AUK Hosts the “Halabja in the Golden Days” Art Show

Duhok, Kurdistan Region – October 29, 2023 – The American University of Kurdistan’s (AUK) Mustafa Barzani Building hosted an art exhibit and cultural programming titled “Halabja in the Golden Days,” which was organized by the UK-based Gulan Charity in partnership with AUK’s Center for Peace and Human Security (CPHS).

Guests were welcomed to the art exhibition from October 18th to the 23rd. In addition to traditional Kurdish costumes and artworks by several Kurdish artists depicting the culture of the Kurdish City of Halabja, the University’s rotunda featured an artwork installation by Mariwan Jalal consisting of vibrant banners that honored the city’s poets and historical figures.

Dr. Randall Rhodes, President of the American University of Kurdistan; Majid Sayid Salih, Deputy Governor of Duhok; Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri, Director of the Center for Peace and Human Security (CPHS); and Gulan’s Creative Director, Richard Wilding, delivered speeches at the exhibition’s opening reception on October 17.

“By showcasing the rich tapestry of Halabja before the genocide and massacre, we not only celebrate the beauty of Halabja’s culture but also provide a platform for dialogue, empathy, and understanding between cities in the Kurdistan Region, particularly bridging divides and creating a sense of belonging between Garmiyan and Badinan areas, which is essential for building an inclusive, democratic, peaceful, and secure Kurdistan”, stated Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri.

A series of related events were also organized, including an illustrated talk on October 18 by Richard Wilding about Shaikh Mahmoud and the Kurdish Uprising, and on the following day, a concert was held in the exhibition space. On October 23, the closing event celebrated Halabja’s most famous poets and the city’s significance in Kurdish literature; this included a presentation by Kurdish poet Burhan Zebari.

Gulan was founded in 2009 in the United Kingdom to promote the culture of the Kurdish people. Its objective is to help sustain Kurdish identity and preserve the Kurdistan’s heritage for the benefit of people of all cultures.