University of Duhok (UoD)

University of Duhok Honors Prof. Dr. Jan Ilhan Kizilhan for Receiving Germany’s Highest Civilian Award

April 30, 2025, 2:58 p.m.

Celebrating Global Recognition in Psychotraumatology and Humanitarian Service

UOD, April 30, 2025, The University Press Office (UNPO) | The University of Duhok (UOD) proudly honored Prof. Dr. Jan Ilhan Kizilhan, Dean of the Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology (IPP), for being awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, Germany’s highest civilian honor. This prestigious accolade, presented by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on March 21, 2025, recognizes Prof. Kizilhan’s exceptional contributions to psychotraumatology and his dedicated humanitarian efforts, particularly in supporting Ezidi survivors of ISIS atrocities.

The ceremony at UOD was attended by university leadership, including President, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, Vice Presidents, Dr. Luqman Hadi Hassan and Dr. Dilshad Abduljabbar Haleem, Dr. Nazar Amin Mohammed the Director of International Relations, and Vice Dean of IPP. Dr. Bohar Suleiman Isa. Dr. Atrushi commended Prof. Kizilhan’s unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy and his role in enhancing UoD’s international standing.

🌍 A Legacy of Healing and Advocacy

Prof. Kizilhan’s work has been instrumental in addressing the psychological trauma faced by survivors of conflict and genocide. He led a German state initiative that provided psychological care to over 1,100 Ezidi women and children, bringing them to Germany for treatment. Additionally, he has facilitated mental health services for approximately 12,000 individuals in the Kurdistan Region.

In 2017, he established the IPP at UOD, the first institute of its kind in the Middle East, focusing on training local professionals in trauma therapy and conducting research on conflict-related psychological effects.

🏅 Recognition Beyond Borders

The Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz) is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to political, economic, cultural, intellectual, or humanitarian fields. Prof. Kizilhan’s receipt of this honor underscores the global impact of his work and the importance of mental health services in post-conflict recovery.