academic initiative, where students will progress toward designing evidence-based conservation strategies and proposing implementable urban revitalization plans for local authorities.

This exhibition also builds on the University’s growing international engagement in heritage preservation, particularly following the formal agreement signed in February 2026 between the University of Duhok (UOD) and the World Monuments Fund (WMF) under the Suzanne Deal Booth Institute for Heritage Preservation. Through this collaboration, UOD joined a prestigious global academic network that includes Columbia University (GSAPP, USA), University of Pennsylvania (USA), Tulane University (USA), and Carleton University (Canada). The partnership strengthens the integration of academic research, field-based training, and professional practice, reinforcing UOD’s role in addressing heritage challenges in conflict-affected and rapidly transforming environments.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, April 22, 2026
Prepared by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Aland Kamal Othman
Photography: Harman Jangeer Ahmed

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