On April 24, the Salahaddin University-Erbil’s (SUE) College of Education held a one-day Cultural and Educational Festival to immerse students in Kurdish culture and connect them with their Kurdish roots.

“This year’s festival has been incredibly splendid. Such occasions should occur regularly, providing university students with ample opportunities to immerse themselves in Kurdish culture while also presenting their department to peers from other departments,” Helin Rahman, a student from Kirkuk, who studies private education in Erbil, told Kurdistan Chronicle.

“Although I’m in my third year at the university, this is my first time participating in this festival. Here, amidst the celebration of Kurdish culture, we proudly wear traditional Kurdish attire.”

Professor at the Department of Special Education Sirwan Wali Ali told Kurdistan Chronicle that the festival serves as a “cultural revival urging people to reconnect with their ancestral roots, an educational imperative, and a platform to acquaint the new generation with educational institutions such as universities.” 

“As one of the festival’s organizers, I hold a personal affinity for artisanal crafts, which resonate deeply with the human spirit – unlike mass-produced goods,” he explained. “I advocate for a mindset that embraces modernity and fosters openness to diverse cultures, promoting peaceful coexistence. As a university professor and festival director, I am deeply invested in both academia and cultural revitalization.”

“This festival is convened by the College of Education at SUE, with each department within the college arranging its respective activities.”

Head of Private Sector Education Assistant Professor Dr. Aras Hakim Reza added that “this festival embodies a celebration of our cultural heritage, serving as a poignant reminder for the new generation and university students of the tools and practices that defined our ancestors’ way of life.” 

“Our aim is to acquaint today’s youth with the richness of our past, showcasing traditional tools and customs. While this marks the second edition of our annual festival, we faced an interruption of two years due to budget constraints. However, this year, we’ve infused the event with a strong cultural and educational ethos.” 

He underlined that education is very important, since teachers nurture the leaders of tomorrow across all educational stages, from kindergarten to pre-university levels. 

“This segment of the festival serves as a bridge between past and present generations, fostering dialogue through the lens of ancient culture. While honoring our heritage, we also champion the progress embraced by the newer generations.”

SUE is the oldest public university in the Kurdistan Region. The University was first founded in 1968 in Sulaymaniyah. In 1981 it moved to Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan Region, and the name was changed to Salahaddin University-Erbil. 

SUE accommodates more than 25,200 undergraduates and 676 graduate students. It offers more than 85 undergraduate majors and award degrees at the certificate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels.