Historic Step: University of Duhok Launches Department of Syriac Language and Literature
The Niniveh Academic Chair at the University of Salamanca warmly congratulates the University of Duhok on the official establishment of the Department of Syriac Language and Literature.
This landmark decision, approved by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Higher Education in July 2025, represents a turning point for the preservation and revitalization of the Sureth (Syriac/Neo-Aramaic) language in its ancestral homeland.
The achievement follows the successful launch of the Sureth course in 2024, jointly organized by the University of Duhok and the University of Salamanca, under the academic leadership of Professor Dr. Ephrem Yildiz, Head of the Niniveh Chair. The course laid the groundwork for broader institutional commitment, culminating in the creation of a permanent department that will serve generations of students, teachers, and researchers.
The Niniveh Chair extends its gratitude to the leadership of the University of Duhok, particularly Rector Dr. Dawood Atrushi and Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lokman Hadi Hassan, for their vision and dedication. Special recognition is also due to Professor Dr. James Haido, whose outstanding efforts and collaboration were instrumental in making this initiative a reality.
By embedding Syriac studies into the academic structure of the University of Duhok, this department will not only safeguard a language deeply tied to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Mesopotamia but also strengthen ties between European and Middle Eastern institutions committed to cultural diversity, academic excellence, and historical justice.
Prof. Dr. Efrem Yildiz: “This is not only an academic milestone but also a cultural and historical achievement for our people. The establishment of this department ensures that the voice of the Syriac language will continue to resonate strongly in the land of its origins.”
The Niniveh Chair celebrates this milestone and looks forward to continued cooperation with the University of Duhok, building bridges of scholarship and cultural resilience.
