University of Duhok (UoD)

TRANSITION Project

TRANSITION Project is dealing with preserving the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of minority communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and in Yemen, through Capacity Building of university staff members and the cooperation between HEIs, scientific communities, policy makers and civil society

The present project aims to update and review existing curricula on Cultural Heritage of Minorities in collaboration with different universities from Program countries (Italy and Portugal) and partner universities from Kurdistan region of Iraq and Yemen.

Kurdistan region of Iraq and Yemen are suffering from isolation due to internal sectarian conflict, which was triggered by continuous wars internally and externally, moreover the low economic situation and the sanctions caused poverty and poor infrastructure. These factors make sense to engage universities from these deprived countries in this project, taking into consideration that these countries belong to a rich history and ancient culture.

TRANSITION pioneers a dynamic teaching environment to preserve minority cultural heritage in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and Yemen. By uniting academia, scientific communities, policymakers, and local stakeholders, it fosters a multidisciplinary approach to heritage preservation and awareness.

The key objectives of the project TRANSITION are:

1- Strengthening competencies and skills of university staff members in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kurdistan region of Iraq and Yemen on the issue of preservation of cultural heritage of minorities;

2- Innovating and updating the existing study programs in the HEIs in KRG and Yemen (by introducing a multidisciplinary approach with a focus on cultural heritage and integrating role of minorities in Kurdistan region of Iraq and Yemen;

3- Raising awareness on the importance of conservation and preservation of the intangible and tangible cultural heritage as a joint effort between the scientific community, civil society and policy-makers. Facilitating the networking and cooperation between stakeholders, reinforcing the relations between local stakeholders, the engagement of local communities and minorities, connecting actors (government, local authorities, heritage institutions, universities, organizations) to contribute to the promotion of cultural heritage and sustainable tourism.