Koya University’s History Department Hosts Workshop on "Kurdish Elites: Between Traditional Authority and Intellectual Renewal"

The Department of History at the Faculty of Education, Koya University, organized a specialized scientific workshop on Monday, February 9, 2026, titled "Kurdish Elites: Between Traditional Authority and Intellectual Renewal." The event was attended by a large gathering of professors, researchers, and students, aiming to shed light on the intellectual and political transformations that shaped the role of elites throughout Kurdish history.

The workshop commenced with a moment of silence to honor the martyrs of Kurdistan, accompanied by the national anthem, "Ay Raqib." This was followed by the start of the scientific session moderated by Dr. Aman Salam Hamadamin, who emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of reviewing history through a critical and intellectual lens that keeps pace with contemporary developments and contributes to understanding the tools of social change.

The workshop featured three primary research papers. Prof. Dr. Haidar Lashkry presented the first paper, titled "The History of the Elite as Intellectual History," exploring the philosophical roots of the formation of educated classes. He was followed by Prof. Dr. Ako Burhan, who offered a presentation on "The Ayyubids between Traditional Authority and the Thought of their Philosophers and Intellectuals," highlighting the dialectical relationship between power and knowledge. The session concluded with Prof. Dr. Hewa Hamid Sharif, who examined the "Challenges Facing Kurdish Elites following World War I," explaining the major historical turning points that influenced the leadership role of the Kurdish elite.

This workshop is part of Koya University's commitment to implementing the "Community Outreach" pillar, one of the seven core pillars of the University's Strategic Plan (2023-2027). Through this pillar, the university aims to transition knowledge from closed academic corridors to the public sphere, contributing to the cultural and historical awareness of Kurdish society. By analyzing the role of "The Elite," the university seeks to provide society with a scientific vision that helps in understanding national identity and facing modern challenges with a renewed consciousness.

These activities reflect Koya University's philosophy of being a "Socially Responsible Institution." The university does not limit itself to a traditional educational role but works through the community service pillar to diagnose intellectual and social issues and provide platforms for rigorous discussion. Engaging academics in debates that touch the core of identity and history is a strategic step toward achieving sustainable intellectual development that serves the aspirations of the citizens of the Kurdistan Region and supports its intellectual stability.

At the conclusion of the workshop, an open discussion was held for the attendees, who enriched the event with their valuable questions and interventions. The ceremony ended with the distribution of certificates of participation to the researchers and speakers in recognition of their distinguished scientific contributions to the success of this academic event.

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Koya University (KOU) is located in the city of Koya (Koy Sanjaq) which is 1.0 hr drive to the East of the Kurdistan Region capital Erbil (Arbil, Hewlér) in Kurdistan Region of F.R. Iraq. It is on the foothills of a beautiful high mountain. Its campus has been carefully laid out to embrace the beautiful mountainous nature.

There are 4 Faculties and 2 Schools in KOU; Faculty of Engineering (FENG), Faculty of Science and Health (FSCH), Faculty of Education (FEDU), Faculty of Humanities and Social Silences (FHSS), Shcool of Physical Education (SPHE) and School of Medicine (SMED).

Also, there are two research centers; Genome Center and Malai Gawra Center. Moreover, at KOU there is an English Language Center (BELC) at KOU has been opened with the sponsorship of IREX and American embassy in Baghdad as well as with the support of Spring International Language Center of The University of Arkansas. KOU has two Scientific Journals; ARO-The Scientific Journal of Koya University, which is indexed by Clarivate Analytics (ESCI), and Koya University Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (KUJHSS). KOU is a proactive member of Erasmus/ Marhaba Project and Erasmus+.

KOU signed many Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) with many International Universities, e.g., The University of Arkansas (June 2015). The Lulea University in Sweden (April 2014), The University of Nottingham in the UK, The University of Buckingham in the UK (Oct 2008), Belkin University in Turkey (Sep 2009) The University of Greenwich in the UK, Cihan University-Erbil (2021) and Tishk International University (2021).

Koya University is a memebr of The Association of Arab Universities and the International Association of Universities.

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