A Landmark Initiative for Cultural Heritage Protection

Duhok, February 25, 2025 – The University of Duhok (UOD), in collaboration with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex and the British Council to Erbil, proudly marked the completion of the five-year "Preserving Cultural Heritage in Kurdistan-Iraq" project. This initiative aligns with UOD’s strategic vision to safeguard Iraq’s diverse cultural heritage, promote academic research, and enhance international partnerships in cultural preservation.

Conference Highlights: A Commitment to Safeguarding Heritage

Held at UOD’s Convention Center (UNCC), the event brought together academics, cultural experts, policymakers, and students, fostering dialogue on the challenges and strategies for protecting Iraq’s rich traditions.

Key Moments of the Closing Ceremony

• Opening remarks by UOD President, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, emphasizing the university’s role in preserving cultural pluralism.
• Two dynamic panel discussions addressing community-led heritage conservation and the role of universities in heritage protection.
• The official launch of "The Handbook of Iraqi People’s Heritage", a groundbreaking publication documenting Iraq’s intangible cultural heritage.
• Engagement with local and international heritage advocates, reinforcing UOD’s leadership in cultural preservation efforts.

Academic and Community Perspectives on Heritage Conservation

The symposium featured two panel discussions focused on cultural sustainability and academic contributions to heritage preservation.

Panel 1: Community Perspectives on Heritage Conservation

• Representatives from Iraq’s diverse ethnic and religious communities—Armenians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Kaka’i, Sabean-Mandaeans, Shabak, Syriac Orthodox, Turkmen, and Yezidis (Ezidi)—shared their insights.
• Discussion on the impact of conflict, globalization, and displacement on cultural traditions.
• Emphasis on documenting oral histories, religious customs, and traditional practices to safeguard intangible heritage.

Panel 2: The Role of Universities in Heritage Protection

• UOD faculty and researchers explored how academic institutions can contribute to heritage preservation.
• Integration of cultural heritage studies into university curricula, ensuring sustained academic interest in Iraq’s diverse traditions.
• The role of research-driven policies in protecting endangered cultural identities and influencing policy-making.

The Launch of "The Handbook of Iraqi People’s Heritage"

A defining moment of the event was the unveiling of "The Handbook of Iraqi People’s Heritage", a comprehensive resource capturing Iraq’s rich cultural diversity.

Key Features of the Handbook

• Authored by Leading Scholars: Contributions from Dr. Shivan Shlaymoon Toma, Dr. Juwan Mohammed Mahdi, Dr. Wafaa Sabah Khuder, Dr. Saeed A. Saeed Majdal, and Dr. Zubeida Salih Abdulkhaliq.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Covering oral traditions, religious customs, artistic expressions, and indigenous practices.
• Multiformat Accessibility: Available in print, digital, and multimedia formats, ensuring widespread accessibility and engagement.

📖 📥 Download the full Handbook here: [click to view]

A Collaborative Effort with Lasting Impact

The "Preserving Cultural Heritage in Kurdistan-Iraq" project was made possible with the support of the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS), and IDS at the University of Sussex.

This initiative successfully engaged students, scholars, and local communities in research-driven heritage documentation, ensuring that Iraq’s cultural narratives remain preserved for future generations.

UOD’s Vision: Academic Excellence in Cultural Heritage Preservation

This project is part of UOD’s broader strategy to integrate cultural heritage studies into its academic and research programs.

🔹 Strategic Goals Aligned with UOD’s Vision:
✅ Promoting cultural awareness through academic research and global partnerships.
✅ Empowering local communities with tools for heritage documentation.
✅ Bridging research with policy-making to influence heritage protection strategies.
✅ Expanding university programs in cultural heritage and sustainable tourism.

UOD’s Role in Safeguarding Iraq’s Cultural Identity

The University of Duhok extends its gratitude to all researchers, contributors, and partner institutions who played a role in this landmark initiative. Through academic excellence, strategic collaborations, and community engagement, UOD continues to lead efforts in cultural heritage preservation and knowledge-sharing.

📍 For more information on UOD’s cultural heritage initiatives, visit our official website [Insert Link].

🔎 Meta Keywords:

• Cultural Heritage Preservation in Iraq
• University of Duhok Heritage Studies
• Iraq’s Intangible Cultural Heritage
• British Council Cultural Protection Fund
• Heritage Documentation and Academic Research