Mother Tongue and Kurdish Literature: Dildar as a Model" – A Scientific Workshop at Koya University

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Department of Kurdish Language at the Faculty of Education, Koya University, organized a specialized academic workshop titled "Mother Tongue and the Development of Kurdish Literature: Dildar as a Model." This event was held to commemorate International Mother Language Day, aiming to revive linguistic heritage and discuss contemporary issues related to cultural identity. 

The workshop took place at the University Presidency Hall, attended by Professor Dr. Mohammed H.S. Zangana, President of Koya University, members of the University Council, and a distinguished group of researchers, faculty members, and students interested in literary and linguistic affairs.

The workshop proceedings commenced with the national anthem, "Ey Reqîb," followed by a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs of Kurdistan. 

Assistant Professor Dr. Talar Sabah, Head of the Kurdish Language Department, then delivered an opening speech, outlining the initiative's objectives and its role in promoting linguistic awareness. She specifically highlighted the literary and patriotic legacy of the late national poet "Dildar," the author of the national anthem. 

The event also featured an artistic segment that embodied the beauty of the Kurdish language through a musical performance by students Hema Hemin Abdulhamid and Yakiti Bandi Majid.

The main scientific session, chaired by Professor Dr. Rezan Salih Mawlood, featured a series of research papers examining the Kurdish language from multiple perspectives. Professor Dr. Darya Jamal Hawez discussed the dialectic of language as an identity between the "Self" and the "Other," using Dildar’s poetry as a primary example. Concurrently, Assistant Professor Dr. Hemin Abdulhamid Shams focused on Dildar’s contributions to Kurdish writing and documentation. 

The workshop also addressed modern technological advancements through Dr. Pakhshan Fahmi Farho’s paper on "Mother Tongue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," while Lecturer Ranjdar Azad explored the role of children's literature in linguistic preservation. The session concluded with a presentation by Assistant Lecturer Mohammed Maghdid Abdullah on the Dildar family’s role as a fortress for protecting the mother tongue.

At the conclusion of the event, an open discussion was held for the audience to share their questions and suggestions, which enriched the workshop’s themes. 

This was followed by the distribution of certificates of appreciation to the participating academics and researchers. 

This initiative underscores Koya University's commitment to protecting the Kurdish linguistic identity and embodies the "Research and Innovation" and "Community Outreach" pillars of the University’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, reflecting its continuous efforts to bridge academic output with cultural and social reality.