University of Duhok – August 31, 2026, University Press Office | As part of the continued efforts to implement the “Kurdish Language Orthography Guide – Kurmanji Dialect in Arabic Script,” a meeting was held today, August 23, 2026, at the Duhok Governorate to discuss the practical steps required for implementing the guide and the mechanisms for utilizing it across government institutions, media outlets, educational institutions, and other relevant sectors.

The meeting was held under the supervision of Dr. Ali Tatar, Governor of Duhok, and was attended by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok and Chair of the Higher Committee for the Guide; Dr. Diyar Abdulkarim Saeed, President of the University of Zakho; members of the Higher Committee for the Kurdish Language Orthography Guide – Kurmanji Dialect in Arabic Script, as well as a number of district administrators and representatives of governmental, cultural, and educational institutions from Duhok Governorate and the Zakho Independent Administration.

UOD's Role in Advancing the Orthography Project

The active participation of the University of Duhok, through its President and members of the Higher and Preparatory Committees, reflects the University's leading academic role in the development and implementation of this important linguistic project.

The project was initially launched through the cooperation between the University of Duhok and the University of Zakho, with the support of the Duhok Governorate and the Zakho Independent Administration. On February 3, 2025, the University of Duhok formed the Higher Committee responsible for planning and managing the project, chaired by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi.

The Higher Committee also includes Dr. Diyar Abdulkarim Saeed, President of the University of Zakho; Dr. Abu-Ubaidah Abdulla Dhiyab, Dean of the College of Languages at the University of Duhok; Dr. Abdulsalam Najmaddin Abdulla, Head of the Zakho Center for Kurdish Studies; and Mr. Muayad Tayib, Member of the Presidential Board of the Kurdish Academy.

Governor of Duhok Emphasizes the Importance of Unified Orthography

During the meeting, Dr. Ali Tatar, Governor of Duhok, emphasized the importance of unifying Kurdish orthography and ensuring the practical use of the guide across different institutions and sectors.

The Governor highlighted the significance of cooperation among universities, government institutions, educational bodies, media organizations, and cultural institutions in ensuring the successful implementation of the guide. He also called on the Higher Committee to continue its work and follow up on the practical steps required for implementing the project.

Practical Steps for Implementing the Guide

The meeting focused particularly on moving from the preparation and official announcement of the guide toward its practical implementation.

Discussions addressed mechanisms for applying the unified orthography in government institutions, educational centers, media outlets, official documents and correspondence, as well as other areas where the Kurdish language is used.

During the meeting, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, in his capacity as Chair of the Higher Committee, presented a number of practical suggestions for implementing the guide and strengthening coordination among the relevant institutions.

He expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Duhok for his continued support for the project, describing the initiative as one of the important projects in the Badinan region. Dr. Dawood also expressed his confidence in the successful implementation of the project through the continued support of the Governorate, universities, and other relevant institutions.

Establishing Specialized Committees for Implementation

As part of the practical implementation phase, Dr. Dawood announced that two specialized committees will be formed to follow up on the relevant tasks and contribute to carrying out the next stages of the project.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among the participating institutions to continue coordination and advance the practical implementation of the guide, ensuring that its scientific foundations are effectively reflected in educational, governmental, media, and public contexts.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, August 31, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali