On September 8, 2024, the University of Duhok held an international workshop titled "Exploring the Roots of the Syriac Language in Semitic Languages" to mark the university's launch of Syriac language studies as an elective course in the College of Basic Education. This initiative is in collaboration with the University of Salamanca, Spain, for the academic year 2024-2025.

The workshop took place at the Cultural and Social Center, attended by the President of the University of Duhok, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, the Chair of the Nineveh Academic Chair at the University of Salamanca, Dr. Ephrem Yildiz, as well as Christian religious figures, college deans, and faculty members from the University of Duhok.

Recognizing the need for more Syriac language teachers in Duhok, where the demand for learning Syriac is higher compared to other regions of the Kurdistan Region, it was agreed to offer Syriac as an elective course under the Arabic Language Department at the College of Basic Education, starting in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Dr. Dawood Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, emphasized in his speech that the university is committed to supporting cultural diversity and providing comprehensive educational services to all community components. He added that the decision to include the Syriac language course within the Arabic Language Department's curriculum came after thorough discussions to achieve this goal.

Dr. James Hasado Haido, Dean of the College of Engineering and a key advocate for introducing Syriac language studies, explained that the university would begin teaching Syriac in the current academic year. He also noted that the university plans to open an independent Syriac Language Department in the College of Basic Education, where graduates will receive a joint certificate from the University of Duhok and the University of Salamanca, Spain.

During the workshop, Dr. Ephrem Yildiz discussed the historical roots of the Syriac language and its origins in the Semitic languages, providing the audience with a clearer understanding of the language's historical significance. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the University of Duhok and European universities, including the University of Salamanca, to enhance education levels and serve the diverse segments of society in the region.

Furthermore, Mr. Roni Butros Ermia, a Syriac language instructor and a Ph.D. candidate in Syriac Studies at the University of Berlin, expressed his gratitude to the University of Duhok for its commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Syriac students. He praised this initiative as a significant achievement, as it is being implemented for the first time at the regional level.

The University of Duhok continues to lead in updating and developing its curricula, focusing on enhancing cultural understanding and meeting the diverse needs of the community, to ensure fair and inclusive educational opportunities for all.

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UOD Media, September 9, 2024

Fatima Mahmoud

Translation: Ismat Khabour

Photos: Ali Banki