October 22, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) —
The University of Duhok (UOD) participated in an international webinar celebrating the UNESCO International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held online on Friday, October 17, 2025, under the framework of the TRANSITION Project, coordinated by UOD.

The event, hosted by UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union, focused on “Cultural Heritage and Minorities Preservation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Yemen.” It gathered experts from UOD, Soran University, University of Aden, and the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, in honor of UNESCO’s first celebration of this international day, proclaimed in 2023 to promote the safeguarding of “living heritage” such as crafts, oral traditions, and performing arts.

UOD’s Presentation on Minority Heritage

Representing UOD, Mr. Khidir Kalo Ali Domle, Manager of the Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies, presented on “The Intangible Heritage of Minorities in the Kurdistan Region – Participation Enhances Protection Opportunities.” He highlighted the rich cultural depth of Kurdistan, shaped by ancient civilizations such as the Assyrian and Median, and noted the importance of traditional crafts, music, and languages among minority communities.

Mr. Domle emphasized that diversity in the Kurdistan Region represents a bridge for dialogue and coexistence, and that universities have a responsibility to document, teach, and promote this heritage. He showcased UOD’s initiatives through cultural festivals, peacebuilding programs, and academic engagement aimed at preserving and celebrating this diversity.

Role of Universities in Cultural Preservation

In his remarks,Mr. Domle also underlined the role of universities as custodians of intangible heritage. He proposed incorporating heritage themes into curricula, organizing cultural diversity weeks, and creating live and virtual museums to engage students and communities. He stressed the need for cooperation with NGOs and civil society to revive traditional knowledge and crafts.

UOD’s Leadership and Project Coordination

In the concluding session, Dr. Dilshad Abduljabbar Haleem, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Coordinator of the TRANSITION Project, emphasized UOD’s leading role in promoting heritage preservation through higher education and international collaboration. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across Europe, Iraq, and Yemen to ensure that intangible heritage remains central to cultural and academic development.

About the TRANSITION Project

The TRANSITION Project (Erasmus+) is an EU-funded initiative coordinated by the University of Duhok. It aims to preserve the tangible and intangible heritage of minority communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Yemen through education, research, and community engagement.

Partner Institutions: University of Duhok (Coordinator), University of Zakho, University of Sulaimani, University of Soran, University of Aden, University of Taiz, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Évora, and UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union.

Learn more: www.project-transition.eu

University Press Office, October 22, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali

The News Keywords

• University of Duhok TRANSITION Project
  
  
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage 2025
  
  
• Dr. Khidir Domle UOD webinar
  
  
• Minority heritage in Kurdistan
  
  
• Erasmus+ cultural cooperation