The University of Duhok hosted the Kick-off Meeting of the TRANSITION project, “Preserving the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Minority Communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and in Yemen”, from February 24th to 25th, 2025. In the framework of Erasmus+, KA2 – Capacity building in the field of higher education – the project is based on two key assumptions: the essential role of education in promoting human rights, peace, and responsible citizenship, and the social responsibility of universities in preserving cultural heritage, tangible and intangible. With the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Yemen facing significant cultural heritage destruction due to political crises and conflicts, this project seeks to develop strategies for protecting and promoting heritage in post-conflict settings.
A collaborative effort for cultural preservation
The Kick-off Meeting brought together representatives from partner universities and institutions, fostering dialogue on how academia can play a critical role in preserving the heritage of minority communities.
The project is coordinated by the University of Duhok and includes the University of Zakho, the University of Sulaimani, and Soran University from the Kurdistan region of Iraq; the University of Aden and the University of Taiz from Yemen; as well as European partners Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Évora and UNIMED. Additionally, the project is supported by the following associated partners: the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), a non-governmental international organisation dedicated to the conservation of the world’s monuments and sites and the Kurdistan Archeology Organisation (KAO) based in Duhok, will contribute to the long lasting impact of the project on the civil society and the wider community.
Official opening and strategic discussions
The meeting began with an official opening ceremony featuring speeches by Dr. Dawood Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, and delegates from EU, Yemeni, and partner institutions from Kurdistan region of Iraq. This was followed by a series of institutional presentations where each partner university introduced their role and contributions to the project.
The event also included a comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives, outlining planned activities, capacity-building efforts, and expected outcomes. Discussions focused on how to curricula on cultural heritage and how to empower and train university educators to equip students and researchers with the skills necessary to effectively address cultural heritage challenges. Additionally, financial and administrative aspects of the project were reviewed, ensuring clarity on funding structures and reporting mechanisms.
Strengthening partnerships and future steps
Beyond the formal discussions, the Kick-off Meeting provided an opportunity for participants to engage in networking and collaborative partnership.
The meeting concluded with strategic discussions on the next steps. The TRANSITION project is set to establish a multidisciplinary approach to heritage preservation, fostering stronger connections between higher education institutions, scientific communities, policymakers, and civil society.
UNIMED is proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, reinforcing its commitment to cultural heritage preservation and academic collaboration in the Middle East and beyond. The TRANSITION project represents a significant step toward empowering universities as key actors in protecting the rich and diverse heritage of minority communities in conflict-affected regions.
