The University of Human Development (UHD) marked the 242nd founding anniversary of the city of Sulaymaniyah with a special event on campus on 15 November 2026.

Held at Professor Dr Ali Qaradaghi Hall, the event included a seminar by Nzar Ezzat Abdullah, an author and artist, titled ‘The History of Sulaymaniyah City: Political, Administrative, Economic, Social, and Cultural Life’, as well as poetry readings, folk music, and other cultural activities. Outside the hall, traditional Kurdish food was served, and tree planting took place, while large posters showcasing the history and beauty of the city added colour to the occasion.

Among the attendees at the event were the UHD President, Professor Dr Mariwan Ahmed Rasheed, members of the Presidential Council, and guests from outside the university. Students from across UHD’s academic departments attended the event, many of them wearing traditional Kurdish attire, to commemorate the founding of their city.

Sulaymaniyah holds the title of the Cultural Capital of Kurdistan. It possesses a rich Kurdish heritage and has always been a centre of the Kurdish intelligentsia, as well as political and cultural activities of great significance to the whole of Kurdistan. The city has played a key role in successive Kurdish revolutions throughout the history of Iraq and was the first to rise up against Iraq’s past dictatorial regimes.

UHD is located in Sulaymaniyah at the foot of the well-known Goizhe mountain range.